Aquatics
Operation Pool Manager: Kristen Lilly
Assistant Aquatics Manager: Michelle Fasano
Email: aquatics@hopkinsvilleymca.org
270.887.5382
As in all YMCA programs, the goal for the YMCA aquatic program is to develop the whole person, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Teaching methods are designed to help each participant develop his/her fullest potential, to encourage awareness of safety, and to master skills to the best of their ability. YMCA aquatic programs, offered at the YMCA, are not only beneficial in developing a healthy lifestyle, but are also an excellent place for youths and adults alike to make new friends, and most importantly, to have fun!
AQUATIC PROGRAMS
For all group lessons, there will be a minimum requirement in order for the class to run. You will be informed of any cancellation prior to the start of class.
For safety reasons parents cannot be on the pool deck during the class. They are welcome to bring a chair to sit outside the fenced area and watch.
ADULT SWIM LESSONS (AGES 16 AND UP)
Adult swim lessons are for those individuals who wish to learn to swim or those who want to improve their technique. Classes have a low student-to-instructor ratio, which allows for personal instruction in each class. Skills emphasized include: basic water acclimation, floating, treading, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, diving, and much more.
GROUP LESSON CLASSES OFFERED:
PARENT-CHILD (Swim Starters): Classes are taught as a combined class for ages 6 months to 3 yrs old with the parent accompanying the child in the water. Skills are introduced at the child’s development level and build as the child progresses. Basic water skills are taught through fun songs and games. Ratio: 1:8
At the Y, we know families take a variety of forms. As a result, we define parent broadly to include all adults with primary responsibility for raising children, including biological parents, adoptive parents, guardians, stepparents, grandparents, or any other type of parenting relationship
Swim Basics: Classes are taught as a combined class at 2 various levels without the parent accompanying the child in the water. Ages 3-6 years old. Ratio 1 instructor: 6 students.
Swim Strokes: Classes are taught as a combined class at 2 various levels without the parent accompanying the child in the water. Ages 3-6 years old. Ratio 1 instructor: 6 students.
Level 1* (Starfish; approximately ages 3-4) classes are looking to build more independence and confidence in the water through fun songs and games. The basics Level 1 class will continue to focus on water safety, going under water/putting face in water without a parent accompanying the child in the pool.
Level 2* (Froggies; approximately ages 4-6) children adjust to the water and further develop independent movement. Includes assisted kicking and floating, along with pool safety, in an effort to, prepare the student for the swim strokes program.
No parents are needed in the water with the swimmer in this class though child should be familiar with basic water safety. Ratio 1 instructor: 6 students.
Swim Strokes: Classes are taught as a combined class at 3 various levels without the parent accompanying the child in the water. Ages 6-15 years old. Ratio 1 instructor: 8 students.
LEVEL 1* (Turtles; Approximately ages 6-9): Entry level for those looking to build more comfortability and experience in the water. Includes basic water skills such as independent floating, gliding with face in water, adding arm movement with kick and jumping feet first into pool safely without flotation devices.
LEVEL 2* (Otters; approximately ages 9-12): For children who are comfortable in the water and able to swim/kick at least five yards with faces in the water with or without a flotation device. Children are taught to kick without assistive devices, combine arm and leg movement successfully for greater than 15 yards, and introduction to deep water treading and seated diving.
LEVEL 3* (Sharks; approximately ages 12-15): For children who can swim 15+ yards with faces in the water and no flotation device. Reviews and improves stroke skills on front, back and side, builds endurance, teaches more complex diving, treading, turn skills to prepare for transition to swim team and/or pre-lifeguard course.
*Swim placement is required if you have not taken a YMCA swim lesson in the last year. Based on a participants swim skills, a participant may be moved by our instructors and/or swim lesson coordinator into a Level that best fits that swimmers needs and abilities.*
NOT SURE WHICH LEVEL IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD?
Use the level guide/flowsheet below to help determine the class for them. Or feel free to contact the aquatics team.
2025 Swim Lesson Class Descriptions
Swim Lessons Make Up and Refund Policy: NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN. Credits may be given prior to the first day of class. Any registration on the day of the session or after the session starts must be approved by the Aquatics Director. Make-ups will only be given if a class is cancelled or rescheduled by the YMCA. Fridays will be reserved as make-up days. There are no individual make-ups.
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING
PRE-SWIM DATES: April 15th 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Hopkinsville High School Pool. You must be registered. Email kristen@hopkinsvilleymca.org to register.
The purpose of the YMCA lifeguard program is to present the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of a lifeguard. The program is based on sound decision-making, proper use of rescue equipment, knowledge of water safety, and proficiency in rescue skills.
Get certified by the American Red Cross to be a lifeguard and learn the skills and knowledge to perform water rescues. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, and AED for the Professional Rescuer that is valid for 2 years. Course curriculum includes classroom work, practical skills in the water and on land and two exams.
For the training received to be of the most value, lifeguards need facility-specific training and orientation. For the equipment-based lifeguard-training program, each lifeguard must have a rescue tube/buoy whenever on duty.
All lifeguarding courses follow the course requirements of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program. Both lifeguard full certification courses and recertification courses are blended learning courses (i.e., approximately 7.5 hours of online coursework PLUS approximately 25 hours of scheduled, mandatory in-person class time for lifeguarding; 12 hours for recertification). All blended course work must be completed prior to the first class session. Failure to complete the blended material will result in dismissal from the class without refund or credit. Participants must pass a swimming pre-test before taking the course (see below for more information). Participants that do not successfully complete the pre-test will result in dismissal from the class with 50% course credit. Course curriculum includes classroom work, practical skills in the water and on land and one final written exams. Attendance is required at all classes. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, and AED for the Professional Rescuer that is valid for 2 years.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (infant, child, adult), First Aid, AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and oxygen administration certifications must be completed prior to the certifications. The CPR training must include two-rescuer CPR, modified jaw thrust, and use of pocket and bag-valve mask resuscitator.
• Be at least 15 years of age on or before the final scheduled lesson of this course
• Attend all class sessions
• Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent to participate in the course.
• Complete the required online coursework prior to the first day of class. (Blended online coursework will be sent directly to the participants from a Summit Area YMCA employee)
• Demonstrate the ability to perform the following swimming skills in the pre-test:
1. Swim 200 yards continuously (any combination of front crawl and breaststroke). Swim goggles may be used. Stop and tread water for 2 mins in the deep end. Once the two minutes is finished them you will swim the last 50 yards.
2. Retrieve a weighted 10 lb brick from a minimum depth of 7 ft of water and then swim 20 yards on back while holding the weight out of the water. This must be accomplished in 1 minute and 30 seconds. Swim goggles may not be worn.
CPR
This class is designed to teach students how to perform CPR on victims of all ages. Students are also taught how and when to use Automated External Defibrillator (AED), how to use of a barrier device during rescue breathing, and how to relieve a foreign body airway obstruction. In addition, the class covers the cardiac Chain of Survival for all ages.
FIRST AID
This class is designed to provide the skills necessary to effectively assess and maintain life during the critical moments immediately following an emergency. Areas covered during the class include: sudden illness, body wounds, burns, and heat and cold related emergencies. CPR is not covered in the class.
COURSE INFORMATION:
1. ALL blended work (7 ½ hours of online material) must be completed prior to the first class meeting. Participants will have to show printed copy of successful completion certificate in order to continue in the course). This applies to BOTH Certification and Recertification courses. Participants CANNOT continue in the course without presenting the instructor with a successful completion certificate from the American Red Cross. Participants that do not complete the course work prior to the first day of class are NOT eligible for credit or refund of course cost.
2. If you should have ANY ISSUE WITH THE ONLINE COURSE WORK PLEASE CONTACT AMERICAN RED CROSS CUSTOMER SERVICE directly. The Hopkinsville Family YMCA is not responsible for handling technical issues associated with the American Red Cross website or coursework.
3. Participants MUST successfully demonstrate all pre-test requirements consecutively prior to being admitted to the course. It is highly recommended that candidates practice the pre-test requirements prior to the first class session.
4. Bring several towels, 2 bathing suits (if possible), and snacks to each class meeting. It is highly recommended that female participants wear one piece, competitive style bathing suits.
RECERTIFICATION CLASSES ONLY:
Please bring the following materials to the first class:
• Completion certificate from blended learning course.
• Original Lifeguard Certification Card (Class MUST be completed within one month of the expiration date listed on your card. For example, if your certification expires January 21st, entire recertification course must be taken and completed prior to February 21st. Failure to do so will result in having to complete a full 25-hour certification course) - This is Red Cross policy.
• Pocket Mask (must be properly inflated and not defective. Masks will be available for purchase for $20 on the first day of the class if one is forgotten or defective).
WATER AEROBICS
Did you know that you can burn up to 300 calories in one session of aquatics? A person is approximately 40% their weight in the water. This is the perfect place to take it easy on your joints!! Your own "liquid Weight Room." The YMCA aquatics classes are a great place to start with any water exercise. This is instructor led. You will work on stretching, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular exercises.
LAP SWIMMING
Monday - Thursday
