From
infant & parent swim lessons to the
competitive Dolphins Swim Team, from group
water fitness classes to adult lap swim, the
Norwich Family YMCA Aquatics program
offers something for everyone. Designed to
meet the needs of a wide spectrum of swimming
enthusiasts, the Y Aquatics program
provides outlets for both fitness and fun.
Children enjoy open swim times after school
with their friends and adults benefit from
individual exercise at their own pace in the
pool. Each member is encouraged to try out
new aspects of the aquatics program to receive
maximum benefit from their membership.
The Norwich Family YMCA features a
modern six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool which
is home for the Dolphins Swim Team meets
during the winter months. In addition, the
relaxing whirlpool, located on the pool deck,
is available to members 18 years of age and
older.
Lifeguard Class
The Norwich Family YMCA is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard certification class for any person 15 years of age or older beginning May 31, 2008. Click here for additional information.
For years, the YMCA has helped countless children and
adults learn to swim. Field-tested across the nation by
aquatics experts, Y Swim Lessons stress a developmental
approach based on current research in child development,
motor learning and motor control. Swim lessons are more
child centered as opposed to group centered, and focus
on the part-whole stroke method of teaching.
The certified YMCA instructor guides your child
through a process of individual exploration. Children build
confidence and self-esteem in this caring environment.
This swim program teaches more than swimming lessons– it
develops character values (caring, honesty, respect and responsibility)
at every level. YMCA Swim Lessons
address community issues of safety in and around water,
lifesaving, survival and safe boating skills. In addition,
YMCA swim lessons help develop leadership skills
and encourage volunteerism.
SKIPPERS is an introductory swim program for children ages 6 months through 4 years of age. SKIPPERS introduces children to the water, and equally important, it introduces parents to the water as care givers. SKIPS (ages 6 months to 3 years) is for parents and child. It focuses on children having fun and being comfortable in the water. PERS (ages 3 and 4 years) is an introductory level class for children to be in the water without a parents. PERS focuses on water exploration and safety.
Progressive Swim Lessons are designed for individuals
above five years of age. This swim lesson program builds
upon skills learned at various stages of the program and
may be modified for use with adults or people with
disabilities (Polliwog, Guppy, Minnow, Fish, Flying
Fish and Shark).
Private Swim Lessons are available
on a first come, first-serve basis depending on availability of
instructors. Open to adults and children, these lessons are
held during a specified private swim time which should be
arranged through the Aquatics Director.
YMCA Dolphins
Swim Team starts the first week of October and ends mid to late
March, or the first week in April if the swimmer
qualifies for Nationals. We have certified, motivated and
highly skilled coaches. The
Norwich YMCA Swim Team is for 5- through 18-year-old
swimmers. Everyone participates and develops a sense of
achievement. Swimmers learn competitive strokes as well
as values, such as good sportsmanship. The Y Dolphins
compete in local, regional, state and national competitions.
If you want to “swim fast” and make friends that
last a lifetime, then give the Y Dolphins a chance! Juniors,
up to age ten, practice three times per week. Seniors, ages
11-18 years old, practice five times per week. In order to participate
on Swim Team all swimmers must posses a current
YMCA membership. Swim Team dues are as follows
(in addition to your membership fee): Juniors – $160.00
and Seniors – $180.00. Unpaid team fees will prohibit
participation in practices and/or meets. There may be
additional fees for regional, state and national meets. For
more information contact the Aquatics Director.
Family swim offers the opportunity for families to swim
together. A parent or adult (18 years or older) must accompany
children. Any child that cannot swim of their own power and needs
assistance from a life jacket or bubbles must have an adult in
the water with them. Parents of children who can swim on their
own may
remain on the pool deck if desired. Pick up a session
schedule or call 336-YMCA for times. Free to all
YMCA members; one day fee for non-members.
Unwind in the pool with a relaxing swim, or put yourself
through the paces of a challenging water workout. Three
lanes are available at all times (excluding Swim Team time and progressive swim lessons)
to swim laps or water walk (18 years or older only).
The pool is available at various times for youth members
(grade school age) to “free swim” in a safety-conscious
environment. Additional youth open swim times are
available during school vacations. Please check the pool
schedule during each session or inquire at the Front Desk
for specific times.
Water is a safe, ideal environment for
relieving arthritis pain and stiffness.
That’s why the Arthritis Foundation
offers its Aquatic Program, designed to
safely keep your joints moving and
improve your sense of well-being. The
Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program
is a water exercise program designed
for people with arthritis and related
conditions. Water exercise is especially
good for people with arthritis, because it
allows you to exercise without putting
excess strain on your joints and
muscles. This program gives you the
opportunity to do gentle activities in
warm water, with guidance from a
trained instructor. Although it is a
nonclinical program (one that will not
replace a prescribed regimen of therapeutic
exercise), past participants have
enjoyed some physical benefits such as
decreased pain and stiffness. Click here to see the YMCA Water Arthritis
brochure for more information and times.
Join the wave of the future! Water fitness is ideal for all –
elite athletes, elderly persons, rehabilitative patients,
pregnant women and overweight persons. Everyone can
benefit! Experts say that exercising in the water decreases
muscle soreness and water fitness provides great results.
The YMCA is currently offering the following classes at
various times throughout the day – water fitness, senior
water fitness, water walk/run, water arthritis management, and deep water workout.
Join the fun! Please register in advance for these
classes. Click here to see the YMCA Water Fitness
brochure for more information and times.
The Norwich Family YMCA networks with the American
Red Cross to offer the American Red Cross Lifeguard
course which includes CPR, First Aid and Water Front
training. Candidates must be at least 15 years old for
lifeguarding. The American Red Cross Water Safety
Instructor course (W.S.I.) is open to swimmers age
17 or older. Please contact the Aquatics Director
for further information.
The YMCA Pool and Community Room areas are
open for groups who would like to use our facilities
for birthday parties, beach parties, family groups, etc.
Contact the Front Desk at 336-9622 or click here for additional
information.
