Safe confident swimmers start at the Y. We offer swim lessons for ages 6 months and up for all levels. Sign up for swim lessons at the Meriden YMCA.
Youth Swim Lessons
- Spring II: May 9 - June 27, 2026
- Summer: July 11 - August 22, 2026
- Full Member Fee: $103
- Program Member Fee: $133
- Scroll down for youth swim class levels and descriptions
- Call 203-235-6386 for times
Adult Swim Lessons
It’s never too late to learn to swim. Join us for beginner group lessons for ages 18 and older.
- Spring I: March 7 – April 18, 2026
- Spring II: May 9 - June 27, 2026
- Summer: July 11 - August 22, 2026
- Day/Time: Saturday 11:20 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
- Full Member Fee: $100
- Program Member Fee: $130
Registration
- If you have an up to date membership call us at (203) 235-6386 and register over the phone.
- If you do not have a Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA membership please visit the Meriden YMCA Welcome Center.
- Financial Assistance - The Y removes financial barriers by providing scholarships to those that qualify. We want everyone to be part of our community regardless of income or financial situation. Financial assistance is available for membership and for swim lessons for qualifying individuals and families. Applications are available at our Front Desk. Contact the Welcome Center for details at (203) 235.6386.
Swim Class Levels and Descriptions
Swim Starters - For ages 6 months to 36 months (Children participate with a parent in the water)
- A/Water Discovery: Introduction to the aquatic environment through exploration & fun while learning about the water.
- B/Water Exploration: Exploring body positions in the water, floating, blowing bubbles, & fundamental safety skills.
Preschool Swim Lessons - For ages 3 to 5
- Stage 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 the child future progress in swimming.
- Stage 2/Water Movement: 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 3/Water Stamina: 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.
School Age Swim Lessons - For ages 6 - 10 and 10 & over
- Stage 1/Water Acclimation: Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming.
- Stage 2/Water Movement: Students focus on body position & control, directional change, & 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 3/Water Stamina: 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 4/Stroke Introduction: 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.
- Stage 5/Stroke Development: Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues.