Swim Lessons for All
The Y is dedicated to elevating and promoting equity within communities around the country, guaranteeing fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Through this swimming program, parents and caregivers of children with diverse abilities will be given the opportunity to provide their children with the means to learn fundamental water safety and swimming skills in a safe environment. Knowing how to be safe around water is one of the most important life skills we can teach our children. It gives them confidence. And it can save their lives.
The goal of the program is to offer water safety and swimming lessons in a safe, inclusive environment for all participants.
The program is intended for those who are ages 4 years and older with a developmental, intellectual and/or physical disability. Limited spots are available.
What We Teach
Using the evidence-based Y-USA Swim Lesson and Y-USA Safety Around Water curriculums, the YMCA Diverse Abilities Swim Lesson program is designed to reach children at risk of drowning and teach them basic water safety and swimming skills.
Children will be placed in a skill and ability-specific program based on their needs. Learning to stay safe around water may begin at the Y, but it doesn't end there. That's why there is a Family Education Component that reinforces the learning at home and helps children progress more quickly.
To Register
All registrations begin through the Diverse Abilities Swim Lessons Interest List here.
Once someone from the Aquatics department has had the opportunity to review your request and match your participant with an instructor, they will contact you to begin the scheduling process.
If your participant has an Individual Education Program (IEP) and you feel that information would benefit how we can provide the best care for your participant, then please have that ready to email to us, or drop off the information in-person.
Click Here to Sign Up for the Diverse Abilities Swim Lessons Interest List
Diverse Abilities Swim Lessons Information (Downloadable PDF)
Questions? Please contact Camille Wells, Aquatics Coordinator, at [email protected].
Ragsdale YMCA currently offers this program.