Aquatics: 6 Years and Older

Pollywog

For older children who are not comfortable around water. Focuses on basic skills, coordination and a strong foundational knowledge to help advance to other levels.

 

Guppy

Once able to swim five feet unassisted, kids are ready for rotary breathing and endurance and preparation to learn more advanced strokes.
 

Minnow

For those who can swim a 25-yard front crawl with consistent use of rotary breathing. Upon this foundation, the backstroke and more advanced stroke techniques are taught.

 

Fish

This level teaches breaststroke and endurance to those already able to incorporate solid backstroke skills and complete fifty yards using rotary breathing.
 

Flying Fish

If they've mastered 150 yards without assistance and have good breaststroke skills, they're flying fish. This level teaches the butterfly and also water rescue.
 

Shark

Once swimming at least 200 yards and mastering all four strokes, they are ready for this level, which teaches lifesaving and competitive skills.
 

YMCA Lifeguarding

Applicants must be sixteen or older at time of registration. They will learn first aid and CPR and are required to complete a two-hour practical before final certification is awarded.