YMCA SPLASH AND SOAR SWIM SCHOOL GROUP LESSONS
Our Swim School is a proud provider of Starfish Aquatics Institute curriculum backed by USA Swimming, a globally recognized program designed to make learning to swim safe, fun and effective for all ages! This innovative approach focuses on building confidence, essential swim skills, and water safety from the start. With a clear, learner-focused progression, our lessons ensure every participant advances at their own pace while developing a lifelong love for swimming.
THANK YOU TO OUR SAFETY SPONSOR:
PRICING
| Members | Non Members | |
| 1 lesson/week | $17 per class | $34 per class |
| 2 lessons/week | $14 per class | $28 per class |
| 3 lessons/week | $10 per class | $24 per class |
Billing is processed on the 1st of each month for all scheduled classes, which are billed at a per class rate.
**A non-refundable registration fee of $20 will be processed at the time of sign up. This includes participants placed on the wait list.**
 JR Parent Portal
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 Make-Up Lessons
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 Skill Sheets
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Check on your child's progress, view billing information, and set up new lessons using the Jackrabbit Swim School Parent Portal! Click the button below to access the parent portal.
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Need to miss one of your scheduled lessons? No worries! Submit an absence on the JR Parent Portal or by Get in touch with our Aquatics Team, by emailing aquatics@bnymca.org. Additionally, you can visit the Swim Desk near the Rec/Therapy Pool during Swim School and talk to one of our Aquatics staff members who will help get you started on rescheduling, OR call us at 309.827.6233! |
Looking to understand exactly what skills we're looking to cultivate at each level of our Swim School? Read through the Skill Sheets for your child's skill level!
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“We've been coming to the YMCA Swim School for almost 2 years now. We recently returned from a trip where we went swimming everyday. Our daughter was able to float (unassisted) on a pool noodle in our private pool. During our stay, we had the ‘safety talk’ about the pool with both of our children. One morning, while we were sleeping, we found out that our son fell in the pool while our daughter was playing nearby. The pool had two steep steps that led into the deep end. Our daughter said our son was able to ‘find the wall’ and managed to climb up the steep steps. After we found out what happened, we told him how good it was that he found the wall and that’s why we go to swim lessons. We cannot be more proud of the skills our kids have learned in swim lessons so far. While every child and family are different, I would highly recommend Swim School to my family and friends. It is a life skill that ended up saving our child's life.”
FAQs
When do classes start?
Once registration is completed, your child's classes will start on the next scheduled class date.
What are the days/times available for lessons?
Lessons are Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
How many lessons per week does my child receive?
After paying the monthly fee, your child can attend up to 3 lessons per week on a continuous basis. While one lesson per week is included with your registration, we encourage adding more to help your child develop their skills faster and gain confidence in the water!
How much do Group Lessons cost?
**A non-refundable registration fee of $20 will be processed at the time of sign up. This includes participants placed on the wait list.**
| Members | Non Members | |
| 1 lesson/week | $17 per class | $34 per class |
| 2 lessons/week | $14 per class | $28 per class |
| 3 lessons/week | $10 per class | $24 per class |
Billing is processed on the 1st of each month for all scheduled classes, which are billed at a per class rate.
What level is my child?
You can take the short quiz on the Group Lessons page to find out what level to enroll your child in. If you have any issues, please contact the Aquatics office by calling us at 309.827.6233, or email our Aquatics team by sending an email to aquatics@bnymca.org.
How long is each lesson?
Lessons are 30 minutes in length.
If I receive financial support, can I still register online?
Of course! Your monthly Swim School tuition discounted according to the approved financial support program discount given by the membership department. However, please note that registration fees are not eligible for discounts.
How often do we need to register?
Just once! Swim School is a perpetual swim lesson program, and thus does not require registration every month, ensuring a seamless and ongoing learning experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
Need to cancel your swim lessons? No problem!
Click the button below, fill out the form with the appropriate information, and we'll take care of it!
Refunds are still reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Missed classes do not count as credits. Each swimmer gets one free make-up session per month (if space allows). Additional make-up lessons are $10 per lesson.
What is the instructor-to-swimmer ratio for Swim School classes?
Parent/Tot - 12 to 1
Swim School - 5 to 1
Stroke School - 6 to 1
Do I receive make-up classes?
Need to miss one of your scheduled lessons? No worries! Submit an absence on the JR Parent Portal or by Get in touch with our Director of Swim School, Morghan, by emailing morghanh@bnymca.org. Additionally, you can visit the Swim Desk near the Rec/Therapy Pool during Swim School and talk to one of our Aquatics staff members who will help get you started on rescheduling, OR call us at 309.827.6233!
Do you offer Swim School for adults?
We now offer Adult Swim Lessons that utilize our Swim School curriculum! Visit the "Adult Swim Lessons" tab on our Swim School page to learn more!
PARENT/CHILD GROUP LESSONS
Our Parent/Child swim lessons—Guppy (Parent/Baby) and Jellyfish (Parent/Tot)—are designed to help our youngest swimmers feel comfortable and safe in the water while building a foundation for future swim skills. With a caregiver in the water alongside them, children are introduced to basic water movement, safety skills, and fun songs and activities that promote bonding and water confidence. Led by trained instructors, these classes create a supportive and engaging environment that helps little ones feel secure while they explore and grow.
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Parent/Baby Swim Level: Guppy
Focus: Providing methods to parents/guardians for water safety. Tagline: “Splashes of joy and cuddles in every float!” Ages: 3mos - 18mos The Guppy Level introduces our youngest swimmers and their parents to the water in a safe, nurturing environment. Through fun activities and gentle movements, parents help their babies develop comfort and essential water safety skills.
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Parent/Toddler Swim Level: Jellyfish
Focus: Providing methods to parents/guardians for water safety. Tagline: Tagline: “Floating, splashing, and giggling together!” Ages: 18mos - 36mos The Jellyfish Level is designed for toddlers and their parents to explore the water together while building confidence and basic swim skills. This interactive class encourages water familiarity and fosters a love for swimming in a joyful setting! |
PRICING
| Members | Non Members | |
| 1 lesson/week | $17 per class | $34 per class |
| 2 lessons/week | $14 per class | $28 per class |
| 3 lessons/week | $10 per class | $24 per class |
Billing is processed on the 1st of each month for all scheduled classes, which are billed at a per class rate.
**A non-refundable registration fee of $20 will be processed at the time of sign up. This includes participants placed on the wait list.**
|
JR Parent Portal
|
Make-Up Lessons
|
Skill Sheets
|
|
Check on your child's progress, view billing information, and set up new lessons using the Jackrabbit Swim School Parent Portal! Click the button below to access the parent portal.
|
Need to miss one of your scheduled lessons? No worries! Submit an absence on the JR Parent Portal or by Get in touch with our Aquatics Team by emailing aquatics@bnymca.org. Additionally, you can visit the Swim Desk near the Rec/Therapy Pool during Swim School and talk to one of our Aquatics staff members who will help get you started on rescheduling, OR call us at 309.827.6233! |
Looking to understand exactly what skills we're looking to cultivate at each level of our Swim School? Read through the Skill Sheets for your child's skill level!
|
FAQs
When do classes start?
Once registration is completed, your child's classes will start on the next scheduled class date.
What are the days/times available for lessons?
Lessons are Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
How many lessons per week does my child receive?
After paying the monthly fee, your child can attend up to 3 lessons per week on a continuous basis. While one lesson per week is included with your registration, we encourage adding more to help your child develop their skills faster and gain confidence in the water!
How much do Group Lessons cost?
**A non-refundable registration fee of $20 will be processed at the time of sign up. This includes participants placed on the wait list.**
| Members | Non Members | |
| 1 lesson/week | $17 per class | $34 per class |
| 2 lessons/week | $14 per class | $28 per class |
| 3 lessons/week | $10 per class | $24 per class |
Billing is processed on the 1st of each month for all scheduled classes, which are billed at a per class rate.
What level is my child?
You can take the short quiz on the Group Lessons page to find out what level to enroll your child in. If you have any issues, please contact the Aquatics office by calling us at 309.827.6233, or email our Aquatics team by sending an email to aquatics@bnymca.org.
How long is each lesson?
Lessons are 30 minutes in length.
If I receive financial support, can I still register online?
Of course! Your monthly Swim School tuition discounted according to the approved financial support program discount given by the membership department. However, please note that registration fees are not eligible for discounts.
How often do we need to register?
Just once! Swim School is a perpetual swim lesson program, and thus does not require registration every month, ensuring a seamless and ongoing learning experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
Need to cancel your swim lessons? No problem!
Click the button below, fill out the form with the appropriate information, and we'll take care of it!
Refunds are still reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Missed classes do not count as credits. Each swimmer gets one free make-up session per month (if space allows). Additional make-up lessons are $10 per lesson.
What is the instructor-to-swimmer ratio for Swim School classes?
Parent/Tot - 12 to 1
Swim School - 5 to 1
Stroke School - 6 to 1
Do I receive make-up classes?
Need to miss one of your scheduled lessons? No worries! Submit an absence on the JR Parent Portal or by Get in touch with our Director of Swim School, Morghan, by emailing morghanh@bnymca.org. Additionally, you can visit the Swim Desk near the Rec/Therapy Pool during Swim School and talk to one of our Aquatics staff members who will help get you started on rescheduling, OR call us at 309.827.6233!
Do you offer Swim School for adults?
Adults are allowed to take part in our Private Swim Lessons classes and can also take part in any instructional Stroke Clinics that the YMCA hosts. To register for Private Swim Lessons, please email our Sr. Director of Aquatics at timr@bnymca.org.
Where do Swim School classes take place?
Most Swim School classes will take place at the YMCA.
Our Parent/Child offerings from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays will take place at Illinois State University's Rec Center, located at 347 S University St., Normal, IL. These offerings will begin on Saturday, September 6th!
YMCA SWIM SCHOOL PRIVATE LESSONS
Our USA Swimming approved Swim School is pioneering the way youth and adults learn to swim while ensuring the experience they have in and around the water is both safe and positive. We are taking a whole new approach to swim lessons by using a custom perpetual swim program that lets you or your children be the driver of progress!
YMCA Swim School takes a customized and personalized approach to private swim lessons. Goals are established on the first lesson by the parent and instructor so that the instructor can tailor the lesson plan to meet those goals. From water safety, to learning the strokes, to getting a workout in, YMCA Swim School Private Lessons can accommodate all.
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JR Parent Portal
Check on your child's progress, view billing information, and set up new lessons using the Jackrabbit Swim School Parent Portal! Click the button below to access the parent portal.
|
Make-Up LessonsNeed to miss one of your scheduled lessons? No worries! Participants in our Swim School program are allowed to schedule one free make-up lesson per month. Make-up lessons are scheduled at the discretion of your instructor. |
How much do Private Lessons cost?
1 lesson per week: Members $37.80 | Nonmembers $75.60
2 lessons per week: Members $32.40 | Nonmembers $64.80
3 lessons per week: Members $27 | Nonmembers $54
Billing is processed on the 1st of each month for all scheduled classes, which are billed at a per class rate.
What days and times are available for Private Swim Lessons?
Private lessons are done 7 days a week. We have morning, mid-day, and night time availability.
When do classes start?
As soon as you register, your class begins at the next class date.
How long is each lesson?
Lessons are 30 minutes in length.
How long are the sessions?
YMCA Private Lessions does NOT use session format. Private Lessons are a perpetual program, which means that once you're enrolled, you're entitled to one lesson per week up until you decide to cancel.
What is your cancellation policy?
Need to cancel your swim lessons? No problem!
Click the button below, fill out the form with the appropriate information, and we'll take care of it!
Refunds are still reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Missed classes do not count as credits. Each swimmer gets one free make-up session per month (if space allows). Additional make-up lessons are $10 per lesson.
Do I receive make-up classes?
You receive one free make-up class per month. Additional make-up classes are available for $25 per class. Make-up lessons are scheduled at the discretion of your instructor.
What is the instructor-to-swimmer ratio for Private Swim Lessons?
One instructor to one swimmer.
If I cancel my membership during lessons, do I still receive the member discount?
No. You must stay a member for the entire length of programming to receive a membership discount.
ADAPTIVE/INCLUSIVE PRIVATE LESSONS
The Bloomington-Normal YMCA is proud to offer adaptive private lessons following the Swim Angelfish curriculum, a specialized program designed to support swimmers with sensory, physical, and cognitive challenges. Through this approach, we provide a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where every individual can thrive in the water.
Our custom, perpetual swim program allows swimmers to progress at their own pace, with goals set collaboratively between families and instructors from day one. Whether focusing on water safety, building swim skills, or simply gaining comfort and confidence in the pool, our personalized approach ensures that each lesson meets the unique needs and abilities of every participant.
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JR Parent Portal
Check on your child's progress, view billing information, and set up new lessons using the Jackrabbit Swim School Parent Portal! Click the button below to access the parent portal.
|
Make-Up LessonsNeed to miss one of your scheduled lessons? No worries! Participants in our Swim School program are allowed to schedule one free make-up lesson per month. Make-up lessons are scheduled at the discretion of your instructor. |
How much do Adaptive/Inclusive Private Lessons cost?
1 lesson per week: Members $17 | Nonmembers $34
2 lessons per week: Members $14 | Nonmembers $28
3 lessons per week: Members $10 | Nonmembers $24
Billing is processed on the 1st of each month for all scheduled classes, which are billed at a per class rate.
What days and times are available for Private Swim Lessons?
Private lessons are done 7 days a week. We have morning, mid-day, and night time availability.
When do classes start?
As soon as you register, your class begins at the next class date.
How long is each lesson?
Lessons are 30 minutes in length.
How long are the sessions?
YMCA Swim School does NOT use the session format. Swim School is a perpetual program, which means that once you're enrolled, you're entitled to one lesson per week up until you decide to cancel.
What is your cancellation policy?
Need to cancel your swim lessons? No problem!
Click the button below, fill out the form with the appropriate information, and we'll take care of it!
Refunds are still reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Missed classes do not count as credits. Each swimmer gets one free make-up session per month (if space allows). Additional make-up lessons are $10 per lesson.
Do I receive make-up classes?
You receive one free make-up class per month. Additional make-up classes are available for $25 per class.
What is the instructor-to-swimmer ratio for Private Swim Lessons?
One instructor to one swimmer.
If I cancel my membership during lessons, do I still receive the member discount?
No. You must stay a member for the entire length of programming to receive a membership discount.
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WATER SAFE
At the Y, we believe water safety is important for all ages, which is why we're proud to offer Adult Swim Lessons! This learn-to-swim program is for any swimmer aged 18+ who wants to develop/improve their water safety skills and gain confidence in the water. These lessons will utilize the nationally recognized Starfish curriculum in order to provide water safety, self-rescue skills and swim stroke development in a supportive, small-group environment! Sessions are 30 minutes per lesson.
Offerings will begin at ISU's Rec Center on Saturday, September 6th and offerings at the YMCA will begin on Monday, September 8th.
PRICING
| Members | Non Members | |
| 1 lesson/week | $17 per class | $34 per class |
| 2 lessons/week | $14 per class | $28 per class |
| 3 lessons/week | $10 per class | $24 per class |
Billing is processed on the 1st of each month for all scheduled classes, which are billed at a per class rate.
**A non-refundable registration fee of $20 will be processed at the time of sign up. This includes participants placed on the wait list.**
CLASS LOCATIONS
Classes taking place on Mondays from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. will be located in the Competition Pool at the YMCA.
We also offer Saturday lessons from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Illinois State University's Rec Center located at 347 S University St., Normal, IL.
