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Our aquatic programs are about more than just techniques and skills; they are about building friendships, developing self-esteem and creating positive experiences that will last a lifetime. We offer swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes and other programs for toe dippers, deep divers and everyone in between at YMCA Health and Wellness Centre pools in Edmonton.

Twin girls swim in a shallow pool with a lifeguard kneeling beside them in the pool.

Registered Swim Lessons

Nothing builds confidence like learning to swim. It’s an essential life skill that can provide a lifetime of fun in and around water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer, you can gain the skills and strength you need to stay safe and enjoy making a splash in our swim lessons.

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A young boy jumps into a pool infront of his father.

Drop-in Swim Lessons

Drop-in swim lessons for adults and youth are here! We offer swim lessons for all abilities, so whether you are working on becoming comfortable in the water, building on your current skills, or looking to improve your strokes, you are welcome to attend! Instructors will design the swim lessons based on participant attendance. 

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A group of swim instructors pile onto eachother while in a shallow pool.

YMCA-Keyano Swim Club

Take your swim skill to the next level with the YMCA-Keyano Swim Club! This club experience will focus on developing the 4 competitive strokes as well as introducing competitive skills such as starts and turns. Swimmers in the program will have the opportunity to compete once a month in our in-house Bear Cubs series.

YMCA-Keyano curriculum integrates a sticker chart incentive program so skill and technical development is continuously recognized. These sessions are always loads of fun and a great opportunity for kids to meet new friends!

  • To register for Bronze Swim Club, participants must be able to swim 25 meters continuously without assistance.
  • For Silver Swim Club, participants must be able to swim 25 meters of each competitive stroke (front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke & butterfly).

There are two training options for this swim club:

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A young girl wearing an aquatic hijab swims while a lifeguard kneels behind her.

Private Swim Lessons

Book a 30-minute private swimming lesson with a YMCA swim instructor today! The lesson is crafted specifically to your needs and ability level so you can achieve your swimming goals.

Programming may include increasing comfort in the water, learn to swim, stroke improvement, and more. For children that have not yet passed Otter, it is strongly encouraged that a caregiver over the age of 16 accompanies them in the water.

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Lifeguard & Swim Instructor Certifications

Since 1931, the YMCA has been a leader in aquatics in Canada. That year, the YMCA developed the first nationally recognized aquatics program and has continued to train aquatic leaders ever since. Here are some certifications that we offer:

  • Bronze Medallion
  • Bronze Cross
  • YMCA Swim Instructor Course
  • National Lifeguard
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Progress Reports

Now that you've made a splash in lessons, you can find your swim lesson progress reports on Swimgen at the end of each session!

Open Swimgen

 

Castle Downs Family YMCA members can view their swim lesson report cards directly on their member portal! Learn how to view your swim report card.

View Swim Report Card Online

Drop-in Swim

Bring the family and enjoy our pools during select swim times for YMCA members and the general public! Member swim is included in membership and open to all YMCA members.

View pool schedules
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