Aquatics

youth Group Lessons

Each full session is 8 days for 30 minutes/lesson. Any sessions with less than 8 days will be offered at a pro-rated price. Please be mindful of designated ages and levels. Small groups are offered to ensure each swimmer is provided with plenty of one-on-one time.

Fee: Members $52, Non-Members $74

adult Group Lessons

Saturdays | 9:30 AM-10:15 AM

Whether you are new to swimming or want to improve your swimming skills, our experienced instructors will guide you step by step. students will focus on forward movement in the water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently.

Fee: Members $40, Non-Members $50

little bobbers class

Ages 6-24 months | 5:40-6:10 PM | Thursdays

Held in our warm water pool, parents join their child in the water while instructors guide families through songs, games, and simple movements that help little ones become comfortable in the aquatic setting. This class focuses on positive water experiences, early water safety awareness, and building confidence through playful interaction between parents and children.

Fee: Members $31  |  Non-Members $42  

little swimmers class

Ages 2 – 3 yrs | 6:15- 6:45 PM | Thursdays

If your toddler loved Little Bobbers and is ready for the next step, Little Swimmers is the perfect fit. This class focuses on building early independence and confidence in the water through guided games, movement, and basic water play. Classes begin in the shallow lap pool for motor skill activities and then transition to the warm water pool to practice simple water movements. Parents are encouraged to observe from the pool deck, but may join in the water if their child needs extra support.

Fee: Members $31  |  Non-Members $42  

private swim lessons

Lessons can be purchased as a single 30-minute lesson or as a package of 4, 30-minute lessons. Package lessons can be set up for once or twice a week (if you need all 4 lessons in the same week you must speak with the Aquatic Director for approval). Lessons will be set up for the same days and times unless indicated otherwise. Lessons are subject to pool and instructor availability. You will receive a lesson schedule after registration has been completed. Please download form using button below and send back to amckeecfy@gmail.com. 

Fee: Members $25/single, $80/package  |  Non-Members $35/single, $130/package   

The Columbus Youth Swim Club (CYSC) is our competitive swim team with weekly practices and monthly meets. Becoming a member of the YMCA Swim Team means fun, fitness and teamwork. The YMCA swim team is a competitive swim program designed to challenge and grow swimmers both in and out of the water. Trained coaches focus on stroke technique as well as endurance and fitness during practices to improve swimmer’s times as they work toward their end of season goals. The YMCA swim team promotes healthy lifestyles while embracing the four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Swimmers who participate must be able to swim 25 yards (one length) of the pool using both the freestyle and backstroke. Swimmers must know and understand the basic concepts of swimming – this is NOT swimming lessons. Emphasis will be placed upon stroke instruction, endurance, sportsmanship and having fun.

Swim Team has two sessions (see below). Swimmer(s) must register for the first session to be able to swim in the second session. Swim team participants are required to be YMCA member—Nebraska YMCA Swim League policy.

Swimmers must be registered prior to the first meet in October to swim. All new swimmers will swim with a coach the first week of practice to make sure they qualify for the swim team. If for any reason the child is unable to successfully complete the swim, the family will be refunded in full for the cost of the session.

Swim meet SCHEDULE:

October 3rd: Norfolk at 9am
October 11th: Grand Island at 10am
October 17th: Beatrice at 9am
November 7th: Lincoln at 9a
November 14th: HOME at 9am
December 12th: Beatrice at 9am
January 9th: Fremont at 9am
January 24th: Grand Island at 10am
January 30th: Norfolk at 9am
February 6th: Hastings at 10 am
March 13th: Fremont (YMCA State Championships)
March 19th-21st: Regionals

swim Team Clinic

For youth 5-18 years interested in swim team that have NOT previously joined the team. This is a 4-day clinic that simulates what swim team will be like. Additionally, if your child joins Session 1 of Swim Team after the conclusion of the clinic, there is a $10 discount on Session 1. The Parent Meeting will be August 20th at 5:45 PM.

2026 Dates: August 17-20

Time: 4:30-5:30 PM

Cost: Member $40 | Non-member $50

9. Patrons are not permitted to flip from the side of the pool into the water.
10. No diving is permitted in our pool at all, state regs state pools must be at least 9 feet for diving.
11. Children of diaper age must wear an approved swim diaper.
12. Clean balls, diving rings/sticks, noodles, goggles, etc are permitted in the pool. Please be sure each item is clean and in good working condition.
13. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
14. Wrist Band Swim Test a) Any youth wishing to use the pool during Family Open Swim will be asked to take a swim test. Swim tests will test the youth on their swimming ability and areas of the lap pool they are allowed to use. b) Please see the back of this sheet for specifications for the pool test.
15. The YMCA reserves the right to ask anyone to leave the pool/facility for good reason.

Whirl Pool

1. Out of high school and older use only.
2. Please do not submerge or exercise in the whirl pool. This may cause the blood pressure to rise beyond a safe level.
3. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or other medical concerns, you should check with your doctor before using the whirl pool.
4. Do not use the spa/hot tub while under the influence of alcohol, tranquilizers, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or that raise or lower blood pressure.
5. Observe reasonable time limits (that is, 10–15 minutes), then leave the water and cool down before returning for another brief stay.
6. Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
7. Keep all breakable objects out of the area.
8. Water temperature is ≤104ºF.
9. Maximum capacity of 12 persons.

Safety Swim Test

3. If a swimmer cannot complete each of the objectives listed above, they may take the “Yellow Band” shallow water competency test:
   1. Swimmer is placed in a horizontal position on their back by the testing guard.
   2. Swimmer must then stand up (regain a vertical position).
   3. Swimmer is then placed in a horizontal position on their front by the testing guard.
   4. Swimmer must again stand up (regain a vertical position). “Yellow Band” swimmers must stay in water that is armpit deep or less.
4. Those who do not pass the shallow water competency test are considered “Red Band” or “non-swimmers.” Those who decline to take the test are also considered “non-swimmers.” “Red Band” swimmers must stay in water that is armpit deep or less and require active adult supervision with and adult. Active supervision means the adult must be in the water within arm’s reach at all times (1 adult per 2 children ratio).

Notes

• At no time may a child with a Red Band or Yellow Band swim in water deeper than armpit level, unless an adult is within arm’s reach and in the pool (1 adult per 2 children ratio).
• Red Band and Yellow Band swimmers are strongly encouraged to enroll in swimming lessons.
• Intentionally wearing the wrong color safety band results in immediate removal from the pool.
• Remember shallow water is in relationship to the swimmer. The Columbus Family YMCA uses a guideline of water that is armpit deep or less. For small children, the zero entry area may be the best place for them to swim with an adult.
• Final competency includes having the swimmer or parents read all pool rules.