Norwich Family YMCA

From infant and 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.
Swim Lessons	Swim Team
Click here to see the YMCA Swim Lessons brochure for information on all fees and class times. 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. For more information contact the Aquatics Director. Swim Team Web Site 2009-2010 Swim Team Information Packet 2009-2010 Swim Team Swimmer Data Sheet
Family Swim	Lifeguarding
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.	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.
Open Adult Swim	Open Youth Swim
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 Fitness	Pool Rental
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 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.
	Water Arthritis
	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.