SWIMMING IN AVERY AND MITCHELL COUNTIES

Swimming For All Ages

The Williams YMCA of Avery County’s swimming programs offer activities for all ages, from aquatic fitness classes like water walking exercises to the YMCA SPLASH drowning prevention program for children and lap swimming sessions for fitness enthusiasts. Whatever your interest, we provide swim classes at the YMCA that fit your schedule and goals.

For more information about our swimming lessons in Avery County, or if you’re interested in YMCA lifeguard certification or learning more about our swim courses, contact Faith Boyette, Aquatics Director at 828-737-5500.

LAP LANE RESERVATIONS

Reserve a 50-minute time slot for a swimming lane reservation.

  • Non-members must pay a $2 reservation fee, in addition to the $10/$5 guest fee for YMCA access.
  • Click the button below to log into your YMCA Membership Account and follow these steps to schedule your lap swim session today:

How to Reserve a Lap Lane 

1. Log in to your Daxko Member Profile. *

2. Beside Visits, click NEW.

3. Select Avery County or Mitchell County Branch and click SCHEDULE A VISIT.

4. Choose lap swimming, then click NEXT.

5. Pick the desired day and time (limit of 3 scheduled visits).

  *Having trouble logging in? Call the YMCA Membership Services desk for assistance. 

Avery County Membership Services: 828-737-5500.

Mitchell County Membership Services: 828-520-9101.

AQUATICS CENTER SCHEDULES

PLEASE NOTE: On Wednesday’s the Williams YMCA of Avery County Aquatics Center will be closed from 11:00 am-1:00 pm for routine cleaning.

Swim Lessons

PARENT AND ME SWIM CLASS: (6 months – 3 years)

This program introduces children to the water and teaches water safety skills alongside a parent or guardian. Take this opportunity to introduce your child to swimming and build their comfort and confidence in and around water. 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.
  • Schedule: Saturdays
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
  • YMCA Members: $25/month
  • Non-Members: $55/month
  • Instructor: Lucy Corning

Contact Us About Swim Lessons: [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 in to 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.

PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS:

Private YMCA swim lessons are perfect for learning the basics or improving swimming skills in a one-on-one swim instruction 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. Adaptive lessons are now offered.

  • Schedule: Tuesdays/Thursdays
  • Time: 2:00 – 5:30 PM (30-minute sessions)
  • Ages: 2 years and older
  • YMCA Members: $90 for 4 sessions
  • Non-Members: $120 for 4 sessions
  • Instructor(s): Faith Boyette, Lucy Corning (based on availability)

REGISTER FOR PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS ONLINE

To schedule a 30-minute Private Swim lesson, 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 Private Swim Lessons from the list.

Step 4: Click the Register button.

Step 5: Select the member for whom you’d like to schedule lessons with a click Next.

Step 7: Select the preferred date, instructor, and/or time for your session.

Step 8: Confirm and book your appointment.

Step 9: Continue booking additional sessions or exit to schedule them at a later date.

SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS:

Coming in four, 30-min 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. To register for Semi-Private Swim Lessons, please contact our Senior Recreation Director by calling 828-737-5500.

  • Schedule: Monday – Friday
  • Time: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM (30-minute sessions)
  • Ages: 2 years and older
  • YMCA Members: $60/swimmer
  • Non-Members: $90/swimmer

REGISTER FOR SEMI-PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS

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

GROUP LESSONS: (For 5 or More Swimmers)

Group swim classes at the YMCA allow swimmers to learn together with certified instructors in a structured swim program. Group Lessons will be held once a week in 45-minute sessions for an entire month. Visit our Membership desk or contact our Senior Recreation Director, Faith Boyette, to determine your swim level and register for Group Lessons.

  • Schedule: Monday, Wednesday or Friday
  • Time: 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM & 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
  • Ages: 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8+ years
  • YMCA Members: $25/month
  • Non-Members: $55/month
  • Instruction: Lucy Corning

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 in to 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.

AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR SWIM LESSONS

Private Swim Lessons: Available for ages 2 years and older.

Group Swim Lessons: Available for ages 3 years and older.

Contact Us About Swim Lessons

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Swim Programs

SWIM CLUB

The YMCA Swim Club offers a safe and supportive environment for children ages 5 and up to advance their swimming skills. This program is designed for swimmers who are already comfortable in the water, can swim independently, and are looking to improve stroke technique and develop competitive swimming abilities.

  • Seasons:
    • May-July (Spring)
    • December-January (Fall)
  • Ages: 5 years and older
  • YMCA Members: $25/month per child
  • Non-Members: $55/month per child
  • Time: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM– 5:00 PM
  • Instructor: Lucy Corning

For more information, and 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 in to 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

The YMCA Swim Team provides young swimmers with the opportunity to compete in a structured and fun environment. This program consists of three 3-month seasons, with mini swim meets held at the end of each season. Students in K-2nd, and 3rd-5th are welcome to register. This program is designed to help swimmers develop competitive swimming skills, build endurance, and refine stroke technique while fostering teamwork and confidence in the water.

Swim Team Practice Days:

  • Tuesdays & Thursdays
    • K-2nd (Lucy): 4:30 PM-5:30 PM
    • 3rd-5th (Faith): 5:00 PM-6:00 PM

SESSION DATES:

  • February – April (Spring)
  • September-November (Fall)

MEMBERS: $100

NON-YMCA MEMBERS: $150

*Returning swimmers will receive a 10% discount

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

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

SPLASH for Kindergarten

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental injury, and a large percentage of children drown within 6-10 feet of safety. Many of these incidents occur due to a lack of basic water safety skills.

The YMCA SPLASH program is designed to teach essential swimming safety skills and build confidence in young swimmers. By learning fundamental swim techniques, children significantly reduce their risk of drowning while gaining a sense of accomplishment and comfort in the water.

This drowning prevention program helps ensure that children have the skills needed to stay safe and enjoy the water with confidence.

Months: March-May

Cost: Offered at no cost

Instructor: Faith Boyette

Contact: Faith Boyette for more information

SPLASH for 2nd Grade

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental injury, with many incidents occurring within 6-10 feet of safety due to a lack of basic water safety skills.

The YMCA SPLASH program provides 2nd graders with the opportunity to learn essential swimming safety skills, helping them develop confidence in the water. By mastering fundamental swimming techniques, children significantly reduce their risk of drowning while fostering a sense of accomplishment.

This drowning prevention program is designed to teach children how to be safe in and around water, reinforcing the importance of swimming safety education at an early age.

Months: September – November

Instructors: Faith Boyette

Contact: Faith Boyette for more information

Adult Swim Group

The Adult Swim Group is a structured program designed for adults of all skill levels who want to improve their swimming technique, endurance, and overall fitness. Led by experienced coaches, each session includes guided workouts, stroke refinement, and personalized feedback in a supportive environment. Whether you’re training for a triathlon or just looking to stay active, this group offers motivation, community, and results.

Registration for the Adult Swim Group will be open on a rolling, monthly basis, allowing participants to join at any time. The cost is $10 per month for YMCA members and $20 per month for non-members.

Months: January – December

Times: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Instructor: Samuel Reiger

Contact: Samuel Reiger for more information

REGISTER FOR ADULT SWIM CLUB

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

Step 1: Log in to your Daxko Member or Non-Member profile

Step 2: Under the Registration tab, click New.

Step 3: Select the Adult 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 Adult Swim Club registrations at a time OR choose to pay for one month at a time.

Pool Parties

POOL PARTY INFORMATION 

Celebrate your special occasion with a YMCA pool party! Whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, or other special event, our facility provides a fun and safe environment under the supervision 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 in to 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

Lifeguard Certification and Recertification

Have you ever wanted to become a certified lifeguard? The YMCA offers lifeguard certification and recertification courses led by nationally certified instructor Faith Boyette. This program provides the necessary skills to ensure water safety and respond to emergencies effectively.

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 materials must be completed before attending the in-person lifeguard certification course. Access to the required 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. 

Contact: Faith Boyette to register or for more information

CPR/ AED/ First-Aid Certification & Recertification

Being CPR-certified can make a lifesaving difference in an emergency. Our CPR/AED/First-Aid certification course, offered through the American Red Cross, equips participants with essential skills, including CPR training for cardiac arrest victims, proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), basic first-aid techniques for treating cuts, bruises, heat stroke, and hypothermia, as well as how to administer oxygen in emergency situations. Before attending the in-person training session, all participants must complete online course materials to ensure they are fully prepared for hands-on learning and evaluation.

2025 Certification Dates: 

TBD

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

Instructors: Faith Boyette

Cost: $70 per person

Contact: Faith Boyette to register or for more information