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Swim Lessons for Kids & Teens in Bucks County

From preschoolers to adults, we specialize in all aspects of water safety and lifelong swim skills ranging from overcoming fear of water to upper level stroke development. Learning to swim at the Y is about more than just stroke development. It's a swimmer-centered approach, where students learn through play, hands-on exercises and creative repetition. Children are taught in small groups with swimmers at their skill level. When ready, swimmers can apply their skills to upper level programs like swim team, lap swimming for exercise, lifeguard training and Masters Swimming.

Swimming is an activity you can enjoy your whole life. Let the Y help your family discover the exercise, sport and fun that is swimming!

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons

YMCA aquatics offer private and semi-private lessons to allow students to work one-on-one with an instructor on their particular goals and needs. Whether you child is not able to submerge or wants to work on upper-level stroke development, the Y has an instructor that can meet your needs and schedule. Register below.

Private swim lesson contacts
Doylestown, Anahita Mir, 215.348.8132 x1183,
Quakertown, Becky  Musselman, Director of Aquatics, 215-536-9623, x126,

Program temporarily on hold: Lower Bucks region, Nicole Bandura, 267.768.4175,

GET STARTED

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Swim Lesson Selector

This quick guide will help you choose the swim stage that is appropriate for you or your child.

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SWIM STAGES

swim starters

SWIM STARTERS >

Accompanied by a parents, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills.

A/WATER DISCOVERY Parents accompany children in stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatics environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water. Stage A is offered to children through age 5.

B/WATER EXPLORATION In stage B, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. Stage B is offered to children through age 5.

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swim basics R

SWIM BASICS >

Students learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency by learning benchmark skills.

1/WATER ACCLIMATION Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student's future progress in swimming. Stage 1 is offered to children aged 3-5 years, 5-8 years and 8-12 years, teens 12-17 years, and adults age 18 and up.

2/WATER MOVEMENT In stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. Stage 2 is offered to children aged 3-5 years, 5-8 years and 8-12 years, teens 12-17 years, and adults age 18 and up.

3/WATER STAMINA In stage 3, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Stage 3 is offered to children aged 3-5 years, 5-8 years and 8-12 years, teens 12-17 years, and adults age 18 and up.

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swim strokesR

SWIM STROKES >

Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke development.

4/STROKE INTRODUCTION Students in stage 4 develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl, and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Stage 4 is offered to children aged 3-5 years, 5-8 years and 8-12 years, teens 12-17 years, and adults age 18 and up.

5/STROKE DEVELOPMENT Students in stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke. Stage 5 is offered to children aged 5-8 years and 8-12 years, teens 12-17 years, and adults age 18 and up.

6/STROKE MECHANICS | STROKE & TURN Students learn butterfly while continuing to develop endurance while refining breaststroke, back and front crawl and diving. Flip turns and diving from the block are introduced and learn about competitive swimming. Swimmers should successfully complete Stage 5 / for ages 6-12.

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DOYLESTOWN

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Swim Lessons -Private/Semi-Private
Private Swim Lessons (3 yrs to adult)
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Semi-Private Swim Lessons (3 yrs to adult)
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons - Parent/Child
Stage 1 Water Acclimation- Parent/Child Swim Classes (3 to 5 yrs)
1:8 ratio;Kids learn safe water habits, underwater exploration, how to swim to safety and exit the water. Lessons are a mix of activities, games and drills. Preschoolers develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable working with an instructor without a parent in the water.

Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
A/B / Water Discovery & Water Exploration (6-36 mths)
Stage A & B: Water Discovery introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water with a parent/caretaker whom they trust. In Water Exploration, parents work with their toddlers to learn fundamental safety and pre-swimming skills like floating, blowing bubbles paddle stroke and kicking. Skills are taught in the context of repetitive songs, fun activities and drills which reinforce physical learning and encourage positive interaction between parent and child. 1:4 ratio
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons - Preschool
Stage 1 & 2 Water Acclimation & Movement (3 to 5 yrs)
Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 2 when you are willing to go under water voluntarily, you can front and back float, and glide with assistance and in stage 2 Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while continuing to practice how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 3 when you can do a front and back float on your own, front and back glide for 5' (preschool) or 10' (school age). Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 2 when you are willing to go under water voluntarily, you can front and back float, and glide with assistance. 1:3 ratio
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Stage 3 Water Stamina, preschool (3 to 5 yrs)
1:5 ratio; Students learn to swim longer distances. They learn how to do rhythmic breathing and integrate movements of their arms and legs. Move to Stage 4 when you can swim 10 yards (preschool) or 15 yards (school age) on your front and back and swim-float-swim 15 yards (preschool) or 25 yards (school age)
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Stage 4 Stroke Introduction, preschool (3 to 5 yrs)
1:6 ratio; Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Move to Stage 5 when you can swim 15 yards doing the elementary backstroke, front and back crawl with rotary breathing, swim-float-swim 25 yards and 15 yards of breaststroke and butterfly kicks.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons - School Age
STAGE 1/2 Water Acclimation and Movement (6 to 12 yrs)
Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 2 when you are willing to go under water voluntarily, you can front and back float, and glide with assistance. In Water Movement, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while continuing to practice how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 3 when you can do a front and back float on your own, front and back glide for 5? (preschool) or 10? (school age). Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 2 when you are willing to go under water voluntarily, you can front and back float, and glide with assistance. 1:3 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
STAGE 3 Swim Basics - Water Stamina - School-age (6 to 12 yrs)
1:6 ratio; Students learn to swim longer distances. They learn how to do rhythmic breathing and integrate movements of their arms and legs. Move to Stage 4 when you can swim 10 yards (preschool) or 15 yards (school age) on your front and back and swim-float-swim 15 yards (preschool) or 25 yards (school age)
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Stage 4 Stroke Introduction, school-age (6 to 12 yrs)
1:7 ratio;
Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Move to Stage 5 when you can swim 15 yards doing the elementary backstroke, front and back crawl with rotary breathing, swim-float-swim 25 yards and 15 yards of breaststroke and butterfly kicks.

Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Stage 5 Stroke Development, school-age (6 to 12 yrs)
1:8 ratio; Builds on endurance and introduces breaststroke and butterfly and reinforces water safety; meant for swimmers who are able to swim 15 yards front crawl with side breathing, 15 yards backstroke, 15 yards elementary backstroke, and 15 yards breaststroke and butterfly kick.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
6/7 / Stroke Mechanics & Advanced Stroke Mechanics (6-12 yrs)
Students learn butterfly while continuing to develop endurance while refining breaststroke, back and front crawl and diving. Flip turns and diving from the block are introduced and learn about competitive swimming. Students who have completed Stage 6 can move on to Stage 7 for more advanced stroke drills and endurance. Butterfly open turn is introduced in this stage. Students in this stage are working towards swim team and competitive swimming. 1:6 ratio
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Evaluations (all ages)
Complimentary swim evaluations
Complimentary swim evaluations to help place your child in the correct class are available free of charge. Connect with our aquatics department  at 215.348.8132.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Team (age 6-21)
Intramural - Academy | Dolphins Club (6 to 12 yrs)
Please contact Tim Ryan, head coach, 215.348.8132, x1149 if you have questions.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Competitive - SENIOR (14 to 18 yrs)
Online registration not available. Contact Tim Ryan to inquire about registration, 215.348.8132, x1149
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Competitive - Age Group 1 (6 to 9 yrs)
Online registration is not available.
Contact Tim Ryan to inquire about registration, 215.348.8132, x1149
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Competitive - Age Group 2 (10 to 14 yrs)
Online registration not available. Contact Tim Ryan to inquire about registration, 215.348.8132, x1149
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  

Contact:

Doylestown 

Anahita Mir
Associate Director of Aquatic Operations

215.348.8132 x1183

FAIRLESS HILLS

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Swim Lessons - School Age
1 / Water Acclimation (6-12 yrs)
Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 2 when you are willing to go under water voluntarily, you can front and back float, and glide with assistance. 1:5 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
2 / Water Movement (6-12 yrs)
Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while continuing to practice how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 3 when you can do a front and back float on your own, front and back glide for 5’ (preschool) or 10’ (school age). Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to how to safely get out of the water if they fall in.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
3 / Water Stamina (6-12 yrs)
Students learn to swim longer distances. They learn how to do rhythmic breathing and integrate movements of their arms and legs. Move to Stage 4 when you can swim 10 yards (preschool) or 15 yards (school age) on your front and back and swim-float-swim 15 yards (preschool) or 25 yards (school age). 1:7 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
4 / Stroke Introduction (6-12 yrs)
Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Move to Stage 5 when you can swim 15 yards doing the elementary backstroke, front and back crawl with rotary breathing, swim-float-swim 25 yards and 15 yards of breaststroke and butterfly kicks. 1:8 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
5 / Stroke Development (6-12 yrs)
Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke. Move to Stage 6 when you can swim 50 yards continuously of any stroke, 25 yards of good front crawl, side-stroke, elementary backstroke and breaststroke. 1:8 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
6 / Stroke Mechanics (6-12 yrs)
Students learn butterfly while continuing to develop endurance while refining breaststroke, back and front crawl and diving. Flip turns and diving from the block are introduced and learn about competitive swimming. 1:10 ratio
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons - Private/Semi-Private
Private Swim Lessons
1:1 Ratio Student / Instructor
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Semi-Private Swim Lessons
2:1 Ratio Student / Instructor
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons - Preschool
1 / Water Acclimation (3-5 yrs)
Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 2 when you are willing to go under water voluntarily, you can front and back float, and glide with assistance. 1:3 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
2 / Water Movement (3-5 yrs)
Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while continuing to practice how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. Move to Stage 3 when you can do a front and back float on your own, front and back glide for 5’ (preschool) or 10’ (school age). Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to how to safely get out of the water if they fall in.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
3 / Water Stamina (3-5 yrs)
Students learn to swim longer distances. They learn how to do rhythmic breathing and integrate movements of their arms and legs. Move to Stage 4 when you can swim 10 yards (preschool) or 15 yards (school age) on your front and back and swim-float-swim 15 yards (preschool) or 25 yards (school age). 1:5 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
4 / Stroke Introduction (3-5 yrs)
Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Move to Stage 5 when you can swim 15 yards doing the elementary backstroke, front and back crawl with rotary breathing, swim-float-swim 25 yards and 15 yards of breaststroke and butterfly kicks. 1:6 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons - Parent/Child
1 / Water Acclimation (2 1/2-5 yrs)
Kids learn safe water habits, underwater exploration, how to swim to safety and exit the water. Lessons are a mix of activities, games and drills. Preschoolers develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This class is for kids who aren?t yet comfortable working with an instructor without a parent in the water. 1:8 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
A / Water Discovery (6-18 mths)
Stage A introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water with a parent/caretaker whom they trust. 1:12 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
B / Water Exploration (19-36 mths)
Parents work with their toddlers to learn fundamental safety and pre-swimming skills like floating, blowing bubbles paddle stroke and kicking. Skills are taught in the context of repetitive songs, fun activities and drills which reinforce physical learning and encourage positive interaction between parent and child. 1:10 ratio
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  

Contact:

Newtown 

Nicole Bandura

267.768.4175

NEWTOWN

Newtown-based programs temporarily on hold pending the reopening of the Chandler Hall Pool.

Contact:

Newtown 

Nicole Bandura

267.768.4175

QUAKERTOWN

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Swim Lessons - Preschool
1 / Water Acclimation (3 to 5 yrs)
Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. 1:4 ratio
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
2 / Water Movement (3 to 5 yrs)
Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water , while continuing to practice how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. ratio 1:5
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
3 / Water Stamina (3 to 5 yrs)
Students learn to swim longer distances. They learn how to do rhythmic breathing and integrate movements of their arms and legs. ratio 1:5.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
4 / Stroke Introduction (3 to 5 yrs)
Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. ratio 1:6
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons - Parent/Child
A / Water Discovery (6 to 36 mths)
Stage A introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water with a parent/caretaker whom they trust. 1:12 ratio.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
B / Water Exploration (2 to 4 yrs)
Parents work with their toddlers to learn fundamental safety and pre-swimming skills like floating, blowing bubbles, paddle stroke and kicking. Skills are taught in the context of repetitive songs, reinforce physical learning and encourage positive interaction between parent and child. 1:10 ratio
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons - Private/Semi-Private
Private Swim Lessons (3 yrs to Adult)
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Semi Private Swim Lessons (3 yrs to Adult)
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons - Adult/Teen
Adult & Teen Swim Lessons
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Adult Swim Conditioning (12 yrs+)
Taught by an experienced swim coach, this class refines stroke technique on all major competitive strokes and encourages swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle. Get a great workout while swimming laps, building endurance and increasing strength. Participants must be able to swim 100 continuous yards of freestyle.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Aquatics Group Exercise Classes
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
Swim Lessons -School Age
1 / Water Acclimation (6 to 12 yrs)
Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. 1:6 ratio
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
2 / Water Movement (6 to 12 yrs)
Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water , while continuing to practice how to safely get out of the water if they fall in. ratio 1:6
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
3 / Water Stamina (6 to 12 yrs)
Students learn to swim longer distances. They learn how to do rhythmic breathing and integrate movements of their arms and legs. ratio 1:6.
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
4 / Stroke Introduction (6 to 12 yrs)
Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. ratio 1:8
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
5 / Stroke Development (6 to 12 yrs)
Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke. ratio 1:8
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  
6 / Stroke Mechanics (6 to 12 yrs)
Students learn butterfly while continuing to develop endurance while refining breaststroke, back and front crawl and diving. Flip turns and diving from the block are introduced and learn about competitive swimming. ratio 1:10
Dates Day(s) Time Member Non-member  

Contact:

Quakertown 

Becky  Musselman
Director of Aquatics

215-536-8841, x126