Swim, Sports & Play

The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. And the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Whether it’s gaining the confidence that comes from learning to swim or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in sports at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out.

Swim, Sports & Play

Youth Swim Lessons

Date: Winter I: January 2 - February 18
          Winter II: February 26 - April 14
Days:    Monday – Saturday
Times:   Times vary and multiple classes are offered.  Please check with the Pineland branch for a complete list of days and times.
Ages:     6 months – 14 years
Fees:     Free with Family Membership; Youth Members: $57; Non-members: $125 
Pre-Registration Required.  Registration for Winter I classes opens Monday, December 12 at 1 am.
Registration Category: Swim Lessons-Youth
Register on-line Now!

At the Cumberland County YMCA our goal is to reach out to all members of our community to provide lessons to as many people as possible.  With large and small pool options, we provide a safe, comfortable place for children to experience the water, from the first time out of the tub through eight progressive levels. Our well trained instructors teach personal safety tips, swim strokes, and enrich lessons with character-building activities and values.  We offer lessons in both the large and small pools at the Casco Bay and Greater Portland branches, and the warm water instruction pool at the Pineland Branch specializes in beginner to intermediate swims (through the Guppy level). Please review level requirements prior to registering.  Swim lessons are subject to change based on enrollment levels. 

Preschool and Youth Swim Level Requirements:

Infants - 5 Year Olds

Shrimp/Kipper:  (Formerly Parent/Tot) Ages 6 months to 2 years with Parent. This class is an introductory class for those children just starting out, with parents in the pool with them. It introduces children to the water through songs and games.

Inia/Perch: (Formerly Super Tot) Ages 2 yrs to 5 yrs with Parent. This class is an introductory class for those children who are just starting out and need a parent in the water with them. This class helps get children comfortable and more independent in the water. Buoyancy belts are used along with skills and songs.

Pike: Ages 3 ½ to 5. This is a non-swimmer or a child who does not like to get their face wet. Buoyancy belts are used.

Eel: Ages 3 ½ to 5. This child must be able to get their face wet and paddle halfway across the pool. We are working off flotation devices and the child should show confidence with out the belt for a short period of time.

Ages 4 - 6

Rays: Ages 4 to 6, For children who are swimming without buoyancy belts. They can put their whole face under and are ready to learn more skills; like diving, front crawl arms, back crawl, Tickle-T-Slap, etc.

Starfish: Ages 4 to 6. For children who can swim 25yds on their front and back.  They will start learning the breathing with the front crawl, the whip kick for the Elementary backstroke along with Tickle-T-Slap. In addition, they will also be able to tread water, do the survival float, etc.

Ages 7 and Up

Polliwogs: Ages 7 and up. For the older child who has never had lessons, may be hesitant to get their face wet, or who is still doggy paddling. Focus on water adjustment, beginner’s strokes, floating, etc.

Guppy: Ages 7 and up. This child has gone through Pike-Starfish and/or Polliwogs. They are ready to go into the deeper water and work on the front crawl, backstroke, elementary backstroke, breast stroke, and endurance at a much higher level. Basic sidestroke will be introduced.

Minnow: Ages 7 and up. This child is ready to start doing laps and really working on perfecting their strokes with the front crawl, backstroke, elementary backstroke, breast stroke, and sidestroke. All of these will go for a longer distance than the previous class. They will also learn safety skills like jumping in the water with a life jacket on, the H.E.L.P. position, and the Huddle position.

Fish: Ages 8 and up. This child will start learning sculling, feet first surface dives, and open turns on front and back. They will be able to tread water and float more. Demonstrate how to treat leg cramps and learn basic first aid for cuts. The butterfly stroke will be introduced.

Flying Fish: Ages 8 and up. This child is starting to work on numerous yards for all the strokes; front crawl, backstroke, elementary backstroke, breast stroke, and sidestroke. Flip turns, open speed turns with glides, pullouts for breaststroke turns, along with the approach stroke and more on the butterfly. Students will learn Pike and Tuck surface dives along with safety skills like the throwing rescue.

Sharks: Ages 8 and up. This class is for those students who have successfully passed Flying Fish and are ready to increase their skill level by learning about swimming in open water, learn how to take your pulse and swim within that range. Work on crawl strokes with flip turns, breaststrokes w/pull out, trudgen crawl, swim an IM 200 yards, and learn how to use pace clocks. You will also learn more about lifeguarding skills and about ice safety and ice rescue.

**Please note that the age ranges provided are a helpful guideline. We recommend reviewing the level requirements when choosing a class for your child.

Kids Sports Mix

Registration Category: Youth Sports Program
Date:   Winter I (January 2 - February 18)
            Winter II (February 26 - April 14)
Schedule: Monday 4:30 - 5:00 pm (2 - 4 years)
                 Wednesday 4:30 - 5:00 pm (4 - 6 years)
Ages:   2 - 6 years
Fee:     Family Members: $17; Members: $49; Non-Members: $99
Pre-Registration Required

Through fun activity, this program helps develop motor skills, balance, and coordination.  It also provides an opportunity for socialization.  Sports may include soccer, t-ball, football, and lots of fun games.

Kids Tumbling

Registration Category:  Youth Exercise
Date:  Winter I (January 2 - February 18)
           Winter II (February 26 - April 14)
Schedule:  Tuesday:  4:00 – 4:45 pm
Ages: 3-5 years
Fee: Family Members: $17; Members: $49; Non-Members: $99
Pre-Registration Required

This class is designed to help teach coordination, physical awareness, and creative motor skills! Kid's Tumbling is an energetic and fun class for the little ones. Exciting equipment and games will used to engage our young students in introductory gymnastic movements and inventive problem solving exercises. Adults with 2 year old tumblers are required to stay and enjoy class with their enthusiastic students.

Zumbatomictm

Registration Category: Youth Exercise
Date:   Winter I (January 2 - February 18)
            Winter II (February 26 - April 14)
Schedule:  Monday, Thursday 4:30 – 5:15 pm (4 - 7 years)
Fee:  Family Members: $17; Members: $49; Non-members: $99
Pre-Registration Required
Membership Required

Join our certified Zumbatomictm instructors in a class that encourages kids to exercise through learning Latin dance.  It's a great way to show kids, and parents, that exercise can be fun while learning healthy habits.