Aquatics

The Y has long served as America's beloved swimming instructor. Whether learning how to swim or taking water exercise classes, members are in safe hands with our certified swimming instructors and lifeguards. Our year-round aquatic programs are about more than just techniques and skills; they are about building friendships, developing self-esteem and creating positive experiences that last a lifetime.

Aquatics Center Locations

Availability of pool, lanes and other features is subject to change based on programmatic needs, staff on-duty and weather conditions.  

Aquatics Offerings

Swim Lessons

Swimming is an important life skill, great exercise and a challenging sport. We are proud to offer swim lessons for all ages. Learn More»

Water Safety Program

As a leader in drowning prevention, the Y offers a variety of swim safety programs for both children and adults. This summer, make the Y your home base for water safety. Learn More»

Lap Swimming

Lap swimming provides a great full-body, low-impact workout that increases aerobic capacity, muscular endurance and flexibility and allows swimmers to work at their own pace. A minimum of 2 lanes are always available for lap swimming, however, additional lanes may be available periodically throughout the day. Please refer to our online and in-app schedules for the most up-to-date hours of availability.

Family Free Swim

During Family Free Swim, we designate an area for recreational swimming, open to all ages. Swimming in this area does not need to be structured like lap swimming. Please refer to our online and in-app schedules for the most up-to-date hours of availability.

Water Fitness

In addition to independent lap swimming, the Y offers an array of aquatic group exercise classes designed for individuals of all ages. Classes are held in both shallow and deep water and led by our certified water fitness instructors. Classes include:

• Aqua Balance and Strength
• Aqua Pilates
• Aqua Yoga
• Aqua Zumba®
• Happy Hinges
• Water Aerobics

Learn More»

Aquatics Guidelines

Lightning/inclement weather policy: 

Weather/Lightning Policies

• Lightning: When lightning strikes within an unsafe distance of the pool, we will close the pool deck and it will remain closed until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike detected in that range.
• Cold Weather: The pool will be closed if the air temperature falls below 40 degrees, and will only reopen when the air temperature exceeds 41 degrees. Additionally, the pool will be closed if the pool water temperature falls below 75 degrees, and will only reopen when the water temperature reaches 75 degrees. 
• Severe Weather: The facility is subject to closure for other instances of extreme weather conditions, as needed.

Pool Usage

• Pool is only open when lifeguard is on duty.
• No food or beverages in pool or on pool wet deck.
• No glass or animals in fenced pool area (or 50 feet from unfenced pool).
• Shower before entering.
• Do not swallow pool water.
• Wear proper swimwear.
• Adult supervision required for children ages 13 & under.
• No running on the pool deck.
• No roughhousing or hanging on lane lines.
• No inflatable items permitted.
• USCG-approved life preservers only.
• Lap swimmers must share the lane if other swimmers are waiting. Split lane or circle swim if more than two swimmers are in a lane.
• No diving.

Swim Test

All children ages 3-13 must take a lifeguard swim test assessment, and at the completion of the assessment will be given a colored band to indicate their skill level. The band must be worn at all times while in the pool area. Swimmers who do not complete the swim test will be deemed at red level or non-swimmer.

• RED LEVEL is a non-swimmer who cannot swim at least half the length of the pool and must wear a USCG-approved life jacket (provided) if not within an arm’s reach of a parent or guardian.
• YELLOW LEVEL can swim at least half the length of the pool and may use designated areas only. Parent or guardian must be present in the Aquatics Center.
• GREEN LEVEL must pass the lifeguard swim test assessment.

Lifeguards may request a re-test at any time to ensure that the child has the appropriate color band. Adult must be in the water with children ages 7 & under, if deemed they are red or yellow level.

Spa Usage (available at Jim & Heather Gills YMCA only)

• Maximum water temperature: 104°F (40°C).
• Children under age 14 may not use the spa.
• Pregnant women, small children, people with health problems and people using alcohol, narcotics or other drugs that cause drowsiness should not use spa pools without first consulting a doctor.
• Maximum use: 15 minutes.
• Shower before entering.
• Wear proper swimwear.
• No food, drink, oils or soaps.
• Spa is only open when lifeguard is on duty.

Slide Usage (available at Jim & Heather Gills YMCA only)

• YELLOW and GREEN level swimmers only.
• Participants must be 4 feet (48”) tall. 
• Feet-first rides only. 
• One rider at a time.

Splash Pad Usage (available at Speer YMCA only)

• No food or beverages in splash pad or on wet deck.
• No glass or animals in the fenced splash pad area.
• Shower before entering splash pad.
• Do not swallow the fountain water as it is recirculated.
• Do not use splash pad if you are ill with diarrhea.
• Wear proper swimwear.
• No running or roughhousing.