Our aquatic programs are about more than just techniques and skills; they are about building friendships, developing self-esteem and creating positive experiences that will last a lifetime. We offer swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes and other programs for toe dippers, deep divers, youth, adults and everyone in between at YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatic Centre pools in Edmonton.
Find the Right Swim Level
Answer a few questions and we'll find the right swimming program for you.
How old is the swimmer?
Can the swimmer put their face in the water when asked?
Can the swimmer float without assistance?
Is the swimmer confident in water where they can't touch the bottom?
Can the swimmer swim for 2.5 meters without stopping?
Can the swimmer swim with their arms coming out of the water and breathe to the side?
Can the swimmer swim on their front or back using their arms and kicking for 50 meters?
Does the swimmer know more than two strokes and can they swim 200 meters?
Choose Yes only if the swimmer can do both.
Can the swimmer swim 400 meters and submerge 2 meters or more to retrieve an object?
Choose Yes only if the swimmer can do both.
Can the swimmer swim 500 meters and can swim 200 meters in under 6 minutes?
Choose Yes only if the swimmer can do both.
Can the swimmer swim 600 meters and can swim 300 meters in under 9 minutes?
Choose Yes only if the swimmer can do both.
Is the swimmer 13 years or older?
Has the swimmer been swimming before?
Has the swimmer been in swimming lessons before?
Has the swimmer been swimming before?
Has the swimmer been in swimming lessons before?
Registered Swim Lessons
Nothing builds confidence like learning to swim. It’s an essential life skill that can provide a lifetime of fun in and around water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer, you can gain the skills and strength you need to stay safe and enjoy making a splash in our swim lessons near you in Edmonton.
Drop-in Swim Lessons for Adults & Youth
Drop-in swim lessons for adults and youth are here! We offer swim lessons for all abilities, so whether you are working on becoming comfortable in the water, building on your current skills, or looking to improve your strokes, you are welcome to attend! Instructors will design the swim lessons based on participant attendance.
YMCA-Keyano Swim Club
Take your swim skill to the next level with the YMCA-Keyano Swim Club! This club experience will focus on developing the 4 competitive strokes as well as introducing competitive skills such as starts and turns. Swimmers in the program will have the opportunity to compete once a month in our in-house Bear Cubs series.
YMCA-Keyano curriculum integrates a sticker chart incentive program so skill and technical development is continuously recognized. These sessions are always loads of fun and a great opportunity for kids to meet new friends!
- To register for Bronze Swim Club, participants must be able to swim 25 meters continuously without assistance.
- For Silver Swim Club, participants must be able to swim 25 meters of each competitive stroke (front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke & butterfly).
There are two training options for this swim club:
- "YMCA Only" (2 workouts per week at your YMCA, plus a mini meet once per month at Kinsmen Sports Centre)
- "YMCA + Kinsmen" (2 workouts at your YMCA, + 1 additional Wednesday workout at Kinsmen Sports Centre)
Private Swim Lessons
Book a 30-minute private swimming lesson with a YMCA swim instructor near you in Edmonton today! The lesson is crafted specifically to your needs and ability level so you can achieve your swimming goals.
Programming may include increasing comfort in the water, learn to swim, stroke improvement, and more. For children that have not yet passed Otter, it is strongly encouraged that a caregiver over the age of 16 accompanies them in the water.
Lifeguard & Swim Instructor Certifications
Since 1931, the YMCA has been a leader in aquatics in Canada. That year, the YMCA developed the first nationally recognized aquatics program and has continued to train aquatic leaders ever since. Here are some certifications that we offer:
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Cross
- YMCA Swim Instructor Course
- National Lifeguard
You can view the pool schedules for our Castle Downs, Don Wheaton, Jamie Platz, and William Lutsky Family YMCAs directly on our website or download a PDF to print at your convenience.
Important Update
Please note the following temporary closures at Castle Downs Family YMCA.
Elevator: Closed for important repairs (October 5–November 16).
(During this elevator shutdown, the 2nd floor is only accessible by stairs.)
Pool Lift: Closed until repairs are completed
The elevator at Castle Downs Family YMCA is closed for important repairs from October 5–November 16.
The pool lift at Castle Downs Family YMCA is also closed for repairs, which we're working hard to complete as quickly as possible.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for your patience.
Progress Reports
Now that you've made a splash in lessons, you can find your swim lesson progress reports on our member portal through your online YMCA account at the end of each session!
If it's your first time using the member portal to find your swimming progress, click here to learn how to view your swim report card.
Get your swim lesson progress report here:
View your old swim report cards in our previous system, Swimgen, here: