Details & Pricing
Ages 3–14
We offer seasonal group swim lessons for Missoula kids and families. Lessons are designed to help Montana children ages 3–14 learn water adjustment and aquatic safety. Children ages 6+ will also work on stroke competency and rescue skills in addition to water adjustment and aquatic safety.
All YMCA swim instructors use the nationally recognized YMCA Swim Lesson curriculum, which focuses on water safety, skill progression, and building confidence in the water. With an easy-to-follow swim progression, the YMCA is a trusted choice for Missoula kids who want to learn or strengthen swimming skills.
All lessons take place in the Missoula YMCA's indoor pool.
Group Swim Lesson Registration
Acceptable Swim & Sauna Attire [LINK NEEDED]
Swim Lesson Levels [ANCHOR LINK]
1x Week Swim Lessons
Four 30-minute swim lessons in a small group setting during the school year. Swim lessons are held once a week. Offered seasonally in Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Upcoming Sessions:
- Offered monthly January–December. Registration opens in December, February, and May.
Cost:
$44 w/ YMCA membership ($55 for non-YMCA members)
2x Week Swim Lessons
Eight 30-minute swim lessons in a small group setting during the school year. Lessons are held once a week. Offered seasonally in Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Upcoming Sessions:
- Offered monthly January–December. Registration opens in December, February, and May.
Cost:
$74 w/ YMCA membership ($89 for non-YMCA members)
Summer Accelerated Swim Lessons
The Missoula YMCA's Summer Accelerated Swim Lesson program offers eight 30-minute lessons in a small group setting. Lessons are taught Monday–Thursday over the course of two weeks. Summer Accelerated Swim Lessons are offered in June, July, and August.
Upcoming Sessions:
- Offered June and July. Registration opens May 1 for members and May 3 for non-members.
Cost:
$74 w/ YMCA membership ($89 for non-YMCA members)
What to Expect
30-Minute Lessons
Each lesson is 30 minutes long and led by a YMCA swim instructor.
Small-Group Sizes
Our group swim lessons maintain small class sizes to ensure each swimmer gets dedicated attention.
Progressive Lesson Structure
We teach a progressive swim lesson model, allowing swimmers to learn and develop swim skills in stages before moving to the next set of skills.
Group Swim Lesson FAQ
Swimmers should be on the pool deck in their suits five minutes before their class time.
Bathing suits are required for all swimmers. Swimmers with long hair should tie their hair back from their faces.
While swimmers are allowed to bring goggles, we encourage those new to swimming to get comfortable without wearing goggles.
Scroll up and click the link to view a PDF of acceptable swim wear,
The Missoula YMCA has four swim lesson levels:
Level 1: XXX
Level 2: XXX
Level 3: XXX
Level 4: XXX
The Missoula YMCA uses a progressive swim lessons model, which teaches swimming skills in stages and allows students to build their confidence and skills in the water. During the last week of class, swim instructors provide a report card to each swimmer and recommend if the swimmer should move to the next swim level or stay in the current level.
Each swim level has specific skills that must be met before swimmers can advance to the next level. It is not unusual for a swimmer to need to repeat a level more than once as repetition is key to learning!
Refunds and/or makeup classes for YMCA swim lessons are only provided should the pool be closed unexpectedly for a mechanical issue.
Yes. However, for the safety and privacy of all participants, you are only permitted to take photos or videos of your swimmer. As a reminder, cameras and cell phones are not permitted in locker or changing rooms.