Programs & Schedules: AQUATICS

Pool Information | Pool Policies & Procedures | Swim Lessons | Youth Aquatic Classes
Adult Aquatic Classes | Santa Paula Swim Lessons | Swim Team
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DIP and DASH AQUATHON!!
Registration Information
Save the date! Sunday, June 1st will be our first annual Dolphin Dip and Dash Aquathon. Fundraiser to benefit the YMCA Swim Team.
Youth and Adult distances, with a relay option. Great start for those looking to get into triathlons.
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YMCA is America's favorite swimming instructor. Participants of all ages learn to survive in the water and find fun, fitness and self-confidence. The fundamentals of swimming and water safety are taught by trained instructors to build competency and knowledge - an essential in our beach community.
Pool Information
Lap Swim
The large pool is available for lap swim for a generous amount of scheduled hours. See pool schedule for available times. Outside lanes are for relaxed pace swimmers; middle lanes are for faster paced swimmers. When more than two swimmers are in a lane, everyone must circle swim. Please be courteous to other swimmers. Lanes should be used to swim laps. Children may use the lanes to swim laps or lifeguard may designate one lane for a recreation lane. At no time may lap swimmers go over the lane lines.
Open Swim
Open swim is a recreational swim time for all facility members and day guests.
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Pool policies and procedures
Pool Rules
- NO clothes allowed in pool. Swimmers must wear a bathing suit.
- NO diving in either pool.
- No climbing or swimming under handrails in the Therapy pool.
- NO running.
- NO pushing.
- NO throwing people in the air.
- No wrestling, sitting on others shoulders, jumping on others or holding someone under water.
- NO throwing of objects.
- All participants must shower prior to entering the pool.
- Shoulder length hair or longer must be in a swim cap or tied up.
Swimmers Age Policy
Each non-swimmer (swimmer who can't swim across the width of the pool) 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water and in the same pool. Adults can be directly responsible for only 2 non-swimmers at a time. Children 8 and under, after completion of a swim test that will be given by the lifeguard, must have direct and continuous supervision at poolside by an adult. Children ages 9-12 may be in the pool unaccompanied but at no time may the parent leave the building.
Toy Policy
YMCA toys are reserved for classes. Members may bring their own lifeguard-approved toys for use in the water. Members may use our kick boards and noodles, but all toys and fins are used for lessons only. No inflatable items such as water wings or rings will be allowed. Only coast guard approved life jackets are allowed in the pool. If at anytime, you would like to use one of our life jackets the lifeguard will be glad to assist you.
Sauna
Children under 13 are not allowed in the sauna. Proper attire is to be worn in the sauna at all times. Swimsuits that are lined, gym shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are OK. Absolutely no street clothes or shoes. No exercising in the sauna, please. Showers are required after using the sauna and before entering the pool. No paper of any kind is permitted. Please do not pour water on the heating element inside of the sauna.
**Please note that the Lifeguard or any YMCA Director has the authority to enforce these rules and may remove any patron who violates them.
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Swim Lessons
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available for all levels and age groups to accommodate your busy schedule.
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Youth Aquatic Programs
The purpose of the Y Swim Lessons Program is to develop competency in swimming, along with confidence and endurance. The YMCA's Swimming Lessons are an excellent opportunity for your child to build his/her spirit, mind, and body.
Preschool Swim Lessons
Ages: 3 - 5 years Location: Therapy pool
These four levels focus on progression, taking the child from water adjustment to advanced swimming skills with an emphasis on water safety.
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Pike (Non-swimmer)
Water adjustment is the main focus of this level. Non-swimmers will learn to float, kick and breathe in an aquatic setting. By the end of this level, they should be able to put their face in the water, blowing bubbles and know the basic arm movement of freestyle. |
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Eel (Beginner)
More freestyle skills are taught along with unaided floating. Backstroke is introduced along with safety skills and rhythmic breathing. |
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Ray (Intermediate/ Advanced)
Review freestyle skills, improve stroke skills, learn more personal safety and rescue skills, build endurance by swimming on their front and back, and learn to tread water. Breaststroke kick is also introduced. |
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Starfish (Advanced)
This is a transition class from preschool lessons to youth progressive lessons. Class is held in both the lap pool and the therapy pool. Endurance is a focus as well as perfecting rotary breathing for freestyle. |

Youth Progressive Swim Lessons
Ages 6-15 years Location: Lap pool
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Polliwog (Non-swimmer's and Beginners)
This is the beginning level for school-age children. It gets children acquainted with the pool, the use of flotation devices, and front and back floating. By the end of this level, they should know freestyle, backstroke, put be able their face in the water, and swim 15-20 feet without assistance. |
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Guppy (Beginner)
The children continue to practice and build upon basic skills, now performing more skills on their own. They improve on freestyle and backstroke and are introduced to elementary backstroke. More popular water games are taught, as well as some breathing skills. |
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Minnow (Intermediate)
The children further refine the lead-up strokes they have learned as their skills become more streamlined and smooth. Breaststroke is also introduced. They learn still more breathing skills and personal safety. |
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Fish (Advanced)
Swimmers work to perfect freestyle, elementary backstroke, backstroke and sidestroke. They are introduced to the butterfly and flip turns. Increasing endurance is a major focus as well. |
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Flying Fish (Advanced)
At this level, students will continue to improve stroke technique and will be introduced to all the competitive swim strokes and concepts. Throughout all levels, students are taught aquatic safety and rescue skills. Upon completing of this class, participants may join the YMCA swim team. |

Parent/Child Classes
Skipper
6 months - 3 years
Parent and child have the opportunity to spend quality time together.
(30 Minute class)
Perch
2 - 3 years
This is an advanced parent/child class where thechild will learn to float and move through the water without assistance from the parent.
(30 Minute Class)
Gym & Swim
6 months-3 years
This is a one hour class. The gym portion includes fun-filled movement education activities while the water portion is composed of fun activities and songs, and includes an introduction to water safety skills.
Specialty Classes
Wet Ball
We offer both a beginning wet ball class as well as a water polo league where we compete with other YMCA's. Basic skills such as treading, passing, and shooting are taught.
Synchronized Swimming
Swimmers will learn basic synchronized swimming skills such as skulling and treading water. They will also learn moves such as the tub, the dolphin and the plank. Each class will put together a short performance on the last day of the session.
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Adult Aquatic Classes
Adult Lessons
This is a class geared towards non-swimmers and beginners. Classes are offered in the mornings and Tuesday evenings. Please see the pool schedule for specific info. Adult swim lessons are included in your YMCA membership and are on a drop-in basis. Adult lessons are also sold for community members.
Adult Stroke Refinement and Swim Conditioning
A coached workout that focuses on overall endurance and stroke refinement. For lap swimmers who would like instruction and guidance, fitness swim is ideal. These workouts will improve your strokes, times, fitness level and self-confidence in a fun, social setting.
W.E.T. (Water Exercise Training)
Exercise to lively, upbeat music in a sociable environment. This class provides a complete fitness routine that places an emphasis on cardiovascular endurance while incorporating strength and flexibility components. Ideal for individuals seeking an exercise option that is easy on the joints, yet challenging. This is a fun and efficient workout for the swimmer and non-swimmer alike. Classes are on a drop-in basis.
Poolates™
Based on the popular class Pilates, Poolates™ takes place in the water to offer a low-impact exercise routine with all the benefits of Pilates. Developed by Rebecca Pfeiffer, JD, MPH, Poolates™ uses the buoyancy and resistance of water to strengthen muscles, enhance flexibility and posture, sharpen coordination and balance, and relax the body and soul. The class takes place in our 93 degree therapy pool.
Prenatal/Postnatal Aqua Fit
This aerobics class is specially designed for moms-to-be and provides a great way to stay in shape in a gravity-free environment.
Free to members.
Twinges in the Hinges
This warm water exercise program is designed to ease pain, tone muscles and improve joint mobility. Both the Arthritis Foundation and the YMCA certify all instructors. The class is structured in monthly sessions. New classes begin the first week of each month, although you can join at any time. Classes are offered both in the mornings and evenings throughout the week.
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Santa Paula SUmmer Swim Program
The Ventura Family YMCA hosts swim lessons at Santa Paula High School each summer. Swim Lessons range from beginner to Swim Team.
Session Dates:
- June 23rd-July 3rd
- July 7th-July 18th
- July 21-August1st
- August 4th-August 15th
Registration Dates: (at the Santa Paula High School Pool)
Saturday, June 7th at 10:00-12:00
Saturday, June 14th at 10:00-12:00
-OR-
REGISTER ONLINE
Swim Team:
June 23rd- August 7th Monday-Thursday 12:00-1:00
Swim Meets: July 12th, July 19th, August 2nd
Recreation Swim:
All Ventura YMCA members full-facilty members may use the pool for Rec. Swim and Lap Swim for FREE. Non-Members Recreation Swim is $2 per person. Children must be 13 or older to use the pool without an adult present. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Monday-Friday 1:00 PM-3:00 PM and 4:30 PM- 5:30 PM
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Swim Team
Visit the Swim Team page >
Dolphin Swim Team
A novice swim team where the emphasis is placed on participation, technique, character development, team building and having fun. Swim test must be given in order to place child in appropriate level.
- Winter Season: January-March
- Spring/Summer Season: May-July
- Fall Season: September-November
Novice- Ages 6 and Up
All new swimmers with no prior competitive swimming experience and returning swimmers who need a little extra stroke development. Swimmers must demonstrate correct stroke form before competing in swim meets. Swim meets are optional.
- 20 minute land warm up outside before an hour of swimming.
Intermediate I-Ages 8 and Up
Swimmers with good stroke mechanics and strong desire to compete.
Coach approval required.*
Intermediate II-Ages 9 and Up
Swimmers with good stroke mechanics and strong desire to compete.
Coach approval required.*
- 30 minutes land warm up outside followed by an hour of swimming.
Juniors- Ages 11 and Up
Swimmers 11 years old & up who want to compete in high school and are able to keep up with advanced workout pace.
Coach approval required.
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