2026 Swim Lessons will start:

  • The week of September 27th

Registration will begin on:

  • Monday, 9/7 for Family Members
  • Wednesday, 9/9 for Youth Members
  • Friday, 9/11 for Non-Members

2026 Group Swim Lesson Prices:

Swim lessons will continue to be free for the next sesison that begins in September. Please check the FAQ below

All group lessons run for 8 weeks, meeting for 30 minutes once a week.

Free Swim Lesson FAQ

Swim lesson days of the week and times are subject to change from session to session.

PROGRESSIVE GROUP SWIM LESSONS

Need a flexible schedule or feel more comfortable with a more individual setting? Check out our one on one swim lessons option.

The Cortland County Family YMCA offers a variety of progressive group lessons for all abilities! Swimmers will work with instructors in smaller groups, with placement based on their age and ability.

Swim lessons are changing for 2026! Please review the schedule below and see lesson descriptions.

Register Here!

Sunday Afternoons:

  • 2:00-2:30pm: Level 3/4-Water Stamina/Stroke Introduction (ages 6+)
  • 2:35-3:05pm: Preschool Level 1-Water Acclimation CAREGIVERS IN THE WATER (ages 2-5)
  • 3:10-3:40pm: Level 2-Water Movement (ages 6+)

Monday Afternoons:

  • 4:00-4:30pm: Stage B-Water Exploration (ages 0-2)
  • 4:35-5:05pm: Stage A-Water Discovery (ages 0-2)
  • 5:10-5:40pm: Level 3/4-Water Stamina/Stroke Introduction (ages 6+)

Tuesday Afternoons:

  • 4:00-4:30pm: Preschool Level 2-Water Movement (ages 3-5)
  • 4:35-5:05pm: Preschool Level 1-Water Acclimation (ages 3-5)
  • 5:10-5:40pm: Level 5/6-Stroke Development/Stroke Mechanics MEETS Tuesday and Thursdays for 4 weeks (ages 6+)

Wednesday Afternoons:

  • 4:00-4:30pm Level 2: Water Movement (ages 6+)
  • 4:35-5:05pm Level 1: Water Acclimation (ages 6+)

Thursday Afternoons:

  • 4:00-4:30pm Level 1: Water Acclimation (ages 6+)
  • 4:35-5:05pm Preschool Level 1: Water Acclimation WITH CAREGIVERS IN THE WATER (ages 2-5)
  • 5:10-5:40 pm Level 5/6: Stroke Development/Stroke Mechanics MEETS Tuesday and Thursdays for 4 weeks (ages 6+)

Saturday Mornings:

  • 9:30am-10:00am Stage A: Water Discovery (ages 0-2)
  • 10:00-10:30am Stage B: Water Exploration (ages 0-2)
  • 10:35-11:05am Preschool Level 2: Water Acclimation (ages 3-5)
  • 11:10-11:40am Level 2: Water Movement (ages 6+)
  • 11:10-11:40am Level 1: Water Acclimation (ages 6+)

Level A: Water Discovery (Parent/Child class)  (Formerly Infant/Toddler)

This stage introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment. At the Y, swimming is a life skill. Our swimming lessons prepare kids of all ages to stay safe and have fun in the water, building strong swimmers, and confident kids.  

 

Level B: Water Exploration (Parent/Child class) (Formerly Infant/Toddler)

In this stage, children focus on exploring body positions, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills.  

 

Level 1: Water Acclimation (Preschool/6+) (Fomerly Preschool, Youth Shallow Water)

This stage increases students’ comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.  

 

Level 2: Water Movement (Preschool/6+) (Fomerly Preschool, Youth Shallow Water)

This stage students focus on forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently 

Level 3: Water Stamina (ages 6+) (Formerly Youth Shallow Water)

This stage develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than previous stages.  

 

Level 4: Stroke Introduction (ages 6+) (Formerly Youth Shallow Water)

This stage introduces basic stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl, as well as reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke 

 

Level 5:  Stroke Development (ages 6+) (Formerly Youth Deep Water)

This stage introduces breaststroke and butterfly, as well as reinforces water safety through treading water and sidestroke.  

 

Level 6: Stroke Mechanics (ages 6+) (Formerly Deep Shallow Water)

This stage refines stroke technique on all major competitive strokes and encourages swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle. This stage is our Pre Swim Team  

We look forward to an excellent swimming experience for you and your child! Please, if you have any questions or concerns, contact our Aquatic Director, Henry Belton, at hbelton@cortlandymca.org