Greater Joliet Area YMCA

The YMCA is
America’s Favorite Swim Instructor.
In Y classes, not only are you taught in a caring way how to swim, but you also learn about yourself,
about safety and rescue skills, and about water activities you can enjoy for a lifetime.
Determining Your Child’s Swim Level
To help determine your child’s swim level, please refer to the description of the swim skill levels provided in this spread. Your child must be able to perform
ALL of the skills in the previous level to be enrolled in the next level. Children learn physical skills at different rates, therefore it is very common for
children to repeat the same swim level. If you are unsure of your childs swim level for the next session then re-register them for their current level.
All children will be swim tested on the first day of the session to determine if they are registered for the appropriate class. Instructors reserve the right to
switch any participant who they feel is not enrolled at the appropriate level.
Swim Lesson Instructors
Although we strive for consistency in the teaching staff, there are occasions when a substitute teacher will be necessary. This is a better alternative than
to cancel the lesson. We encourage parents to discuss their child’s swim progress with the swim instructors, however, to help classes start on time please
request an appointment with the instructor if time between classes does not permit for a complete discussion.
Make-up Lessons and Swim Credit
1. Classes missed due to weather, holidays, acts of God, or by choice of the participant
can not be made up, credited, or refunded.
2. If a participant misses a private swim lesson and does not inform the instructor at
least one day prior to the lesson there will be no make-ups or credits given.
3. Participants that withdraw from a swim class for medical reasons will receive a
YMCA credit for the remaining classes if the request is accompanied by a doctor’s
note. All credits are valid for one year.
4. All program fees are non-refundable.
YMCA Swim Lesson Policies and Procedures
1. The first day of each session is reserved for swim testing and evaluations. All appropriate changes will be made to ensure quality instruction
for your child. If you have a question about your child’s swim level after the first day of class please talk to your child’s instructor. Please do not
inquire about your child’s swim level at the front desk.
2. Children will be moved up to the next level once all of the skills in the previous level have been mastered. Many skills in certain levels are
dependent on physical development, strength and coordination. Please remember that each child is unique and develops at his or her own
rate and their progression through these levels vary greatly.
3. Parents please remember that we are trying to keep a clean and healthy environment for your children and our participants. We ask that no
street shoes are worn on our pool deck and that strollers do not come beyond the changing room doors.
4. For your child’s safety, to avoid distractions, and so participants may receive the very best swim instruction, we ask that you observe your child’s
swim classes from our pool observation room. Parents’ Days are held the first and last day of each session. One parent per child may observe
swim class on the pool deck on these days. Additional family members must observe from our observation room. Please dress for warm
temperatures, and remember that street shoes are not permitted on the pool deck.
5. The Aquatics Department reserves the right to cancel and/or combine classes due to low enrollment.
General Pool Rules
1. For your safety, listen and obey the lifeguards at all times.
2. Showers must be taken prior to entering the pool water.
3. Please WALK on the pool deck and surrounding areas at all times.
4. Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back, braided or in a swim cap.
5. Inappropriate behavior, rough housing, horseplay and foul language will NOT be permitted.
6. Please do not spit, blow your nose or go to the bathroom in the pool water.
7. Please do not hang on the lane lines, life rope, ladders or railings.
8. Babies and toddlers that are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers in the water at all times.
9. Persons with open sores, liaisons, wounds and/or have any infectious communicable diseases may not enter the pool water.
10. Street shoes and baby strollers are not allowed on the pool deck or in the wet corridor. Babies may not be left in strollers or
car seats unattended.