WHERE WE BECOME STRONGER IN THE WATER

The New Canaan YMCA offers aquatics programs for adults to become healthier and stronger in and out of the water. Programs include swim lessons, aquatic group exercise classes, Masters Swimming, and more. Our aquatics center features three beautiful pools.

ADULT LAP:

For members 13 and older looking to swim for leisure and exercise. Please follow guidelines posted throughout the pool areas so as to not interfere with another swimmer’s workout.

THERAPY SWIM:

An open time for members ages 13+ needing water therapy.

FREE SWIM:

Free swim is available to New Canaan YMCA members only. Children under 12 years and non-swimmers of any age MUST be accompanied into the pool and supervised by an adult over the age of 18, at all times.

Youth members under 12 may be accompanied by one non-member parent or guardian, registration is required. A ratio of 1 adult to no more than 6 children (no more than 2 non-swimmers) is required.

All children 15 years and under will have their swimming skills evaluated before entering the pool and be assigned a color-coded wrist band:  RED (beginner), YELLOW (intermediate), or GREEN (advanced).

Please note: Non-swimmers of any age and children using a swim aid must have a parent in the pool no more than an arm’s length away
at all times. The New Canaan YMCA only permits Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices during free swim and therapy swim.

NOTICE:

New Canaan YMCA lifeguards have the right to ask anyone not abiding by pool rules, and/or putting other members at risk, to leave the pool area. Only swimmers are permitted on the pool deck, no spectators allowed in pool area unless accompanying a swimmer as required by YMCA policy. Spectators may view the Valles Pool from the observation deck.

Masters Swim is for adult swimmers looking to improve their endurance and strokes in the pool, whether for triathlons, Masters Competition, or personal well-being. Open to New Canaan YMCA members and non-members ages 18+.

For more information on Masters Swim, contact Liz Blau, Associate Director of Competitive Swimming, at 203-920-1645 or by email.

Water is a wonderful, supportive environment for exercise.  The ability to use the properties of water to vary the intensity of a workout make aquatic fitness appropriate for all ages and abilities. We offer a variety of group exercise classes each week, classes are free and open to New Canaan YMCA members.

The Y’s aquatic fitness classes are taught in our Forese Family Scooter and Valles Pools. If you have any questions or if you need help getting started, please contact Tetiana Kokorska, Group Exercise Director, at 203-920-1636 or by email.

JUNIOR LIFEGUARDING CERTIFICATION COURSE (Ages 11-14)

The American Red Cross has introduced a junior lifeguarding course designed to guide and prepare youth ages 11-14 for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course. Course focuses on building a foundation of knowledge, attitude, and skills for future lifeguards.

LIFEGUARDING CERTIFICATION COURSE (Ages 15+)

The American Red Cross Lifeguard course is available to those who are interested in becoming a certified lifeguard. This course includes certification in First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer/AED and Lifeguard.

LIFEGUARD REVIEW COURSE (Ages 15+; recertification course for current lifeguards)

This course is for those individuals who are already certified as a lifeguard and need to re-certify all three certifications: First Aid, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and Lifeguard certifications.

WATERFRONT LIFEGUARD MODULE (Ages 15+)

This course is offered to current certified lifeguards seeking additional Red Cross Waterfront certification for outdoor waterfronts, beaches, lakes, or ponds.

Online Registration Portal

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