The La Crosse Area Family YMCA is the leading provider of swimming lessons in our community. We offer YMCA swimming lessons at both locations throughout the year in our beautiful heated indoor facilities.

Parent-Child Lessons (Ages 6-36 months)
This program is an introduction to the aquatic environment for parents and infants. Parents are encouraged to help develop appropriate expectations for their children's performances in the water and as class participants. The infants learn basic water skills through songs and games, while having fun with toys and using flotation devices.

Youth Preschool Lessons (Ages 3-5)
This program is a child’s first experience in the pool without parental assistance. Children are taught the basic skills of swimming. They learn about pool safety, boating safety, and the use of personal flotation devices. Class ratio is five swimmers to one instructor in Pike-Starfish.
Click here for detailed level descriptions and class offerings

Youth Progressive Lessons (Ages 6-13)
Each skill level builds upon the preceding level, and the seven levels cover competitive and resting strokes, diving fundamentals, and safety skills. Polliwog-Minnow ratio is six swimmers to one instructor. Fish-Shark ratio is eight swimmers to one instructor.
Click here for detailed level descriptions and class offerings

Youth Lessons (Ages 13+)
These lessons are offered to help all ages of swimmers improve their confidence and ability in the water. If you are an adult who is terrified of the water, an adult who would like to give lap swimming a try, a youth (over the age of 13) who has outgrown swimming lessons but still needs to learn swimming strokes, or a youth who doesn't like to get your face wet,  these lessons are prefect for you! Lesson groups are set up with one instructor for every three students. During the 40-minute lesson, each swimmer is given individualized attention and instruction on to how reach their swimming goals. If you are interested in Adult or Youth swimming lessons, please click here to check out our program guide

Private Lessons
Private swim lessons are available at both YMCA locations to help you or any swimmer in your family gain the confidence that is needed to feel comfortable in the water. Swimming lessons are 30-40 minutes long and can be offered in both one-on-one and semi-private settings. Lessons are scheduled to meet your needs and the availability of the pool. If you are interested in private lessons, please contact the Aquatics Director at either YMCA location (YMCA-La Crosse, Brenda Maxwell 608-782-9622 ext. 222 or YMCA-North, Courtney Daniels 608-783-9622 ext. 736) or pick up an interest form at the Member Services Desk.