Swim Times
The YMCA offers a number of times to come in and explore the pool. All Pool visits need to be booked in advance via the My Y App, On-line Scheduler or by calling 902-752-0202. Check the Schedule to see when the following services are offered:
Open Swim
Everyone is welcome at open swim. Use this time to do your own workout in the pool or have a social outing. All ages are welcome. All children under 8 years must be supervised by a responsible person 16 years or older who will remain at arms length during the swim. Member program or drop-in fee.
Lane Swim
This is a designated time to swim lengths and work on your endurance. There are two lanes open throughout the day with the exception of swim lessons. Member program or day pass.
Open Exercise
Use this time to do your own workout in the pool . Water weights and other equipment are available or take a walk against the current in the leisure pool. Member program or day pass.
Parent and Tot
Introduce your child to the water. The leisure pool is set at a warm temperature that your baby will enjoy. This swim is also great for meeting other parents and tots. This swim is open for children five years old and under. Member program or day pass.
Inclusion Swim
This swim provides a sensory-friendly, welcoming environment to swim and have fun. Member program or day pass.
Family Swim
Children 7 and under must have a parent in the pool with them. All children 8 years and under must be supervised by a responsible person 16 years or older who will remain at arm’s length while in the pool.
Specific Pool dates & times for swims and program are found on our Schedules page.
Jump in and discover why everyone from infants to seniors can benefit from being active in the water!
Few things are more inviting than a bright blue, sparkling pool. At the YMCA, we have two indoor swimming pools ready for year-round swim lessons, water aerobics, and family fun.
Explore our swim lessons to find the program that’s right for you or your child.
All Swimming Lesson Class schedules are located in the current Program Guide found on the schedule page.
Continuous Swimming Lessons run annually during the School year from September through June. You can join anytime and YMCA Membership is required to register. Continuous Swimming Lessons are included in YMCA Membership at no additional cost.
Once children complete a level they are automatically moved to the next level.
Summer only Swimming Lessons are offered in July & August only and are outside of the regular continuous lesson program; separate registration is required.
New to YMCA Membership or returning to lessons? Register at anytime at the YMCA Membership Services.
Swimming Lessons
Make a Splash!
Knowing how to swim can save your life — or even someone else’s. Taught by certified YMCA instructors, our swimming lessons will give you lifelong skills to help you be safe in and around the water. But there’s more to YMCA swim lessons than just learning to swim. We want children to build confidence in the water, meet new people, and hopefully develop a lifelong passion for swimming!
Lil' Dippers – Parent & Tot Programs | 0mos–2yrs
Learn how to be safe and have fun in the water with your child. Children grow their comfort and confidence to prepare for independent swim lessons. In the Parent and Tot program, you will learn how to hold and assist your child, entering and exiting the water safely, splashing and kicking, getting face wet, blowing bubbles and bobbing, assisted front and back floats, and towing. Lil’ Dippers Parented Program is required to register.
Lil' Dippers Programs | 3-5yrs
Floaters: (No parents)
An introductory level for children between the ages of 3-5 years old who have not had any previous swimming experience. Children learn to float and swim on their own. (4 children maximum for this class)
Gliders: (No parents) Prerequisite: Floaters
Preschoolers start independent glides and kicking in the water. Endurance is built through increasing distance for front and back swims. Ages 3-5 years
Divers: (No parents) Prerequisite: Gliders
Children are building endurance and working on their front and back swims. Arm action is introduced. Also working on their flutter kicks.
Surfers: (No parents) Prerequisite: Divers
Children working on being more comfortable in the deep water. Surface support is increased to 30 seconds.
Dippers: (No parents) Prerequisite: Surfers
For the stronger preschool swimmer. Building on deep water skills. Introduction to front crawl and back swim. Also water safety. Ages 3-5 years
Learn to Swim Levels
Otter:
Children will learn to do floats and glides unassisted. They will also learn flutterkick, and complete a 5 metre endurance swim. This is the first level of children ages 6 years old and up.
Seal: Prerequisite: Otter
Children will continue to work on their floats, front glides and back glides. Surface support in chin deep water is introduced. Building endurance by increasing the distance of front and back swims to 10 metres.
Dolphin: Prerequisite: Seal
Children begin to work on front crawl, while continuing to increase their endurance to be able to swim 25 metres. Working in the deep water and becoming more comfortable. Surface support for 30 seconds in deep water.
Swimmer: Prerequisite Dolphin
Children tread water for 60 seconds, learn to dive, and have an introduction to rescue breathing. Endurance is increased to 50 metres, and front and back crawl are improved.
Learn to Swim Levels
Otter:
Children will learn to do floats and glides unassisted. They will also learn flutterkick, and complete a 5 metre endurance swim. This is the first level of children ages 6 years old and up.
Seal: Prerequisite: Otter
Children will continue to work on their floats, front glides and back glides. Surface support in chin deep water is introduced. Building endurance by increasing the distance of front and back swims to 10 metres.
Dolphin: Prerequisite: Seal
Children begin to work on front crawl, while continuing to increase their endurance to be able to swim 25 metres. Working in the deep water and becoming more comfortable. Surface support for 30 seconds in deep water.
Swimmer: Prerequisite Dolphin
Children tread water for 60 seconds, learn to dive, and have an introduction to rescue breathing. Endurance is increased to 50 metres, and front and back crawl are improved.
Star Swimming Levels
Star 1:
Water safety becomes more of a focus, as candidates learn to do a primary assessment and the Lifesaving Society ladder approach. Children learn elementary backstroke and endurance swim is 75 metres.
Star 2: Prerequisite: Star 1
This level is packed with new skills such as stride entries, time swims, endurance swims and more. Elementary backstroke is the new stroke learned. Endurance swim is 150 metres.
Star 3: Prerequisite: Star 2
Skills such as recognizing weak and non-swimmers, throwing rescue aids and eggbeater are learned. Candidates learn breaststroke, and must complete a 300 metre endurance swim.
Star 4: Prerequisite: Star 3
Children learn how to treat victims with hypothermia and airway obstructions. Sidestroke is introduced, and the endurance swim is 400 metres.
Star 5: Prerequisite: Star 4
Individuals will learn boating self-rescue, as well as compact jumps, and removals. Butterfly is introduced and the endurance swim is 500 metres.
Star 6: Prerequisite: Star 5
Candidates help teach a swim skill, as well as deal with unconscious choking victims. Water polo and synchronized swimming skills are introduced. Endurance swim is 600 metres.
Star 7: Prerequisite: Star 6
Candidates should at this level have learned all of the strokes. All strokes should be at the advanced level. Lifesaving and fitness concepts are focused on at this level.
Did you complete the star levels? Are you wondering what is next?
To learn more about advanced Aquatic courses, like Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross, please click here.
Private Inclusion Swim Lessons
Scheduled just outside of group lesson times and designed to fit into your schedule, Private Inclusion Lessons are a great option for children needing a more adaptive program. These lessons are staffed with swim instructors trained to help overcome barriers when instructing kids with physical/cognitive challenges. Including these strategies results in greater swimmer support in a more relaxed and calm environment compared to group lessons.
Private Swim Instruction
Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction to meet each swimmer’s individual needs. All lessons are 30 minutes in length. (Members only. $20.00 a lesson)
Customized Private Swim Lessons
Customized Private Swim Lessons (YMCA Members Only. All ages) *New program
Please contact Emma.Dwyer@pcymca.ca or 902-601-0455 (Members only. $20.00 a lesson)
Adult Swimming Lessons
Learn the basic swimming skills to become comfortable in the water. You will learn to safely enter and exit the pool, how to move through the water, and to float with and without assistance. Other skills such as breathing techniques, flutter kick, and front and back swimming may be introduced depending on individual abilities. Adult lessons are drop-in and non-registered program. See Program and Facility Schedule for days and times offered.
Autism Swim Lessons
In partnership with Autism Pictou County we provide one to one swim lessons for a half hour each week for persons with autism spectrum disorder and related disorders. The program is focused on teaching water safety and survival first with swimming skills evolving naturally as they progress.
Registration for this program takes place through Autism Pictou County. For more information, please contact Autism Pictou County.
Pictou County Tri-Club
Did you know that the YMCA is also home to the Pictou County Tri-Club?
From beginner to more advanced, everyone is welcome to attend weekly drop-in training meet ups.
To join one of the Tri Club Workouts visit the My Y App or see the current Facility & Program Schedule on the daily schedule page.
Aquatic Fitness Classes
Add water to your fitness workout!
The resistance of the water strengthens your muscles as you push and pull your body through the water. Water exercises reduces the impact on your joints as you improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Try out a class!
All participants are required to pre-book your spot in a class by using the My Y App, on-line scheduler or by phoning 902-752-0202
Click here to View the Schedule to see when classes are offered.
Warm Water Aqua Fit
This is a lower-impact Aqua Fit class that is taught in the leisure pool.
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Aqua Fit
Allows you to use the resistance of the water in a full range of motion to maximize your strength and cardio workout. Aqua Fit is a workout that strengthens the entire body using water resistance, various equipment, and flotation belts.
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Aqua Boot Camp
A great strength and cardiovascular workout. A variety of equipment and drills are used.
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Aqua Tethering
A great HIIT cardiovascular workout using the flotation belts and tethers in the deep water. HIIT is high intensity interval training. This is a 45-minute class that is suitable for intermediate to advanced. Confidence in deep water is required.
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Deep Water Aqua Fit
A great cardiovascular workout using a flotation belt in the deep water. There is no impact on the joints. This is a 45 minute class suitable for beginners to advanced. Confidence in deep water is required.
You will need: bathing suit, towel and photo I.D. (16+) or membership card. | You may want to bring: water bottle, lock, and flip flops or water shoes.
Aquatic Certification
Develop lifelong skills!
Continue advancing your swimming skills by enrolling in a YMCA Aquatic Course. Click on the course of your interest below for descriptions, dates, times and fees.
Aquatic Certification & First Aid Course (information, dates, fees and online registration):https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/pcymca
For more information download the Program Guide: YMCA Programs
Bronze Star
Ability is the only prerequisite to Bronze Star. If you are a good swimmer, Bronze Star provides challenging training for your body and your brain. Become a stronger swimmer. Deveop problem-solving and decision-making skills. Learn CPR and the skills needed to be your own personal lifeguard.
For more information on this program, please contact Emma Dwyer at emma.dwyer@pcymca.ca
Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid (20 Hr)
Better swimmers make better lifesavers. Strokes are back in Star and Medallion as young swimmers need opportunities to continue to develop their swim strokes in lifesaving classes. Learn an understanding of the four components of water-rescue education: judgement, knowledge skill and fitness. Learn tows, carries and defense methods in preparation for more challenging rescues. The first step to becoming a lifeguard.
Dates, Times, Fees and How to Register:
YMCA Swim Instructor (YSI)
This course is the foundation for building strong leaders in YMCA aquatics. Content covers YMCA Healthy Child Development, planning effective lessons using progressions and activities, and an understanding of the YMCA E.G.G.S. (E – Explanation/Demonstration, G – Group Practice, Group Feedback, S – Specific Practice and Feedback teaching method. Instructors will also review skills and strokes, different learning styles and temperaments, and how to react to emergency situations in a class setting. Participants will also learn to deliver the Lifesaving Society Canadian Swim Patrol and Bronze Star. The fee includes manual and certification. If you are interested in working for the YMCA as a Swim instructor, please email your resume to our Aquatics and Youth Director Emma Dwyer at emma.dwyer@pcymca.ca
- Prerequisite: Must be at least 15 years of age, Bronze Cross or NLS Certification Recommended
- Prerequisite: Proficient Swimmer in multiple strokes
Fees
Dates, Times & How To Register:
National Lifeguard Certification (48hr + exam)
National Lifeguard certification is Canada’s professional lifeguard standard. National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard’s role. National Lifeguard training emphasizes prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies including first aid treatment. Candidates develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Fitness requirements include a timed object recovery, 50m sprint challenge, 50m rescue drill, and 400m endurance challenge. If you are interested in working for the YMCA as a Lifeguard, please email your resume to our Aquatic & Youth Director Emma Dwyer at emma.dwyer@pcymca.ca
- Prerequisite: Bronze Cross certification and 15+ years old by the day of the exam
- https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/pcymca
Assistant YMCA Swim Instructor (AYSI) (27 hr) *New
You can begin to develop your aquatic teaching skills by becoming a YMCA Assistant Swim Instructor! This course is an introduction to teaching swimming lessons at the YMCA. The course includes a minimum of 10 hours of hands-on experience working beside a certified YMCA Swim Instructor.
- Prerequisites: To take this course, you must be 13 years or older, hold a current Star 7 or Bronze Star certification (or equivalent), and be able to swim strokes at YMCA Intermediate stroke standard.
After completing this course, you will be qualified to volunteer as a YMCA Assistant Swim Instructor during swimming lessons and help children learn to love the water. It’s a great way to practice your skills towards becoming a certified YMCA Swim Instructor.
Dates Times
Contact Emma Dwyer for more information at emma.dwyer@pcymca.ca