Group Swim Lessons at Reading YMCA
Teaching Water Safety, One Confident Kick at a Time
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and second for kids ages 5 to 14. But there’s good news: swim lessons and water safety education drastically reduce that risk.
At the YMCA, our swim lesson program is more than just learning to float. It’s about building lifelong skills, boosting confidence, and creating a safe, fun relationship with the water. We offer lessons for ages 1 and up, so whether your child is just dipping their toes in or mastering their strokes, we have the right level for them.
Swim Lesson Details
- Class Days: Based on the class you choose
- Each Session Includes: Six 30-minute lessons
- Location: Reading YMCA Swimming Pool, 631 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601
- Cost: $100 for YMCA Members | $150 for Non-Members
2025 Fall Swim Sessions
- Sept – Dec 2025
Winter 2026 Swim Sessions
- Starting the week of Jan 5, 2026
Spring 2026 Swim Sessions
- Starting the week of Apr 6
Lesson days & times vary based on level placement. Not sure which level is right? No problem! Click here to view swim level descriptions.
Why Choose the Y for Swim Lessons?
- Certified, experienced swim instructors
- Low student-to-teacher ratios
- Focus on safety, confidence, and fun
- Welcoming, supportive environment for all skill levels
Pick a level. Claim a spot. Let’s make a splash.
*AquaBabies / AquaTots
AquaBabies/AquaTots: Water Discovery & Exploration
Ages 1–3 | Adult & Child Class
Drowning remains one of the top causes of accidental death in young children, but introducing your child to the water early can make all the difference.
Our AquaBabies / AquaTots swim classes are designed for little ones ages 1 to 3 and their trusted grown-up. With a strong focus on safety, comfort, and early skill development, this class gently introduces babies and toddlers to the water through guided play and exploration.
Together, you and your child will splash, float, and giggle your way through essential water safety skills, all while strengthening the bond between you. It’s more than just a swim lesson, it’s quality time that builds confidence and sets the foundation for lifelong comfort in the water.
Class Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
Time: 11 AM
Note: This is a parent/child class, an adult must accompany each child in the water.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AquaBabies/AquaTots | 11/11/25 | 4/1/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 100.00 | $ 150.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
01/05/26 - 01/21/26
1/5/26 - 1/21/26 - Mo,We - 11:00 am - 11:30 am
|
Register Closes 01/05/2026 |
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01/26/26 - 02/11/26
1/26/26 - 2/11/26 - Mo,We - 11:00 am - 11:30 am
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Register Closes 01/26/2026 |
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02/23/26 - 03/11/26
2/23/26 - 3/11/26 - Mo,We - 11:00 am - 11:30 am
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Register Closes 02/23/2026 |
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03/16/26 - 04/01/26
3/16/26 - 4/1/26 - Mo,We - 11:00 am - 11:30 am
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Register Closes 03/16/2026 |
*Intro to Swim - Saturday *BILINGUAL* classes (clase de aprender a nadar)
Level 1: Water Acclimation — Bilingual Swim Lessons
Ages 5–14 | Beginner Swim Classes in English & Spanish
Make your child’s first swim experience a success with our bilingual Level 1: Water Acclimation program at the Reading YMCA. This entry-level class is perfect for kids with little or no swim experience who are learning the basics of water safety and confidence. Instruction is offered in both English and Spanish, so every family feels included and supported.
Young swimmers will learn how to:
-
Safely enter and exit the pool
-
Submerge their face and blow bubbles
-
Float on their front and back with gentle assistance
-
Begin simple forward and backward movement in the water
Our certified YMCA instructors use the proven YMCA swim curriculum in a fun, encouraging environment. Small class sizes and bilingual instruction ensure each child gets personal attention and can celebrate every splashy milestone.
Class Days: Saturdays
Time: 1:00 PM
Nivel 1: Aclimatación al Agua — Clases de Natación Bilingües
Edades 5–14 | Clases de natación para principiantes en inglés y español
Haz que la primera experiencia de tu hijo en la piscina sea un éxito con nuestro programa bilingüe Nivel 1: Aclimatación al Agua en la YMCA de Reading. Esta clase introductoria es ideal para niños con poca o ninguna experiencia previa que comienzan a aprender lo básico de la seguridad acuática y la confianza en el agua. La instrucción se ofrece en inglés y español, para que cada familia se sienta incluida y apoyada.
Los niños aprenderán a:
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Entrar y salir de la piscina de manera segura
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Sumergir la cara y hacer burbujas
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Flotar de frente y de espaldas con ayuda
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Iniciar movimientos sencillos hacia adelante y hacia atrás en el agua
Nuestros instructores certificados de la YMCA utilizan el plan de estudios probado de natación en un ambiente divertido y motivador. Las clases son pequeñas y la enseñanza bilingüe garantiza atención personalizada y muchos logros para celebrar.
Días de clases: Sábados
Hora: 1:00 pm
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Session 2: (11/1-11/29,12/13) @ 11:15am | 10/7/25 | 11/1/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 100.00 | $ 150.00 |
| 2026 | 11/11/25 | 4/1/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 100.00 | $ 150.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
11/01/25 - 12/13/25
|
Registration Closed on 11/08/2025 |
*Level 1 - FALL Saturday classes
Level 1: Water Acclimation — Beginner Swim Lessons
Ages 3–14 | Entry-Level Swim and Water Safety Skills
Make a splash with Level 1: Water Acclimation at the Reading YMCA, the perfect starting point for kids who are brand new to the pool or still building their confidence in the water. This beginner swim class is designed to help children ages 3–14 learn essential water safety and swimming basics in a safe, supportive environment.
Participants will practice skills like entering and exiting the pool safely, putting their face in the water, blowing bubbles, floating with assistance, and basic front and back movement. Our certified YMCA swim instructors follow a trusted, progress-based curriculum that ensures every child feels successful, one splash at a time. With small group sizes and caring guidance, kids gain the skills they need for safety, confidence, and fun in the water.
Class Days: Saturdays
- Session 1: 9/27-10/25
- Session 2: 11/1-11/29,12/13
Time: 12-12:30 PM
Location: ALL swim lessons are held at Reading YMCA (631 Washington St)
Give your child the gift of lifelong water confidence with the YMCA’s most popular beginner swim lessons in Reading, PA.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall session 2 (11/1 -11/29,12/13) | 9/28/25 | 11/8/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 100.00 | $ 150.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
11/01/25 - 12/13/25
Fall session 2: Level 1 @ 12pm - 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
|
Registration Closed |
Adult Group Swim Lessons
Intro to Swimming Lessons
Give yourself the skills needed to feel confident and safe in the water with our Intro to Swimming program at the Reading YMCA indoor pool. Designed especially for beginners, this swim class is the perfect first splash into the world of swimming! And don’t worry, we will start in the shallow end.
Swim Lesson Details
- Class Days: depending on the session you choose – classes held weekly
- Each Session Includes: Six 30-minute lessons
- Location: Reading YMCA Swimming Pool, 631 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601
- Cost: $100 for YMCA Members | $150 for Non-Members
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
01/08/26 - 02/12/26
Thursdays 2pm
|
Registration Closed |
|
|
01/09/26 - 02/13/26
Fridays 10:15am
|
Registration Closed |
|
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02/26/26 - 04/02/26
Thursdays 2pm
|
Registration Closed |
|
|
02/27/26 - 04/03/26
Fridays 10:15am
|
Registration Closed |
Preschool Intro to Swim
Level 1: Water Acclimation
Ages 5–14 | Beginner Swim Classes
Make your child’s first swim experience a success with our bilingual Level 1: Water Acclimation program at the Reading YMCA. This entry-level class is perfect for kids with little or no swim experience who are learning the basics of water safety and confidence. Instruction is offered in both English and Spanish, so every family feels included and supported.
Young swimmers will learn how to:
-
Safely enter and exit the pool
-
Submerge their face and blow bubbles
-
Float on their front and back with gentle assistance
-
Begin simple forward and backward movement in the water
Our certified YMCA instructors use the proven YMCA swim curriculum in a fun, encouraging environment. Small class sizes and bilingual instruction ensure each child gets personal attention and can celebrate every splashy milestone.
Class Days / Times: Specific to the session you choose
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/14/25 | 1/5/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 100.00 | $ 150.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
01/05/26 - 01/21/26
M/Th: 3pm
|
Register Closes 01/04/2026 |