SWIM
LESSONS
We look forward to working with you to meet your swimming goals. Please read the following information regarding lessons at our facility.
For your specific lesson day and time, please refer back to your confirmation receipt email that was sent to you immediately after registering for lessons.
Reminder of our policy/procedures to help ensure our child safety initiatives.
Anyone aged 11 or younger must enter and be accompanied with an adult until you get to your class.
12 and over can enter the building on their own.
Everyone must check in at the front desk.
If you are a Y member, simply scan your card and head to the Party Room.
If you are a non- member, please check in at the front desk each time before heading to class.
Please check in at the Entrance D located at the north end of the building by the Masonic Temple.
Your swimmer will need to have their photo taken for their YMCA account before the first day of swim lessons for security purposes and in the case of a substitute swim instructor. Please stop by the Member Service Desk to have their photo taken today.
Parents are allowed on deck the first and last day of classes only. You may observe the lesson from the Lobby Area above the pool area. An adult is required in the water for Parent/Child classes.
The lessons are 40-minutes in length. Swim Instructors use a variety of instructional aides to assist participants in the learning process.
We have a Universal Locker Room available for families. Showers are community, please shower with your swimsuit on. Please be timely when using changing rooms to allow others to use them.
Lock your items in lockers. Do not leave your items in the changing rooms.
If you have questions please contact me, I am happy to assist you.
Happy Swimming! Lori Kleist
Regional Executive Director of Aquatics
Thank you for enrolling in Group Swim Lessons at YMCA of the Chippewa Valley – Eau Claire South Branch. We look forward to working with you to meet your swimming goals. Please read the following information regarding lessons at our facility.
For your specific lesson day and time, please refer back to your confirmation receipt email that was sent to you immediately after registering for lessons.
Please check in at the Main Entrance member service desk.
Your swimmer will need to have their photo taken for their YMCA account before the first day of swim lessons for security purposes and in the case of a substitute swim instructor. Please stop by the Member Service Desk to have their photo taken today.
Parents are allowed on deck for the first and last day of classes only. You may observe lessons from the large TV around the back of the front desk. An adult is required in the water for Parent/Child classes.
The lessons are 40-minutes in length. Swim Instructors use a variety of instructional aides to assist participants in the learning process.
We have a very small family changing room on the pool deck which will become very busy between lessons. Please plan to arrive with swimmers in their swimsuits. If possible, use the gender appropriate locker room showers and changing areas with a parent/guardian, or stay in swimsuits for your travel home.
Lock your items in lockers. Do not leave your items unattended at any time.
If you have questions please contact me, I am happy to assist you.
Happy Swimming!
Corey Mukai
Aquatics Director
Eau Claire South YMCA
Thank you for registering your child in our lessons. We look forward to working with them to meet their swimming goals.
To see your child's specific lessons day and time, please refer back to the confirmation receipt you were emailed upon registering. If you are unable to locate that email, or have further questions, please contact our service desk at 715-723-2201.
Please observe swim lessons from the viewing area, not on deck. Tables and chairs are available in the viewing area.
To always receive the most up-to-date information about the YMCA, please download the YMCA360 App, check our Facebook page, or check our website.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact me: I am happy to assist you. See you in the pool!
Sincerely, Michelle Stolt
Program Director - Aquatics & Evidence Based Health Initiatives
Chippewa Falls YMCA
Are you thinking about enrolling in swimming lessons? If so, you have come to the right place. The Y introduced the country to the concept of group swim lessons more than 100 years ago, (1909), and each year, the Y teaches more than a million people invaluable water safety and swimming skills. Expand the menu options below to learn more about the lessons offered at our YMCA facilities and to find a class to register for.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
Builds basic water skills for both parents and children, helping infants and young children ages 6 months to about 3 years become comfortable in the water, so they are willing and ready to learn to swim. These basic skills include adjusting to the water environment, showing comfort while maintaining a front or back position in the water, and demonstrating breath control, including blowing bubbles or voluntarily submerging under water.
Accompanied by an adult, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences, while parents learn about water safety, drowning prevention, and the importance of supervision around water.
Parent & Child Stage 1 (6 months-1 year with an adult)
Prerequisites: be at least 6 months old by the first day of class.
Skills Learned at this Stage: In a fun learning environment, participants explore the water, swimming readiness skills, and basic aquatic safety with parental support. Parents are educated on water safety techniques to enjoy the water with their child. Children must wear a swim diaper.
Getting wet with toys and kicking
Submerging mouth, nose, and eyes
How to call for help and the importance of knowing first aid and CPR
Enter water by lifting in and walking in
Front and back floats and glides
Out-of-water and in-water exploration
Roll from front to back and back to front
Basic water safety rules
Exit water by lifting out and walking out
Passing from instructor to parent
General water safety around the home
Blowing bubbles on the surface
Leg actions on front and back
Recreational water illnesses
Blowing bubbles with mouth and nose submerged
The importance of wearing a life jacket
Sun safety
Underwater exploration
Parent & Child Stage 2 (Ages 1-3 years old with an adult)
Prerequisites: be at least 1 year old by the first day of class.
Skills Learned at this Stage: In a fun learning environment, participant demonstrates with support exploring the water, safety around water, blowing bubbles, exploring submerging, front and back floats, and arm and leg actions. Continued parent education on water safety techniques to enjoy the water with their child. Children must wear a swim diaper.
Enter the water in a seated position and by rolling over from a seated position and sliding in
Bobbing
Combined arm and leg actions on front with breathing
Front and back floats and glides
Enter water by stepping in, jumping in, and using a ladder or stairs
Front glide to the wall
Combined arm and leg actions on back
Roll from front to back and back to front
Wearing a life jacket in the water
Exploring the pool (in shallow water)
Passing between adults
Reaching assists
Using the side of the pool and a ladder to exit
Drafting with breathing
Basic water safety rules review
Opening eyes and retrieving objects below the surface
Alternating or simultaneous leg actions on front and back
Safety at the beach and at the waterpark
Opening eyes and retrieving submerged objects
Alternating or simultaneous arm actions on front and back
Water toys and their limitations
Gives young children about ages 3 – 5 years a positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience that emphasizes water safety, survival, and foundational swimming concepts. Skills are age-appropriate, helping participants achieve success on a regular basis while in a class environment with their peers.
For children 3- 5 years old. Gives young children a positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience that emphasizes water safety, survival, and foundational swimming concepts. Skills are age-appropriate, helping participants achieve success on a regular basis while in a class environment with their peers.
Preschool Level 1 (Ages 3-5 years)
Prerequisites: Child must be able to stand in the shallow end of the pool (depth = 2 feet 6 inches).
Skills Learned at this Stage: First swim lesson without a parent in water; designed for beginner swimmers. Familiarize how to enter and exit the water safely, breath control, submerging, supported front and back floats, supported arm and leg actions on front and back. Develop positive attitudes and safe practices in and around water. Children must wear a swim diaper if not toilet trained.
Enter and exit water using ladder, steps, or side
Back glide
Staying safe around aquatic environments
Blowing bubbles through mouth and nose
Roll from front to back and back to front
Recognizing the lifeguards
Submerging mouth, nose, and eyes
Treading with arm and hand actions
Don’t just pack it, wear your jacket
Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged objects
Alternating and simultaneous leg actions on front and back
Recognizing an emergency
Front glide and recover to a vertical position
Alternating and simultaneous arm actions on front and back
How to call for help
Back float and recover to a vertical position
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
Too much sun is no fun
Preschool Level 2 (Ages 3-5 years)
Prerequisites: Complete Preschool Level 1
Skills Learned at this Stage: Participants are comfortable in the water, build on and improve skills of water safety, breath control for 5 seconds, submerging, front and back floats with minimal assistance for 15 seconds, arm and leg actions on front and back with minimal assistance for 2 body lengths.
Enter water by stepping in
Roll from front to back and back to front
Don’t just pack it, wear your jacket
Exit water using ladder, steps or side
Tread water using arm and leg actions
Recognizing an emergency
Bobbing
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
How to call for help
Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged objects
Finning arm action on back
Too much sun is no fun
Front and back floats and glides
Staying safe around aquatic environments
Recover from a front and back float or glide to a vertical position
Recognizing the lifeguards
Preschool Level 3 (Ages 3-5 years)
Prerequisites: Complete Preschool Stage 2
Skills Learned at this Stage: Participants submerge comfortably in chest deep water and swim on front and back independently 3 body lengths. Build endurance and independence in gliding on front and back, front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, and treading water. Water safety skills are reinforced. Must be school age to move to Learn To Swim Levels.
Enter water by jumping in
Change the direction of travel while swimming on front or back
Recognizing an emergency
Fully submerging and holding breath
Tread water using arm and leg actions
How to call for help
Bobbing
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
Too much sun is no fun
Front, jellyfish, and tuck floats
Finning arm action on back
Look before you leap
Back float and glide
Staying safe around aquatic environments
Think so you don’t sink
Recover from a front and back float or glide to a vertical position
Don’t just pack it, wear your jacket
Reach or throw, don’t go
Based on a logical, six-level progression that helps swimmers about 6 – 13 years of age develop their water safety, survival and swimming skills. It is designed to give participants a positive learning experience.
Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills (Ages 6-13 years) Prerequisites: for children who are not yet able/comfortable submerging underwater. Skills Learned at this Stage: Designed for participants uncomfortable in water or with limited swimming experience. Explore water safety and basic swimming skills, such as: submerging, supported front and back floats, rolling front to back and back to front, gliding, kicking, front crawl arms, and jumping in.
Enter and exit water using ladder, steps, or side
Roll from front to back and back to front
Don’t just pack it, wear your jacket
Blow bubbles through mouth and nose
Tread water using arm and hand actions
Recognizing an emergency
Bobbing
Alternating and simultaneous leg actions on front and back
How to call for help
Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged objects
Alternating and simultaneous arm actions on front and back
Too much sun is no fun
Front and back glides and back float
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
Recover to a vertical position from a front glide and back float or glide
Staying safe around aquatic environments
Recognizing the lifeguards
Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills (Ages 6-13 years) Prerequisites: Complete Level 1 Skills Learned at this Stage: Designed for participants unable to travel 2 body lengths with minimal assistance. Focus is building independence, good body control and position, forward movement, and water safety. Introduces rotary breathing, prolonged front floats, treading water, and elementary backstroke.
Enter water by stepping or jumping from the side
Recover from a front and back float or glide to a vertical position
Don’t just pack it, wear your jacket
Exit water using ladder, steps or side
Roll from front to back and back to front
Recognizing an emergency
Fully submerge and hold breath
Change the direction of travel while swimming on front or back
How to call for help
Bobbing
Tread water using arm and leg actions
Too much sun is no fun
Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged objects
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
Look before you leap
Front, jellyfish, and tuck floats
Finning arm action on back
Think so you don’t sink
Front and back glides and back float
Staying safe around aquatic environments
Reach or throw, don’t go
Level 3: Stroke Development (Ages 6-13 years) Prerequisites: Complete Level 2 Skills Learned at this Stage: Must be able to float on front and back independently for 10 seconds to enroll. Skills are performed independently, improving coordination of previous skills with longer distance in deep water. Introduces front crawl, breaststroke kick, dolphin kick, elementary backstroke, and scissor kick.
Enter water by jumping from the side
Back float
Scissors kick
Headfirst entry from the side in sitting and kneeling positions
Change from vertical to horizontal position on front and back
Reach or throw, don’t go
Tread water
Think twice before going near cold water or ice
Bobbing while moving toward safety
Push off in a streamlined position then begin flutter and dolphin kicks on front
Rotary breathing
Look before you leap
Survival float
Front crawl and elementary backstroke
Level 4: Stroke Improvement (Ages 6-13 years) Prerequisites: Complete Level 3 Skills Learned at this Stage: Swimmers must be able to swim front crawl and elementary backstroke independently 15 yards to enroll. Builds endurance in front crawl, elementary backstroke, treading water with modified scissor kick. Introduces backcrawl, sidestroke, turns at wall, butterfly, breaststroke, and feet-first surface dive.
Headfirst entry from the side in compact and stride positions
Front crawl and backstroke open turns
Reach or throw, don’t go
Tread water using 2 different kicks
Recreational water illnesses
Swim underwater
Front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and butterfly
Think so you don’t sink
Feetfirst surface dive
Look before you leap
Survival swimming
Push off in a streamlined position then begin flutter and dolphin kicks on back
Level 5: Stroke Refinement (Ages 6-13 years) Prerequisites: Complete Level 4 Skills Learned at this Stage: Swimmers must be able to swim front and back crawl 25 yards to enroll. Builds endurance and refines breaststroke, sidestroke, front crawl, back crawl, butterfly, elementary backstroke, and treading water. Introduces head-first surface dive, front crawl and back crawl flip turns, and importance of CPR/First Aid.
Shallow-angle dive from the side
Front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly
Reach or throw, don’t go
Shallow-angle dive from the side then glide and begin a front stroke
Look before you leap
Standard scull
Think so you don’t sink
Tuck and pike surface dives
How to call for help and the importance of knowing first aid and CPR
Think twice before going near cold water or ice
Front flip turn and backstroke flip turn while swimming
Wave, tide or ride, follow the guide
Tread water
Recreational water illnesses
Level 6: Swimming & Skill Proficiency (Ages 6-13 years) Prerequisites: Complete Level 5 Skills Learned at this Stage: Swimmers must be able to swim 50 yards front crawl and elementary backstroke to enroll. Builds endurance and refines front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, butterfly, and sidestroke. Introduces butterfly and breaststroke turns, feet-first surface dive, retrieval of object from deep water, and personal water safety. Encourage Junior Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Aide as future courses.
Refines the strokes so participants swim them with ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over greater distances.
Level 6 is designed with “menu” options that focus on preparing participants for lifetime fitness and safety, as well as more advanced courses, such as the Water Safety Instructor course, or other aquatic activities, including competitive swimming or diving. Options include:
Personal Water Safety.
Fitness Swimmer.
Fundamentals of Diving.
Extended Learn to Swim Lessons - Chippewa Falls YMCA
In this class, kids will keep building confidence in deep water, improve coordination, and gain endurance while working on strokes like front crawl, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, elementary backstroke, and scissor kick. They’ll also get to practice diving skills and progressions.
This program is perfect for kids who want a little extra pool time and practice beyond their regular once-a-week lesson. It’s a great fit for swimmers who are at Learn to Swim Levels 2, 3, or 4 and can float on their back for at least 10 seconds.
Wednesdays & Friday, January 4-February 21
TIME: 5:15-5:55 PM
Registration: Members: Dec 7 | Dec 14
Registration link coming soon
Chippewa Falls YMCA - Mini Swim Lesson Sessions meet 3 times a week for 1 week at a time. To find an upcoming mini session, click below!
Preschool Mini Session - Click Here for Lessons
Prerequisite: ages 3-5. Swimming without parent in water; designed for beginner swimmers. Familiarize how to enter and exit the water safely, breath control, submerging, supported front and back floats, supported arm and leg actions on front and back. Develop positive attitudes and safe practices in and around water.
Upcoming Session: January 19-23 - Register
Registration: Members: Dec 7 | Non-Members: Dec 14
Learn to Swim Mini Session - Click Here For Lessons
Prerequisite: age 6-13. Designed for participants to move the length of the pool. Developing strong kicks, rotary breathing, and endurance. Introducing breaststroke, and butterfly, flip turns and learning the progression of diving.
Upcoming Session: January 19-23 - Register
Registration: Members: Dec 7 | Non-Members: Dec 14
For Chippewa Falls YMCA Early Learning Children ONLY.
A HUGE perk of having your child enrolled at the YMCA Early Learning Community is that they can go to swim lessons while in our care! Their teacher will bring them to and from lessons.
The Chippewa Falls YMCA is excited to offer swim lessons to the children in our School-Age Child Care program at the Chippewa Falls YMCA. Instructors will come and get the children from the Afterschool Program and take them to the pool for lessons.
Upcoming session: January 4-February 21
Registration: Members: Dec 7 | Non-Member: Dec 14
For swimmers who have taken swim lessons before.
WHEN: January 5-22, 2026
LOCATION: Eau Claire South YMCA & Eau Claire Downtown YMCA
COST: Members $30 | Non-Members $40
REGISTRATION: Members: Dec 14 at 7 AM | Non Members: Dec 21 at 7 AM
Preschool | Ages 3 – 5 years.
Preschool Levels 1 – 3.
3-week session, 1 lesson per week, 40-minute class. The academy is designed to further develop basic aquatic skills, floating, and stroke development for swim-readiness or level advancement. Swimmers will be organized into 2-3 groups based on skill.
Eau Claire South YMCA
Monday, 4:30-5:10 PM
Tuesday, 5:25-5:55 PM
Thursday, 4:30-5:15 PM or 6:00-6:40 PM
Eau Claire Downtown YMCA
Monday, 5:30-6:10 PM or 6:15-6:55 PM
Tuesday, 5:45-6:25 PM or 6:30-7:10 PM
Wednesday, 5:30-6:10 PM or 6:15-6:55 PM
Thursday, 5:45-6:25 PM or 6:30-7:10 PM
Youth | Ages 6 – 13 years
Learn To Swim Levels 1 – 4.
3-week session, 1 lesson per week, 40-minute class. The academy is designed to further develop basic aquatic skills, floating, and stroke development for swim-readiness or level advancement. Swimmers will be organized into 2-3 groups based on skill.
Eau Claire South YMCA
Tuesday, 4:30-5:15 PM or 6:00-6:40 PM
Thursday, 5:15-5:55 PM
Eau Claire Downtown YMCA
Monday, 5:30-6:10 PM or 6:15-6:55 PM
Tuesday, 5:45-6:25 PM or 6:30-7:10 PM
Wednesday, 5:30-6:10 PM or 6:15-6:55 PM
Thursday, 5:45-6:25 PM or 6:30-7:10 PM
Adult & Teen Swim Lessons
Designed to help participants 16 years and older gain basic aquatic skills and swimming strokes to improve proficiency. Individuals choosing Beginner Swim Lessons may have a fear of the water, have very little to no swimming skills, and are ready to take the first step toward learning to swim. You will work toward your own personal goals while working on water adjustment, gaining confidence, floating, basic swimming skills, and basic personal safety skills.
Adult & Teen Swim Class - Chippewa Falls YMCA
This class is designed for any swimmer looking to brush up on skill and get in a work out.
Fridays, January 4-February 21, 5:00-6:00 PM
Registration: Members: Dec 7 | Dec 14
Registration link coming soon
Senior Lap Swim Workshop - Eau Claire South YMCA
Are you interested in exploring lap swimming or looking to make your swimming more efficient? Join Randy Mundt for our Senior Lap Swim Workshop offered monthly!
In a small group format, Randy will give you feedback on your technique and guide you to improve your swimming in a variety of strokes. Front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke will all be discussed as Randy assists you on your swimming journey. He will also recommend tools and equipment, in addition to giving direction on planning and making workouts.
Open to anyone over the age of 30 who wants to lap swim better! The only tools you’ll need are a swimsuit and goggles!
WORKSHOP ARE OFFERED MONTHLY ON THURSDAYS, FROM 10:00-10:45 AM.
COST: Members: $36 | Non-Members: $45
Registration Required - Click Here
Questions? Contact Corey M at (715) 861-6875 or cmukai@ymca-cv.org
Private lessons are 1:1 ratio with an experienced Swim Instructor within a 30-minute lesson. Semi-Private lessons are 3:1 ratio with an experienced Swim Instructor for 30 minutes. Lessons are available for all levels, ages 3 to adult, and are arranged to fit your schedule based on pool availability. Participants work on swimming skills appropriate for their ability and in accordance with their individual goals.
PRICING:
Private lessons
Members: 5 lessons: $147 | 10 lessons: $242
Non-Members: 5 lessons: $183 | 10 lessons: $329
Semi-private lessons
Members: 5 lessons: $182 | 10 lessons: $333
Non-Members: 5 lessons: $254 | 10 lessons: $467
**Only purchase lessons once you have an instructor assigned to your lesson.**
Chippewa Falls YMCA Request Form
Eau Claire Downtown YMCA Request Form
SESSION INFORMATION
Lesson days and times listed in the session brochure are subject to change. Please click through to the registration site to see available lessons. Questions? Call your Member Service Desk.
Chippewa Falls YMCA
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FALL 2: October 26-December 20, 2025
- No Lessons November 24-30, 2025
- WINTER 1: January 4-February 21, 2026
- REGISTER: Members: Dec 7 | Non-Members: Dec 14
- MINI SESSION: January 19-23, 2026
- REGISTER: Members: Dec 7 | Non-Members: Dec 14
- WINTER 2: February 22-April 11, 2026
- REGISTER: Members: Feb 8 | Non-Members: Feb 15
Eau Claire Downtown YMCA
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FALL 2: October 26-December 20, 2025
- No Lessons November 24-30, 2025
- WINTER: January 25-March 14, 2026
- REGISTER: Members: Jan 11 | Non-Members: Jan 18
Eau Claire South YMCA
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FALL 2: October 26-December 20, 2025
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No Lessons November 24-30, 2025
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WINTER: January 25-March 14, 2026
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REGISTER: Members: Jan 11 | Non-Members: Jan 18
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Your swimmer will need to have their photo taken for their YMCA account before the first day of swim lessons for security purposes and in the case of a substitute swim instructor. Please stop by the Member Service Desk to have their photo taken today.
Our Red Cross Swim Lesson Curriculum is a core group of aquatic skills every person needs to be safe around water. Students begin with and build upon skills they are ready to learn, helping them to celebrate their successes, build self-confidence, and enjoy learning to swim and water safety. We have compiled together a list of reasons why you should enroll in swimming lessons at the Y today.
1. Swimming is something you can do at any age.
This activity is something that lasts a lifetime and you can always improve it. Expose your child to swimming now and they will have a recreational, aerobic activity that they can continue to enjoy throughout the rest of their lives.
2. Be safe, since 71% of the world is water.
With those statistics, drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. Swimming lessons teach important safety skills to prevent drowning, which is the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death among youth.
3. Going to the beach or sending your child to summer camp?
Signing yourself or your kids up for swimming lessons will help improve confidence around the water year-round.
4. Swimming is good exercise.
Swimming is a fun and challenging way to help children and adults stay fit!
5. Swimming helps kids do better in school.
Swimming has been scientifically linked to better academic performance. Studies have found that children who swim during their developmental years achieve several physical and mental milestones faster than their non-swimming counterparts.
6. Swim lessons can help improve self-confidence.
Humans love mastering a new skill and take great pride in their achievements. Success always boosts self-confidence and makes us eager to take on further challenges.
7. Swim lessons can lead to other new adventures.
Swim lessons at any age can lead to the confidence one needs to try new activities. Whether you personally want to try something new like a new group exercise class or want to get your child involved in new adventures, swim lessons can be a great starting point.