Aquatics

Aquatics for All Ages

The YMCA’s Aquatics program has something for all ages, from water walking for fitness to the SPLASH drowning prevention program for young children or swimming lanes for regular lap swimming.  Whatever your interest, you can find a program that fits your needs and schedule. For more information about the aquatics program or if you are interested in becoming a lifeguard or learning more about the Aquatics Program, contact Faith Boyette, Aquatics Director, at 828-737-5500.

LAP LANE RESERVATIONS

Reserve a 50 minute time slot for a lap lane

There is a $2 reservation fee for NON-MEMBERS in addition to the $10/$5 guest fee to access the YMCA for the day.

Click the button to log into your YMCA Membership Account and follow these steps to schedule your lane today!

Step 1: Log onto your Daxko Member profile*

Step 2: Beside Visits, click NEW

Step 3: Select the Avery County Branch, and click SCHEDULE A VISIT

Step 4: Choose Lap Lane(s), and click NEXT

Step 5: Pick the desired day and time. Note: There is a 3-visit schedule limit 

     *Issues getting logged in? Call the YMCA Membership Services desk for help – 828-737-5500.

Swim Lessons

PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS:

Private swim lessons are a great way to learn the basics of swimming or improve your skills in a one-on-one setting!
Register for private swim lessons by visiting our membership desk or by contacting our Aquatics Director, Faith Boyette. Morning availability is limited; please email [email protected] for more information. All lessons will be scheduled consecutively as 1 lesson/week for 4 weeks.
WHEN:  Monday – Friday
TIME:  2:00-5:30 pm in 30-minute sessions.
AGES: 2 years and older
MEMBERS: $90 per 4- 30 minute lessons
NON-YMCA MEMBERS: $120 per 4- 30 minute lessons

REGISTER FOR PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS

To register for Private Swim Lessons, please contact Aquatics Director Faith Boyette at [email protected] or by calling 828-737-5500.

GROUP LESSONS: (For 5 or More Swimmers)

Group lessons provide a great space for swimmers to learn from each other, led by a team of certified Swim Instructors. Group Lessons will be held every Saturday in 45-minute sessions per month. Visit our Membership desk or contact our Aquatics Director, Faith Boyette, to determine your swim level and register for Group Lessons.

WHEN: Every Saturday of the month

TIME: 9:45am-10:30am and 10:30am-11:15am

AGES: 3 years and older

MEMBERS: $25/month

NON-YMCA MEMBERS: $55/month

REGISTER FOR GROUP SWIM LESSONS ONLINE

To schedule Group Swim lessons, please log in to your Membership Profile. Follow these steps to easily book your appointment today!

Step 1: Log onto your Daxko Member or Non-Member profile

Step 2: Under the  Registration tab, click New.

Step 3: Select the Group Swim Lessons from the list.

Step 4: Choose Beginner or Intermediate from the options.

Step 5: You will then have the option to choose to pay for multiple lessons at a time OR choose to pay for one month at a time.

SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS:

4-30min lessons per package,  Semi-Private swim lessons are for friends and families with swimmers similar in age or skill level and a great way to learn the basics of swimming or improve your skills. Visit our Membership desk or contact our Aquatics Director, Faith Boyette, for more information.

WHEN: Monday – Friday

TIME: 2:00pm-5:30pm, in 30 minute sessions

AGES: 2 years and older

MEMBERS: $60/swimmer

NON-YMCA MEMBERS: $90/swimmer

REGISTER FOR SEMI-PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS

To register for Semi-Private Swim Lessons, please contact Aquatics Director Faith Boyette at [email protected] or by calling 828-737-5500.

PARENT AND ME SWIM CLASS: (8 weeks – 3 years)

This program is only for children aged 8 weeks to 3 years old. At least one parent must be in the water with their child for the duration of the Swim Lesson. Parent and Me lessons teach the basic foundations of swimming and basic self-secure skills for the child. Take this opportunity to introduce your child to swimming and build their comfort and confidence in and around water.

WHEN: Saturdays

TIME: 9:00am-9:45am

MEMBERS: $25 per swimmer per month of 45-minute lessons

NON-YMCA MEMBERS: $55 per swimmer per month of 45-minute lessons

INSTRUCTOR: Lucy Corning

For more information, please email: [email protected]

REGISTER FOR PARENT AND ME LESSONS ONLINE

To schedule Parent and Me Swim lessons, please log in to your Membership Profile. Follow these steps to easily book your appointment today!

Step 1: Log onto your Daxko Member or Non-Member profile

Step 2: Under the  Registration tab, click New.

Step 3: Select the Parent and Me Lessons from the list.

Step 4: Choose Parent and Me from the options.

Step 5: You will then have the option to pay for multiple lessons at a time OR choose to pay for one month at a time.

Age for lessons:
  • For Private Lessons, anyone 2 years and older are welcome to register.
  • For Group Lessons, anyone 3 years and older are welcome to register.

Contact Us About Swim Lessons

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SAFETY AROUND WATER (SAW)

Safety Around Water (SAW)

At the YMCA, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to stay safe around water! Coming in 2025 the SAW program will be offered to youth and adults who want to learn how to be safe around water and improve their basic swimming skills. Participants will be placed into groups based on their skill level so no matter if you never learned how to swim or you need a refresher this community program is for you! To be added to the interest list please email your name, contact information, and the swimmer’s information (if different) to the Aquatics Program Coordinator, Faith Boyette.

Coming Soon!

Swim Club

SWIM CLUB

Swim Club is a place where kids ages 5 & up years old can have a safe environment to advance their swimming capabilities. We want everyone to have the opportunity to achieve their potential at their own pace. This club is designed for swimmers that are comfortable in the water, can swim on their own, and work on improving stroke technique, building and fine-tuning their competitive swim abilities.

REGISTRATION: Monthly Registration Spring, Fall, and Winter 2025

AGES: 5 years and older

MEMBERS: $25/month/child

NON-YMCA MEMBERS: $55/month/child

TIME: 4:00 pm-5:00 pm Tuesdays

INSTRUCTOR: Faith Boyette, Aquatics Director, and Lucy Corning

To register, please email: [email protected]

REGISTER FOR SWIM CLUB ONLINE

Click the button below to log into your YMCA Membership Account and follow these steps to register today!

Step 1: Log onto your Daxko Member or Non-Member profile

Step 2: Under the  Registration tab, click New.

Step 3: Select the Swim Club from the list.

Step 4: Click 2025 and the Register button.

Step 5: You will then be given the option to choose and pay for multiple Swim Club registrations at a time OR choose to pay for one month at a time.

Swim Team

SWIM TEAM

The Swim Team offers an opportunity for young swimmers to compete in a structured, fun environment. The program will consist of three 3-month seasons, with mini-meets held each season. Students in K-1st, 2nd-3rd, and 4th-5th are welcome to register. We will be able to open it to Middle schoolers if there is enough interest.

Swim Team Practice Days:

  • Practice days and times will vary by age group and the number of swimmers.

SESSION DATES:

  • February – April
  • June – August
  • October – January

MEMBERS: $100

NON-YMCA MEMBERS: $125

The Registration Cost covers the entire Swim Team Season and the cost of a YMCA Swim Cap.

For more information, please contact Faith Boyette, [email protected].

SPLASH

SPLASH for Kindergarten

A large percentage of children drown within 6-10 feet of safety. Most of these drownings happen because of a lack of basic water safety knowledge and skills. If children possess even the most basic swimming skills, their risks of drowning decrease substantially. Learning the basic skills in our SPLASH program creates a sense of accomplishment in children and helps prevent drowning.

Months: March 11th-May 18th

Times: 12:45pm-2:30pm

Cost: Offered at no cost

Instructor: Faith Boyette

Contact: Faith Boyette for more information

SPLASH for 2nd Grade

A large percentage of children drown within 6-10 feet of safety. Most of these drownings happen because of a lack of basic water safety knowledge and skills. If children possess even the most basic swimming skills, their risks of drowning decrease substantially. Learning the basic skills in our SPLASH program creates a sense of accomplishment in children and helps prevent drowning.

Months: September – November

Times: Varies based on School

Instructors: Faith Boyette

Contact: Faith Boyette for more information

Pool Parties

POOL PARTY INFORMATION 

We would love to have you party with us no matter the celebration. Host up to 25 guests for two hours under the watchful eye of our trained lifeguards. Available party times are Fridays 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm or Saturdays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm & 1:30-3:30 pm.

Reservations are required.

INCLUDED:

  • 2 hours of non-private pool time
  • Use of slides, water features, and toys
  • Tables/chairs located on the pool deck
  • Cleaning supplies for after party clean-up

SCHEDULE YOUR POOL PARTY

Click the button to log into your YMCA Membership Account and follow these steps to schedule your reservation today!

Step 1: Log onto your Daxko Member profile*

Step 2: Beside Activities, click Register for a Program.

Step 3: Select the Pool Party from the categories list.

Step 4: Click Pool Party, then the blue Register button.

Step 5: Select the adult who will be responsible for the party reservation.

Step 6: Select the date and time of the Party.

Step 7: To Confirm your reservation, click ‘Proceed to Checkout.’

Step 8: Complete the form with your information and click Next.

Step 9: Read the Agreement/Waivers and click Accept & Sign.

Step 10: Click Checkout and complete your payment online.

Certifications and Trainings

CPR/ AED/ First-Aid Certification & Recertification

Someone who is  CPR-certified can help prevent the loss of life in an emergency.  Skills included in the certification include: supply oxygen to a cardiac arrest victim, utilize an AED, provide basic first-aid for cuts, bruises, heat stroke, hypothermia and more. CPR/ AED/ First-aid training and certifications are offered through the American Red Cross. Before attending the in-person certification all online course materials and training must be completed.

2025 Certification Dates: 

TBD

CPR, AED, and First-Aid Training for local businesses and organizations is available upon request. Please contact Nathan McDavid for more information.

Instructors: Nathan McDavid

Cost: $70 per person

Contact:Nathan McDavid to register or for more information

Lifeguard Certification and Recertification

Have you ever wanted to be a Lifeguard? The YMCA offers in-house Lifeguard certifications and recertification with a nationally certified/licensed instructor: Faith Boyette.

Benefits of becoming a Lifeguard: 

    • Improve Your Resume
    • Keep fit and active
    • Enhance your communication skills
    • Boost your self-confidence
    • Develop sought-after and life-saving skills

All online training must be complete before attending the in-person certification course. Access to the online training will be provided upon registration with Faith Boyette.


Cost: $200 for YMCA Members and General Public*

*If employed by the YMCA of Avery County upon completion of 6 months of employment as a Lifeguard the fee for training will be reimbursed in full. 

Instructors: TBD

Contact: Faith Boyette to register or for more information