Are you thinking about enrolling in swimming lessons? If so, you have come to the right place. The Y introduced the country to the concept of group swim lessons more than 100 years ago, (1909), and each year, the Y teaches more than a million people invaluable water safety and swimming skills. Expand the menu options below to learn more about the lessons offered at our YMCA facilities and to find a class to register for.
Parent & Child Lessons: 6 Months to 3 Years
Parent & Child swim lessons introduce infants and toddlers to the water in a fun, supportive environment alongside a parent or caregiver. Designed for children ages 6 months to 3 years, these classes focus on water comfort, basic swim readiness skills, and essential aquatic safety. With hands-on guidance from instructors, families practice entering and exiting the water, floating, blowing bubbles, submerging, and simple arm and leg movements, while parents learn important water safety, life jacket use, and supervision skills. Swim diapers are required for all children.
Preschool Swim Lessons are designed for children ages 3–5 to build confidence and independence in the water through age-appropriate instruction with their peers. These classes emphasize water safety, survival skills, and foundational swimming techniques, starting with beginner skills and progressing toward independent swimming. Children learn safe water entry and exit, breath control, floating, gliding, arm and leg movements, treading water, and basic strokes, while reinforcing important safety concepts such as recognizing emergencies, lifeguards, and sun and life jacket safety. Classes are structured to support regular success and prepare swimmers for the next level as skills develop.
Learn to Swim | School Age lessons are designed for swimmers ages 6–13 and follow a structured, six-level progression that builds water safety, survival, and swimming skills in a positive, supportive environment. Starting with basic water comfort and safety, participants progress through floating, gliding, breath control, treading water, and coordinated arm and leg movements, while gradually developing independence and confidence. As swimmers advance, they learn proper stroke technique, rotary breathing, and endurance in deeper water, preparing them for strong, safe, lifelong swimming skills.
Designed to help participants 16 years and older gain basic aquatic skills and swimming strokes to improve proficiency. Individuals choosing Beginner Swim Lessons may have a fear of the water, have very little to no swimming skills, and are ready to take the first step toward learning to swim. You will work toward your own personal goals while working on water adjustment, gaining confidence, floating, basic swimming skills, and basic personal safety skills.
Mini Swim Lesson Sessions are short, focused programs that meet three times per week for one week, making them a great option for building skills quickly or fitting lessons into a busy schedule. We offer both Preschool Mini Sessions for ages 3–5 and Learn to Swim Mini Sessions for ages 6–13, with instruction tailored to each age group’s abilities and goals—from water comfort and basic safety skills to stroke development and endurance. Explore the upcoming mini sessions below to find the right fit for your swimmer and register today.
The Chippewa Falls YMCA offers convenient swim lesson opportunities for children enrolled in both our Early Learning Community and School-Age Child Care programs. A major benefit for families is that children attend swim lessons during their regular time in YMCA care—teachers and instructors safely escort them to and from the pool. These lessons provide a fun, supportive way for children to build water safety and swimming skills without any extra transportation for families.
LOCATION: Eau Claire South YMCA & Eau Claire Downtown YMCA
COST: Members $30 | Non-Members $40
REGISTRATION: Members: Dec 14 at 7 AM | Non Members: Dec 21 at 7 AM
Preschool | Ages 3 – 5 years.
Preschool Levels 1 – 3.
3-week session, 1 lesson per week, 40-minute class. The academy is designed to further develop basic aquatic skills, floating, and stroke development for swim-readiness or level advancement. Swimmers will be organized into 2-3 groups based on skill.
3-week session, 1 lesson per week, 40-minute class. The academy is designed to further develop basic aquatic skills, floating, and stroke development for swim-readiness or level advancement. Swimmers will be organized into 2-3 groups based on skill.
Private lessons are 1:1 ratio with an experienced Swim Instructor within a 30-minute lesson. Semi-Private lessons are 3:1 ratio with an experienced Swim Instructor for 30 minutes. Lessons are available for all levels, ages 3 to adult, and are arranged to fit your schedule based on pool availability. Participants work on swimming skills appropriate for their ability and in accordance with their individual goals.
PRICING:
Private lessons
Members: 5 lessons: $165 | 10 lessons: $270
Non-Members: 5 lessons: $205 | 10 lessons: $365
Semi-private lessons
Members: 5 lessons: $200 | 10 lessons: $370
Non-Members: 5 lessons: $280 | 10 lessons: $500
**Only purchase lessons once you have an instructor assigned to your lesson.**
We look forward to working with you to meet your swimming goals. Please read the following information regarding lessons at our facility.
For your specific lesson day and time, please refer back to your confirmation receipt email that was sent to you immediately after registering for lessons.
Reminder of our policy/procedures to help ensure our child safety initiatives.
Anyone aged 11 or younger must enter and be accompanied with an adult until you get to your class.
12 and over can enter the building on their own.
Everyone must check in at the front desk.
If you are a Y member, simply scan your card and head to the Party Room.
If you are a non- member, please check in at the front desk each time before heading to class.
Please check in at the Entrance D located at the north end of the building by the Masonic Temple.
Your swimmer will need to have their photo taken for their YMCA account before the first day of swim lessons for security purposes and in the case of a substitute swim instructor. Please stop by the Member Service Desk to have their photo taken today.
Parents are allowed on deck the first and last day of classes only. You may observe the lesson from the Lobby Area above the pool area. An adult is required in the water for Parent/Child classes.
The lessons are 40-minutes in length. Swim Instructors use a variety of instructional aides to assist participants in the learning process.
We have a Universal Locker Room available for families. Showers are community, please shower with your swimsuit on. Please be timely when using changing rooms to allow others to use them.
Lock your items in lockers. Do not leave your items in the changing rooms.
If you have questions please contact me, I am happy to assist you.
Thank you for enrolling in Group Swim Lessons at YMCA of the Chippewa Valley – Eau Claire South Branch. We look forward to working with you to meet your swimming goals. Please read the following information regarding lessons at our facility.
For your specific lesson day and time, please refer back to your confirmation receipt email that was sent to you immediately after registering for lessons.
Please check in at the Main Entrance member service desk.
Your swimmer will need to have their photo taken for their YMCA account before the first day of swim lessons for security purposes and in the case of a substitute swim instructor. Please stop by the Member Service Desk to have their photo taken today.
Parents are allowed on deck for the first and last day of classes only. You may observe lessons from the large TV around the back of the front desk. An adult is required in the water for Parent/Child classes.
The lessons are 40-minutes in length. Swim Instructors use a variety of instructional aides to assist participants in the learning process.
We have a very small family changing room on the pool deck which will become very busy between lessons. Please plan to arrive with swimmers in their swimsuits. If possible, use the gender appropriate locker room showers and changing areas with a parent/guardian, or stay in swimsuits for your travel home.
Lock your items in lockers. Do not leave your items unattended at any time.
If you have questions please contact me, I am happy to assist you.
Thank you for registering your child in our lessons. We look forward to working with them to meet their swimming goals.
To see your child's specific lessons day and time, please refer back to the confirmation receipt you were emailed upon registering. If you are unable to locate that email, or have further questions, please contact our service desk at 715-723-2201.
Please observe swim lessons from the viewing area, not on deck. Tables and chairs are available in the viewing area.
To always receive the most up-to-date information about the YMCA, please download the YMCA360 App, check our Facebook page, or check our website.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact me: I am happy to assist you. See you in the pool!
Sincerely,Michelle Stolt
Program Director - Aquatics & Evidence Based Health Initiatives
Your swimmer will need to have their photo taken for their YMCA account before the first day of swim lessons for security purposes and in the case of a substitute swim instructor. Please stop by the Member Service Desk to have their photo taken today.
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