All ages/Aquatics/Overview information page
Somerset Valley YMCA – Hillsborough, Somerville, RVCC and Bridgewater
All ages/Aquatics/Overview
YMCA AQUATIC PHILOSOPHY
The goal of YMCA Aquatics, as in all YMCA programs, is to teach the values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility while helping participants grow spiritually, mentally and physically.
YMCA programs seek to help individuals and families:
Grow Personally - We encourage people to set personal goals and work toward them through programs structured to help develop healthy self images.
Clarify Values - Programs provide opportunities for reflection on personal values and the relationship between stated values and actual behavior. There is an emphasis on the match of individuals and values.
Improve Personal and Family Relationships - The YMCA helps people develop cooperative attitudes and communication skills through programs for individuals and families.
Appreciate Diversity - Programs encourage diversity of thought, cultures, religions and ethnic traditions leading to communication and understanding among all people.
Become Better Leaders and Supporters - In YMCA programs, shared leadership and support are basic organizational principles which are taught, practiced and encouraged.
Develop Specific Skills - The development of individual skills are essential in accomplishing personal goals and improving confidence and self-esteem.
Have Fun - Fun, enjoyment and laughter are essential qualities of all programs and contribute to people feeling good about themselves.
At the Somerset Valley YMCA facilities, we offer the following aquatic programs:
Learn to Swim – for all ages (SKIPPERS, Progressive, and Adult programs)
Competitive Swimming - Ages 6 yrs. and up
Stroke Clinics – to improve competitive swimming skills, for all competitive swimmers - Ages 6 – 19 yrs.
Learn to Dive – for ages 6 yrs. and up
Competitive Diving for ages 8 – 19 yrs.
Aquatic Exercise – for ages 16 and up. This includes Aquatic Exercise, Arthritis Therapy (AFYAP), Deep Water Arthritis Therapy, Ai Chi, Water Walking, Water Pilates, Deep Water Exercise.
GuardStart – a Lifeguard preparation course for ages 11 – 14 yrs.
Lifeguard Certification – Ages 15 and up.
Water Safety Instructor Certification – This certification prepares candidates to teach swimming and water safety materials – Ages 16 and up.
We also offer the following certification classes:
CPR for the Professional Rescuer
Automated External Defibrillation
Oxygen Administration
Standard First Aid
YMCA LEARN to SWIM PHILOSOPHY
The purpose of our programs is to enhance an individual’s spiritual, mental and physical development through aquatics. YMCA aquatic programs focus on health and physical fitness. The programs are designed to develop swimming skills, develop strokes and introduce competitive swimming, diving and synchronized swimming. Also, the swimming programs challenge cognitive abilities to help increase mental development. Personal growth is achieved through new aquatic skills and safety discussions. Finally, spiritual development is obtained through positive reinforcement and enthusiasm put into the classes. Classes explore positive ways to handle problematic situations, and encourage students to work together. Spiritual, mental and physical development is stressed in each class over the course of the session.
Learn to Swim Program
The Learn to Swim program is broken into 3 areas, SKIPPERS, Progressive, and Adult. The SKIPPERS program is for youth from 6 months through 6 years old. Children can start in the water at 6 months with their parents. We offer 3 parent/child aquatic classes, Skip, Perch +, and Pike with Parent. At 3 years of age children can take lessons on their own beginning with the Pike program and progressing through Eel, Rays, and Starfish. All SKIPPERS classes are 30 minutes long; and where possible, conducted in our warmer pools.
At age 6, children in the SKIPPERS program, or children new to the aquatic program will take the Progressive Aquatic Classes. These classes are 45 minutes long and conducted in our competition size pools. The progressive classes begin with the Polliwog level and progress through Guppy, Minnow, Fish, Flying Fish, Shark, and Porpoise Club. Children who complete the Fish class and are interested in competitive swimming may want to try the Introduction to Competitive swimming class. Students completing the Porpoise Club who are looking for more refinement and or endurance of their strokes, may take the Stroke Mechanics class. Porpoise Club, Stroke Mechanics, and Introduction to Competitive Swimming are 1 hour in length.
For people 15 years and above, we have adult lessons at the Beginner and Intermediate levels. For Adults who would like to progress beyond the intermediate level, learn how to get a better aquatic workout, or may be interested in competition with other adults, we offer the Masters Swim Program.
PROGRAM DESIGN
The YMCA LEARN TO SWIM programs, SKIPPERS, Progressive, and Adult, are made up of various levels which are described below. At each level, students are engaged in activities related to each of the following five components:
- Personal Safety - The main goal is for participants to learn survival skills and be safety conscious around water.
- Stroke Development - The main goal of this section is for students to set goals to perfect strokes and build strength and endurance.
- Water Sports and Games - Water sports and games are included at all levels to help develop skills, stamina, self-confidence and to focus on team work.
- Personal Growth - Instructors help students to set personal goals and lead discussions concerning values and leadership in areas such as safety.
5. Rescue - Basic non-swimming rescues can be performed even by young children and are introduced at each level including safety discussions concerning pool-related emergency procedures and basic first aid.
