Aquatics

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Aquatics

Dive into fun and fitness! At the Ashland Family YMCA, we believe that water activities are not just a source of fun, but also a pathway to health, confidence, and lifelong skills. Our Aquatics Center offers a wide range of programs and facilities for all ages and skill levels.

The Meese Family Aquatic Center features a 45’ x 75’ pool with 3’ to 9’ depths and an attached 20’ x 20’ alcove that is 3’ feet deep. Our warm saline pool is set at a temperature ideal for children and seniors. The UV filtration system reduces chlorine and makes the pool and aquatic center cleaner and healthier. Hydraulic lift chairs are available. 

Children 14 years old and under must be under the direct supervision of someone 18 years old or older in the pool area. Non-swimming children must be accompanied by an adult member or wear a life jacket in the pool.

Youth Swim Lessons

In addition to water safety basics, our swim lessons focus on skill development, having fun, and gaining confidence in and around the water. If you are unsure of your child’s skill level, call the Aquatics Office to set up a free placement test.

Session & Registration Dates

Fall 2026 Swim Lessons

September 8-30: Registration begins August 1st
October 1-29: Registration Y-members September 18/Community September 21 (No Lessons Oct. 12)
November 2-30: Registration Y-members October 16/Community October 19 (No Lessons Nov. 25-28)
December 1-17: Registration Y-members November 13/Community November 16 (No Lessons Dec. 21-Jan. 2)

30-minute lessons, $58 Y-Members/$78 Community

Level Times:

– 3:30p Pre-K Level 1
– 4:00p Pre-K Level 2, 3 School Age Level 1, 2
– 4:30p Pre-K Level 2, 3 School Age Level 1, 2
– 5:00p School Age Level 3, 4
– 5:30p Swim Team, Teen Swim ($116 Y-members/$136 Community)

This class is designed to help swimmers become comfortable in the water, develop skills & confidence, and strengthen the bond between parent and child. Registration or Drop-In Required.

Water adjustment and safe pool behavior are the main emphasis at this beginning level. Blowing bubbles, kicking, and floating on the back are all introduced through games and a variety of fun activities. Max class size: 4 students.

This class builds on the basic swimming skills learned in the Pre-K Level 1 (Pike) class. Learning to float, kick, and swim on the front and back without any assistance are the main goals of the Pre-K Level 2 (Eel) class. Prerequisite: swim independently 5-10 feet. Max class size: 5 students.

At this level, children continue to practice swimming freestyle and are introduced to backstroke and breaststroke kick. Students are exposed to the deep water and begin learning to tread water and diving positions. Prerequisite: swim independently 3-5 yards. Max class size: 5 students.

Beginner level for swimmers who are not comfortable in the water. At this level, students will learn to kick, blow bubbles, float/swim on back, and fundamentals of freestyle. Prerequisite: none. Max class size: 6 students.

Beginner to intermediate level. Swimmers will continue to develop freestyle and backstroke. Introduction to treading water and dives with more exposure to the deep end. Prerequisite: swim freestyle 15 yards. Max class size: 6 students.

Intermediate level. Swimmers will improve on endurance and technique in freestyle and backstroke. They will be introduced to breaststroke kick, flip-turns, diving skills and side breathing. Prerequisite: swim freestyle 25 yards. Max class size: 8 students.

Intermediate to advanced level. A variety of drills designed to help build endurance and work on technique for all of the strokes. An introduction to butterfly kick and bilateral breathing. Prerequisite: swim freestyle with side breathing and backstroke 25 yards each. Knowledge of breaststroke kick. Max class size: 8 students.

Private Swim Lessons

Private lessons are a great opportunity for swimmers to benefit from one-on-one, two-on-one, or small-group instruction from our talented aquatics staff. Lessons can be scheduled with the aquatics director or with the instructors directly. Lessons are 30-minutes long.

Private Lessons: $30 Y-members/$50 Community

Semi-Private Lessons: $39 Y-members/$59 Community

Semi-Private Plus Lessons: $44 Y-members/$64 Community

Water Fitness Classes

Join our aqua fitness classes for a low-impact, high-energy workout in the water. Perfect for those looking to enhance cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility. Aqua fitness classes are suitable for all fitness levels and provide a refreshing change of pace from traditional land-based exercises. Each of the following offers a unique fitness experience, depending on your needs and goals:

A great physical conditioning workout for both men and women.

Beginner to advanced shallow water workout with time-efficient exercises for muscle toning & strengthening, balance, posture, coordination, flexibility & more! No swimming skills required.

A shallow water workout that challenges anyone with fun, time-efficient exercises for muscle toning & strengthening, balance, posture, coordination, agility, flexibility and more! No swimming skills required. Great for beginners as well as advanced.

Designed for all fitness levels, this class leverages the natural resistance and support of water to enhance your balance, improve alignment, and strengthen your core. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on your joints, making it an ideal workout for individuals looking for a low-impact, high-benefit exercise routine.

Shallow to deep water, moderately paced workout that integrates a variety of cardiovascular movements, strength training and flexibility exercises for agility, coordination, balance & fun.

End your day with the perfect blend of strength training, cardio & camaraderie: work out in shallow to deep water incorporating the use of barbells & noodles to tone and raise the heart rate. For moderate to active individuals; low to medium impact; can be modified for individual needs.

A water based exercise program for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other physical challenges and who desire a low impact workout that concentrates on building strength, flexibility, postural awareness and balance.

All skill levels move to dance music in shallow water.

Class focus on making mindfulness into real strength. Perfect for those with arthritis.

This class has limited space available, so come early as this is on a first come basis. Interests range from lap swimmers to fitness swimmers to triathletes and competitive swimmers. Stroke correction, workouts and drills are supervised.

From beginners to triathletes this adult class is designed to teach adults to swim or improve technique and become a better, more efficient and injury free swimmer. 17+

Specialty Events & Programs

Enjoy these seasonal offerings for adults and families:

For a unique and exciting way to celebrate your child’s birthday, look no further than YMCA Pool Birthday Parties! Dive into a world of fun, laughter, and aquatic adventure as you celebrate this special day with family and friends.

  • September 10: 2p-6p
  • October 10: 10a-2p
  • November 13: 8a-12p
  • December 5: 10a-2p

*Blended Learning means there will be a mandatory online learning portion prior to the in-person class*

At the YMCA, we believe that strong families build strong communities. That’s why we’re excited to invite you and your loved ones to our YMCA Family Night – It’s a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and dedicate quality time to strengthening the bonds that matter most.

Looking for a way to treat your kids to an exciting and memorable evening while you enjoy some well-deserved free time? Look no further than YMCA Kids Night Out! Our program offers an engaging and safe environment where kids can have a blast while parents take a break.

Are you passionate about water safety? Ready to take on the responsibility of protecting lives in aquatic environments? Lifeguard Training will help you

Become skilled and confident. Join our comprehensive program to gain the essential skills, knowledge, and certifications needed to ensure the safety of swimmers and create a secure environment in and around the water.

Obstacle course in the pool!

Join us for Wibit Fridays at the YMCA! The Wibit is an inflatable obstacle course in the pool, designed for kids to climb, jump, and have fun while staying active. It’s perfect for children looking to challenge their balance and coordination in a safe, supervised environment. Please note that children under the age of 8 and those who need a life jacket must have an adult in the water with them at all times.

Fridays from 4:30p-7:00p

  • August 7
  • August 21
  • September 25
  • October 30 – Floating Pumpkin Patch
  • November 20

FREE for Y-members/ $13 Individual Community Member (Non-Y-members)/ $20 Community Family

Find Out More

Reach out to find out what the latest happenings are at the Ashland Family YMCA