Safe Around Water

Thank you for choosing the Ashtabula YMCA for your child’s swim lessons. 

Through our swimming program, participants learn water safety and swimming skills.  While participating in fun water games, children increase their endurance and connect to others in class.  Children feel a sense of achievement while mastering swimming skills that they can enjoy for a lifetime.

Income based financial assistance is available for all Y programs and membership including swimming lessons.  See the welcome center for more information.

If you have specific questions, special circumstance to discuss, or if you would like to volunteer in the aquatics department, please contact Giana Varchetto, Aquatics and Safety Director at (440) 997-5321 or gvarchetto@ashtabulaymca.org. A copy of the following information is available at the YMCA Welcome Center.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT STAGE MY CHILD SHOULD ENROLL IN?

Most beginner students should start in combined Stage 1 & 2.  Five year-olds who are in Kindergarten should register for the school age program.  Please review the class descriptions and enroll your child in the stage that is suitable.  Are you unsure of your child’s swimming skills?  Contact the Aquatics Director for a free evaluation.

WHEN CAN I REGISTER?

Registration for members is ongoing and members can register for future sessions. Program participants can register after the 15th of each month for the next month’s session.

HOW WILL MY CHILD KNOW WHEN TO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

When your child has mastered the skills of their stage, the instructor will notify you verbally or issue a certificate of achievement.  Certificates of achievements are given on the last day of class—usually lesson four.  We expect each child to learn and progress at his or her own rate.  Therefore, don’t be discouraged if your child doesn’t complete all of the skills within their stage during any one session.  Your child needs to know that it is acceptable to take as much time as necessary to master the skills. 

DO WE NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT?

Children who are not reliably potty trained must wear a swim diaper.  Please tie long hair back away from the face during lessons.  No other special equipment is required.  However, we do have a few recommendations.  If using goggles, purchase swim goggles and not a snorkeling/scuba mask.  Bring a towel or robe as locker rooms can feel cool after a long swim.  Showers are available in the Boys and Girls locker-rooms.  Flip-flops and showering supplies may be helpful. 

Caps, goggles, swim shampoo, master locks, and swim diapers are available for purchase at the welcome center.

LOCKER ROOMS

Youth must use the appropriate Girls/Boys Locker Room. Adults are not permitted in the Youth Locker Rooms unless they are assisting a same gendered child.  Adults assisting opposite gendered children may use the Family Changing Room/ Restroom across from the Welcome Center, or the Family Changing Room beyond the Women’s Locker Room. Children of any age are not permitted in the adult locker rooms. 

HOW I DO CHECK MY CHILD IN WITH THE INSTRUCTOR?

Please escort children under the age of seven to the pool deck and wait with them until the instructor takes attendance.  Older children can wait by the locker-room side wall for the instructor to begin class.

WHERE DO I WAIT WHILE MY CHILD IS IN LESSONS?

Parents on the pool deck can be a distraction to students, instructors, and staff.  We ask parents to go to the observation area after the instructor has taken attendance.  For the safety of your student, refrain from entering the pool area until the end of the lesson.  Contact the Aquatics Director if your child has been diagnosed with a special need that requires accommodations.  

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD NEEDS TO USE THE RESTROOM DURING LESSONS?

Our pool water is cooler than your child’s body temperature.  This often triggers the need to use the restroom—even if they have just gone.  Does your child need help with toileting?  If so please remain in the observation area during the lesson.  We will wave for your attention when your child asks for the restroom.

AFTER CLASS…

Adults accompanying children under age seven are required to meet the child on the pool deck at the end of class and escort them out of the pool area.

MAKE-UP SWIM LESSONS

The Aquatics Director schedules make-up lessons based on availability.  At times our lessons are at capacity and make-up lessons are delayed or not possible.