The Charleston Family YMCA is equipped with a 6-lane indoor pool. Every child under the age of 12 years is required to be tested on their swimming ability if their parent/guardian is not swimming with them. View the pool rules for more information.
Weekly Schedule
SWIM LESSONS
PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS
GROUP SWIM LESSONS
AQUATIC PROGRAMS
SWIM TEAM
WATER AEROBICS
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
GROUP SWIM LESSONS
Parent & Child (6 mo. - 3 y.o.): Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences. In this stage, children are introduced to the aquatic environment through focused activities in exploring body positions, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills.
The following 3 levels are offered for both Preschool (3-5)
& School Age (5-15) children.
Level 1: This stage increases students’ comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Students will work towards important milestones such as: exploring the aquatic environment with instructor assistance, developing basic skills to propel and glide through the water with instructor’s help, and learn basic aquatic safety.
If your child is not comfortable submerging themselves or reclining with their ears in the water; this is the right level for them!
Level 2: In this stage, students focus on forward movement in the water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently. Students will work towards important milestones such as: exploring the aquatic environment without instructor assistance, developing skills to propel and glide independently, and learn aquatic safety.
If your child cannot float on their front and back independently: this is the right level for them!
Level 3: This stage develops intermediate self-rescue skills, alongside building stamina to swim longer distances. Students will work towards important milestones such as: comfort swimming longer distances on the front and back, mastering skills and safety techniques in deep water, as well as integrating rhythmic breathing and coordinated arm and leg actions to front and back swims.
If your child cannot swim 10-15 yards on their front and back: this is the right level for them!
LESSON SCHEDULE
Tuesdays: 5:10pm-5:50pm | 6pm-6:40pm | 6:50pm-7:30pm
Class 1: Parent & Child | Preschool 1 | Parent & Child
Class 2: School Age 2 | Preschool 2 | Preschool 2
Class 3: School Age 3 | Preschool 3 | School Age 1
Thursdays: 5:10pm-5:50pm | 6pm-6:40pm | 6:50pm-7:30pm
Class 1: Preschool 1 | Parent & Child | School Age 1
Class 2: Preschool 3 | Preschool 1 | School Age 2
Class 3: School Age 3 | Preschool 2 | School Age 3
COST
Members: $40 for six 40-minute lessons
Future Members: $60 for six 40-minute lessons
HAVE QUESTIONS?
James Colton | Aquatics Director
Emial: jcolton@ymcaofkv.org
Direct Number: (304)340-3527 ext. 1131
PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS
Please email jcolton@ymcaofkv.org or call 304-340-3527 ext 1131
Private lessons are scheduled based on instructor availability and capacity.
NON-MEMBERS
$25 for 30 minutes
$50 for 60 minutes
MEMBERS
$20 for 30 minutes
$45 for 60 minutes
YMCA KRAKEN SWIM TEAM
The YMCA of Kanawha Valley Kraken Competitive Swim Team is tailored to instill excellence in swimmers within a collaborative team setting. While having fun, kids naturally improve stroke technique, performance times and self-confidence.
The YMCA Kraken Swim Team endeavors to offer swimmers chances for enhancing performance times while integrating the fundamental principles of the YMCA. Our swimmers refine their strokes in the pool and cultivate their character beyond it. The coaching staff takes into account each swimmer's aspirations and devises a plan to achieve those goals.
Please feel free to contact us for more information about the Kraken Swim Team and plan to join us at the following fun activities!
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
DETAILS
Our detailed training includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as comprehension on written tests. The certification, which includes First Aid, CPR and AED training, is valid for two years upon completion and is accepted nationwide. Learn how to effectively prevent and respond to water emergencies with the American Red Cross lifeguard training. The blended learning training is composed of 19 hours of in-person work and 8 hours of online work.
Participants must attend ALL scheduled class dates and times (NO MAKE-UPS), demonstrate proficient land and water skills, and pass the written exam with a score of least 80%. Upon successful completion of the course the participant will be certified in:
Red Cross Lifeguarding (valid for two years)
Red Cross First Aid for the Professional Rescuer
Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
NOTE: No other Red Cross First Aid, CPR/AED class can be used towards Lifeguard Certification
SKILL EVALUATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum age of 15 by the last day of the scheduled course. Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent to participate in the course.
Swim 300 yards (12 lengths or 6 laps) without stopping, using the front crawl and breaststroke. Must demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing. Swim goggles may be used.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds without swim goggles:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards.
Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a rubber 10lb brick.
Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the brick and keeping the face at the surface so they are able to breathe. Candidates should not swim the distance under water.
NOTE: There are no formal classes that must be taken as a prerequisite for Lifeguard certification courses.
