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. Morning availability is limited; please email Swimlessons@ymcaavery.org for more information. Fridays will be reserved for make-up lessons. 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.
Members: $80 per 4- 30 minute lessons
Non-members: $110 per 4- 30 minute lessons
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 1-hour sessions per month. Visit our Membership desk to determine your swim level and register for Group Lessons.
Group Swim Lessons Paused for June – July
PARENT AND ME SWIM CLASS: (For 6m – 3 years)
This program is only for children aged 6 months to 3 years old. At least one parent must be in the water with their child for 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.
Parent and Me Swim Classes Will Resume in January 2023
- Mondays: 4:30-5:15 pm
- Saturdays: 9:00-9:45 am
Members: $20 per swimmer per month of 45-minute lessons
Non-members: $50 per swimmer per month of 45-minute lessons
Instructor: Lucy Corning.
For more information, please email: swimlessons@ymcaavery.org
Age for lessons:
- For Private Lessons, children3 years + must have a parent in the pool assisting.
- For Group Lessons, anyone 3 years + is welcome to register.
Contact Us About Swim Lessons
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 2023 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!
Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP)
Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP)
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program is new to the Williams YMCA of Avery County! This group-based program uses water exercises to improve the physical activity of adults with arthritis. Many see an increase in their strength, range of motion, endurance, and activities of daily living. For more information about the AFAP program, you can visit the Arthritis Foundation website or contact Erica Shingeton. This program aligns well with the EnhnaceFitness Program. For more information or to register for the EnhanceFitness Program, contact Erin Spear.
TIME: 9:00 am-10:00 am Tuesday and Thursday
DATES: T/TH:
INSTRUCTOR: Misty, Certified AFAP Instructor
Swim Club
SWIM CLUB
Swim Club is a place where kids ages 7 -12 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. Our main focus is swim team basics such as diving, using a kickboard, and drills. The pool is also a place where all participants can form team unity, character development, and have fun. Participants must be able to pass a swim test.
Available January – May & August – November
Swim Club Will Not Be Offered in June or July
Physical Requirements: Must be able to pass the swim test (25-yard swim, 1 min tread with arms). Must be able to swim 50m in freestyle and backstroke. Must have a foundation for breaststroke and butterfly.
COST: Monthly registration, $20/month/child for members & $50/month/child for non-members
TIME: 4:00 pm-5:00 pm Tues & Thurs
INSTRUCTOR: Faith Boyette, Aquatics Program Coordinator
To register, please email: Swimlessons@ymcaavery.org
JUNIOR SWIM CLUB
Junior Swim Club is a place where kids ages 5 -7 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.
Available January – May & August – November
Junior Swim Club Will Not Be Offered in June or July
Physical Requirements: Have a basic foundation for swimming and can swim without assistance. They must be able to swim halfway across the pool unassisted and without touching the lane lines or the ground. They must be able to listen to and follow instructions in a group setting.
COST: Monthly registration, $20/month/child for members & $50/month/child for non-members
TIME: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Tues. & Thurs.
INSTRUCTOR: Lucy Corning
To register, please email Swimlessons@ymcaavery.org
Swim Team
SWIM TEAM
Beginning February 2023, youth ages 11-18 are welcome to join the Williams YMCA Swim Team! Practices will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00-6:00 pm. This program is for youth who want a more competitive aquatic experience. While Swim Team will be recreational, we plan to travel to local Aquatic Centers for scrimmages. Travel is not mandatory but is encouraged to participate in competitive scrimmages.
Offered January – May & August – November
Physical Requirements: This program is not for beginner swimmers but for individuals with a basic foundation of all swim strokes. The participants must be able to swim at least 100 yards without stopping and pass the swim test (25-yard swim, 1 min tread with arms). Must be able to swim 100m in freestyle and backstroke. Interested youth need to have a foundation for breaststroke and butterfly.
COST: $20/mo/child for Members, $50/mo/child for Non-Members
For more information, please contact Faith Boyette, Faithb@ymcaavery.org.
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.
Kindergarten Schedule Coming Soon!
Months: January – April
Times: Varies based on School
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
No matter the celebration, we would love to have you party with us. Host up to 25 guests for two hours under the watchful eye of our trained lifeguards. Available party times are Fridays 5:30pm – 7:30pm or Saturdays 11:15am – 1:15pm & 1:30-3:30pm.
Reservations are required.
INCLUDED:
- 2 hours of non-private pool time
- Use of slides, water features and toys
- Tables/chairs located on pool deck
- Cleaning supplies for after party clean-up
COST: $100 for members or $150 for non-members
CONTACT: Erica Shingleton for more information or to schedule your event
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.
2023 Community Certification Dates:
May 27, 2023: 10-11:30 am
July 22, 2023: 10-11:30 am
September 23, 2023: 10-11:30 am
CPR, AED, and First-Aid Training for local businesses and organizations is available upon request. Please contact Erica Shingleton for more information.
2023 YMCA Staff Certification Dates:
February 3, 2023: 4-5:30 pm
April 7, 2023: 4-5:30 pm
June 2, 2023: 4-5:30 pm
August 4, 2023: 4-5:30 pm
October 6, 2023: 4-5:30 pm
December 8, 2023: 4-5:30 pm
Instructors: Erica Shingleton and Erin Spear
Cost: $70 per person
Contact: Erica Shingleton 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: Hannah Britt.
Benefits of becoming a Lifeguard:
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- 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 Erica Shingleton.
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: Erica Shingleton to register or for more information
Aquatics Schedule
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