PROGRAMS

AQUATICS

Our Aquatics center offers swim lessons for all ages and levels, lifeguard training classes, basic life support training, swim team, babysitting classes, and so much more! We have 2 indoor pools (lap pool and therapy pool) and an outdoor splash pad (seasonal).

Please Note: Front desk transactions will be accepted up until 15 minutes prior to closing each day!

Aquatics

Group Swim Lessons are YEAR ROUND, but schedules are only released one or two sessions at a time!

Summer 2023 Group Swim Lesson dates, cost and other details

Fall 2023 Group Swim Lesson dates, cost and other details

Winter A Swim Lessons

The fine print – aka the things you may need to know:

  • Weather: when there is visible lightning, the pool will close. Generally speaking, we try not to make a predetermined call about cancelling lessons based on weather, unless there are major weather emergencies. We make every effort to get lessons in, sometimes creatively, by delaying the start, doing dry land activities, etc. We may also choose to cancel and add time on to additional sessions. If we do decide to cancel, we will email or call the person provided on the registration.
  • If your child is going to swim prior to lessons, or following lessons, the swim test rules apply. This means if they have passed the swim test, they may swim without a lifejacket or puddle jumper. Otherwise, they must wear a lifejacket or puddlejumper (which we do provide). To prevent possible injury, even if your child is just a few minutes early/sitting on the steps/etc., they need to be in a puddle jumper or lifejacket until the instructor is ready for them!
  • Unfortunately, there are no makeup lessons for individually missed sessions due to illness or injury.
  • Once a session has started, we cannot offer refunds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Group Swim Lessons:

What do the different groups and stages mean?

The Y of the USA’s Swim Lesson Program breaks up participants into three main groups, which are then broken down into the eight stages that we use for programming our lessons. These groups are:

Parent Child (Level A & B) – introduces participants to the water. Through games and fun
activities, the groundwork for later swim skills is built. Ages 6 months – 3 years.

Swim Basics (Levels 1, 2, and 3) – teaches the basics of swimming. The main goal of these
levels is to develop competence and confidence to encourage swim safety. Ages 3-15.

Swim Strokes (Levels 4, 5 and 6) – builds upon previous levels to introduce, then perfect,
swim strokes and more advanced skills. Ages 3-15.

Adult – teaches skills taught in Levels 1-6, taught in a manner conducive to adults’ learning.
Open to all levels, beginner through intermediate. Ages 13 and older.

There are some overlaps with the age ranges. What do I sign my child up for if they are in the
overlap?

If the participant is 3, the guardian may choose to enroll them in either Parent Child or Swim Basics/Strokes, depending on their comfort level. Likewise, participants aged 13-15 may choose if they would be more comfortable in our youth swim lesson program, or if they would prefer to participate in the adult lessons.

My child is ALMOST 3…can they participate in Swim Basics?

To ensure the best experience for your child and the other swimmers in the group, children must be at least 3 by the first day of the session to be eligible for Swim Basics.

How do I know if my child is in Swim Basics or Swim Strokes?

A child who is ready for Swim Strokes should be able to pass our facility’s “Yellow” Swim Test. If they have not passed this test and do not have the required swim ability, please register them for Swim Basics. If the participant HAS passed the “Yellow” Swim Test, or has the swim ability to be able to pass the “Yellow” Swim Test, please register them for Swim Strokes. If you are not sure if your child has the ability to pass the “Yellow” Swim Test, please register them for Swim Basics. If they are registered for the incorrect group, we will do our best to move them to the proper group; however, please note spaces are limited and that may not be an option.

What are the requirements for the yellow swim test?

The test requirements are: a feet-first entry into the nine-foot section of our pool, tread water for 10 seconds in a calm and confident manner, then swim approximately 13 yards to the middle ladder of our pool. All these must be done in sequence, without grabbing the wall or using any outside aid.

Private and Semi-Private Lessons are available for beginner to intermediate swimmers!

Private and semi-private lessons offer the benefits of extra help for individuals who struggle with specific concepts or skills, and a personalized lesson tailored to specific goals. Lessons focus on the participant’s individual goals and interests, and can cover skills like beginning swim techniques, more advanced stroke development, refining strokes for triathlons/masters programs, and even using the pool for exercise. Lessons are 30 minutes in duration.

Start by yourself with one-on-one private lessons, or grab a friend and try our two-on-one semi-private lessons. Anderson Area YMCA does not place semi-private students together, so you will need to supply your own partner!

Minimum age for private lessons is 6 months. Parents of participants under 3 years of age may be required to be in the water with the instructor depending on the comfort level of the child. The instructor will determine this with the parent on a case-by-case basis.

To register, please fill out our registration form and turn it in with payment at our Front Desk! Once registrations are received, the individual instructors will reach out to schedule lessons. For continuing private lessons, a new form and payment is due prior to starting each new block of lessons.

Policies:

Lessons must be used within 6 months of purchase or else they will be forfeited.

Instructor must be notified at least 24 hours in advance prior to cancellation, or else participant will be charged for the lesson.

Lessons are available at most times through the week, and are dependent on instructors schedules. During busy months, there may be little to no availability during group lesson times. Lessons are not available Saturday afternoons or Sundays.

**NOTE: DUE TO HIGH VOLUME OF LESSONS, IT MAY TAKE UP TO 3-4 WEEKS TO BE CONTACTED, AND FOR LESSONS TO BE SCHEDULED. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Lesson Rates:

For private lessons, prices are listed below.

Private Swim Lessons
Number of Lessons Member Rate Non-member Rate
4 Lessons $100 $120
8 Lessons $160 $200
12 Lessons $220 $280

For semi-private lessons, each participant pays the below amount.

Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Number of Lessons Member Rate Non-member Rate
4 Lessons $60 $70
8 Lessons $90 $110

WATERWORKS

August 3 – September 3

WaterWorks will only operate on WEEKENDS.

Saturday Hours  10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Hours 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

WaterWorks closes for the season on September 3rd.

**Guests must be attended by members on the weekends when visiting the pools. **

 

This outdoor, zero-depth entry splash pad includes two slides that may be utilized once children have passed the swim test, a smaller, toddler-sized frog slide, and several splash play features for our members to ed, 2023njoy!

Pools are FREE for Members to enjoy.

LAP POOL

Our 8 lane, 25-yard lap pool ranges from 81-84 degrees. Our shallow end is 4 ft., and slopes down to a 9 ft. deep end. Our lap pool is home to many activities, including our Makos Swim Team, Water Fitness, Lap Swim, and Swim Lessons. Please check the pool schedule to determine pool availability. During busy times lanes are limited and lap swimmers may be expected to share lanes.  Lanes are on a first-come, first-serve basis. For help with lap lane usage, please speak to a lifeguard. We have a hydro lift available for those individuals that need assistance entering the water.

Please be aware that lane 8 is used for swim testing purposes.  You may be asked to move or pause your workout for a swim test.

Lap Pool Schedule

THERAPY POOL

Our therapy pool ranges from 92-94 degrees, and has two jets to be used for therapeutic purposes. The depth of our therapy pool ranges from 3 ft. to 5 ft.  The therapy pool is home to activities like Swim Lessons, Water Fitness, Aqua Walking, and Pediatric Therapy.  Throughout the day the pool may be divided for programs and activities, so please see the small pool schedule to know when the pool is available for use.

Small Therapy Pool Schedule

SWIM TEST

Children under the age of 18 must either take a safety swim test administered by a lifeguard, wear a lifejacket, or stay within arms reach of a parent or guardian in order to enjoy our facility.

Members who pass the test will be given a reusable swim test band that should be worn during every visit at the pool. If a bracelet is lost or forgotten, lifeguards can look up the appropriate band and administer a temporary band to be worn for the day. If bands are lost permanently, a replacement can be purchased for $5.

SWIM TEST BAND COLORS

ORANGE

Age 12 and under

Test: Swimmer will jump into 9 ft. water, tread water for 10 seconds, and swim 25 yards.

Rules: Parent must be in the pool area at all times—the child may swim in any pool, and utilize slides.

YELLOW

 Age 17 and under

Test: Swimmer will jump into 9 ft. water, tread water for 10 seconds, and swim half of 25-yard lap (approximately 12.5 yards)

Rules: Parent must be in the pool area at all times for ages 12 and under. Children 13 and over may be in the pool by themselves with this band. The child may swim in the therapy pool, shallow (up to red line) end of a lap pool, and utilize slides.

BLUE

Age 13-17

Test: Swimmer will jump into 9 ft. water, tread water for 10 seconds, and swim 25 yards.

Rules: Parents do not have to be in the facility— the child may swim in any pool, and utilize slides.

All children who have not passed the Anderson Area YMCA yellow swim test must be accompanied by a parent or wear a coast guard approved life jacket while in the water. Yellow ski belts CAN NOT be used.

POOL RULES

We want all patrons of our pool to have a fun, safe, and enjoyable time. Please read the below rules so you know what to expect when you come to our pool – by following the rules and policies outlined below, we can ensure that everyone has a great time when visiting our facility!

Rules that are common for most pools:

  1. All patrons should shower with soap prior to entering the pool.
  2. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed in the pool without adult supervision.
  3. Solo swimming is prohibited – a lifeguard must be on duty at all times during pool hours.
  4. No running on the pool deck!
  5. Boisterous or rough play is not allowed in the pool area.
  6. No diving in shallow water (less than 7 feet deep).
  7. No glass on the pool deck.
  8. Proper swim attire is required on the pool deck – no cut-offs, please!
  9. Children who are not potty trained should wear a swim diaper.
  10. Persons under the influence of drugs/alcohol are prohibited from the Y facility. Additionally, please no smoking or vaping.
  11. Persons with open lesions, wounds, or infectious diseases should not utilize the pool.
  12. No spouting or squirting of water, or discharging bodily fluid into the pool.

Rules more specific to our facility:

  1. Underwater swimming and breath-holding drills are prohibited. This is to prevent shallow water blackouts due to hypoxic training or breath-holding activities.
  2. Starting blocks are only for competitive swimming and swim lessons, and should only be utilized under the supervision of a coach or instructor. They are not to be used recreationally
  3. Do not hang on or lay on the safety lines and lane lines. They are not lifesaving devices, and also cannot withstand the additional wear and tear.
  4. No inflatable flotation devices or toys. This includes water wings, inflatable inner tubes, inflatable baby floats, etc. Beach balls are permitted as long as they are not being used as a flotation. Inflatable flotation devices pose a risk due to the threat of popping, and can also make it difficult for the lifeguards to scan effectively.
  5. No gum on the pool deck or in the water. Gum is hard to remove from the pool deck, and even harder to remove from the pool!
  6. No children in the Men’s and Women’s (Adult) Locker Room. We have a Boy’s and Girl’s Locker Room available, or two Family Locker Rooms available.

Not all rules can be listed. Please see the lifeguard for any questions about the rules – they have the final say in enforcing the rules!

The goal of Makos Swim Team is to provide our youth an opportunity to develop, promote, and lead the sport of swimming in Anderson County in a motivating and supportive environment.

We are a YMCA & USA swim program that offers instruction, commitment, training, and competition while enjoying the sport of swimming. The team and swimmers are encouraged to display characteristics of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility by working within a structured program.

We use an age group/skill ability progression program (Makos Blue, Yellow, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels). At each level, the focus and objectives are clearly stated to meet the needs of the swimmer. Each swimmer is different and progresses differently. The coaching staff will work together to help your swimmer reach their full potential.

Swim assessment MUST be done prior to registering for swim club and is available by appointment. Please contact Brian Heaton to schedule your swim assessment.

All swimmers must be Anderson YMCA members.

We follow the Anderson School District 5 inclement weather plan.

Click here to make swim team payments

For more information visit the Anderson Makos Team Website or contact Brian Heaton at (864) 716-6276 or makosswimteam@yahoo.com.

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Build friendships while getting fit! The YMCA Water Fitness Program is based on the latest research in aquatic health. The program consists of a variety of water exercise classes to meet the needs of all ages and fitness levels.

We encourage all participants to work at their own comfort level so all of our water fitness classes can be easily adapted to each person’s individual skill level. Participants will get out of the class what they put into it.

Water fitness classes are free to all members. Non-swimmers are welcome, but you should be comfortable in the water to participate. Come on in and join the fun!

In our Lifeguard Classes you will learn: 

  • Surveillance skills – to help you recognize and prevent injuries
  • Rescue skills – in the water and on land
  • First aid training and professional rescuer CPR – to help you prepare for any emergency
  • Professional lifeguard responsibilities like interacting with the public and addressing uncooperative patrons.

The Anderson Area YMCA offers Red Cross Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. Patrons must be 15 years old by the last day of the course to take this class.

In order to attend this class, you must pass a pretest. If participant does not pass the pretest, remediation will be offered with the option to take a class scheduled for a later date. If participant chooses not to participate in remediation, refund will be offered minus $30 pretest fee. Please see the class flyer to view the pretest requirements.

Next Class:

June Class Flyer

Course Dates:   June 29th and 30th, 10a-5p

*Instructor reserves the right to add time as necessary to complete course

Classes will be taught by certified instructors and are limited to the first 10 participants.  Registration must be paid in full one week prior to start of class.

To sign up, please register online, or visit the front desk.

Class Dates for 2023:

March 18th (register by March 9th)
May 13th (register by May 4th)
August 12th (register by August 3rd)
October 14th (register by October 5th)

All classes are from 9a-12p

Cost: $75 

Program Purpose

The American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED program provides participants with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies for adults, children and infants. The courses in this program teach participants the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill person and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed.

This class is a blended learning class. Participants must complete an online learning portion prior to attending the seated class, which covers skills only. Email addresses are required to complete online learning.

Participants must attend the skills portion on the dates stated to receive their certification. If you are unable to make the class, please contact Madison Bronson to move to the next class. Once a participant has begun the online learning portion, we can no longer refund the class fee.

*** Space is limited to 10 participants – check with the Front Desk for availability! ***

Class Flyer

This course awards the YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Certification. After successful completion of this course, instructors will be able to identify components of the YMCA Swim Lessons continuum, demonstrate the behaviors of an effective YMCA Swim Lessons Instructor, maintain an inclusive environment of learning while keeping order in a positive and safe environment, employ swim teaching techniques that break down the critical features of a swimmer’s skill progression at any age and stage and demonstrate the swim instructor’s role in the safety process and during an emergency.

Candidates must be able to tread water for two minutes and demonstrate Stage 5 proficiency in at least four of the following six strokes by swimming 25 yards of each: Front Crawl, Breaststroke, Sidestroke, Butterfly, Elementary Backstroke, and Backstroke.

Candidates must also successfully satisfy all prerequisites as required by the YMCA of the USA prior to start of class:

  • Valid CPR and AED for Aquatics
  • First Aid and Oxygen
  • Digital Learnings:
    • YMCA Swim Lessons Instructor v6: Observe and Communicate
    • Principles of Youth Development

 

Course Cost: $200

Course Dates: March 10th, 11th, 12th

Friday, March 10th 4:30p-8:30p

Saturday, March 11th 9a-5p

Sunday March 12th 1p-6p

Click to register

 

Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. But, as a parent or caregiver, you can’t keep your kids sidelined. You need to equip your children with the tools they need to be confident in and around water so they don’t lose out on the health benefits of exercise, the opportunities to bond with family and friends, and the sense of accomplishment when they learn new skills.

Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The YMCA’s Water Safety Week program can help you make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them.

April 10 – 14, 2023

 ***Only 20 spots per time are available – register today to reserve your spot!!

Each class includes 15 minutes of a water safety topic, 15 minutes of a game/activity related to water safety, and 15 minutes of drowning prevention instruction focusing on: swim, float, swim; and jump, push, turn, grab.

REGISTER ONLINE

ANDERSON AREA YMCA
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