AQUATICS AT MARION YMCA

YMCA Swim Level entry requirements

The Y has a different level structure than other places. Please read entry requirements closely. (A Level 5 at Linn mar could mean a level 3 here). 

Parent/Child

Open to ages 6 months to 4 years old. This class focuses on getting your child comfortable in the water with you, with songs, floating, kicking, jumping in and more. It’s all about having fun and getting them used to being in the water. A parent or guardian will be getting in with their child for this class! If not yet potty-trained, children need to wear swim-type diapers.

Preschool ages 3 ½ to 5, 30-minute classes (stages 1,2,3)
Youth ages 6 and up, 45-minute classes (stages 1-6)

Level 1

To be in level 1 kids must be comfortable in the water by themselves and be at least 3 1/2 years old (Just kids and teachers in the water). Parents can watch on the deck.  This is the entry level swimming class and focuses on going under water, kicking, and floats with support.

Level 2

To be in level 2 you must go underwater independently (bob) and float on your back and front with your face in the water while the instructor provides support. 

Level 3

To be in level 3 you need to be able to do the following by yourself: front float (with face in), back float, front and back glide 10 feet, and swim float swim 5 yards (Youth Level 3 is in the lap pool)

Level 4

To be in level 4 you must be able to swim front and back crawl over half the length of the pool  (15 yards), swim float swim the entire length of the pool (25 yards), and tread water for 1 minute. 

Level 5

To be in level 5 you must be able to swim 15 yards using the following strokes: front crawl with rotary breathing, back crawl, and elementary backstroke (and 25 yards of one or a combination of these strokes). You should also be able to do the kicks for breaststroke and butterfly for 15 yards. 

Level 6

To be in level 6 you must be able to swim 50 yards of front/back crawl (1 lap), be able to do 25 yards (1 length) of breast and side stroke, 15 yards of butterfly, and tread water for 2 minutes.