Fercho YMCA Swim School

Swim School takes a safety-first approach, focusing on small class sizes, boosting confidence in the water, building student/instructor relationships, and allowing each student to progress at their own pace.

Our lessons develop aquatic readiness, engage in underwater exploration, and teach children important water safety skills. We offer warm water options, year-round lessons, certified instructors, and more!

The YMCA provides swimming lessons to swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from infants to adults! We also offer private lessons, semi-private lessons, and adaptive lessons for swimmers with special needs.

Our Swim School is now a designated Level 2 Autism Friendly Partner! Learn more on our Diverse Abilities page.

See Fergus Falls Swim School

 

Fercho YMCA Upcoming Swimming Lessons

Click on the level for description, schedule & registration link

>> Parent & Baby | 6 - 18 mo

Parent & Baby  |  6 - 18 mo

Babies ages 6-18 months and the parent will enjoy the class together. This class is an excellent bonding opportunity between parent and baby. This class teaches the parent how to properly hold their baby while working on floating, submerging, hand-eye coordination and muscle strengthening through games and songs.

 
Summer 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Two Week Swim Camp Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am

Summer Lessons: Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Summer Swim Camp: Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Parent & Baby Lessons

>> Parent & Child | 19 - 35 mo

 Parent & Child  |  19 - 35 mo

Toddlers ages 19-35 months and the parent will enjoy this class together as well. This class teaches the parent how to work with their child on relaxed floating, gaining breath control for submerging, independent climbing out of pool and muscle strengthening. This class will also include games and songs.

Summer 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Two Week Swim Camp Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 1:30 - 2:00 pm

Summer Lessons: Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Summer Swim Camp: Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Parent & Child Lessons

>> Guppy | Ages 3 +

Guppy  |  Ages 3 +

Children 3+ years old can begin getting comfortable in the water independent of their parents. Through patience and trust, children in this level will overcome their fear and eventually swim independently. Instructors work with children at their own pace encouraging students to progress through games and fun.

Is your child between the ages of 3-5 years old with little to no swim lesson experience? If no, there Is a high chance this is the wrong level for your child, please email swimschoolfargo@ymcanorthernsky.org to ensure you are getting registered for the correct level.

Summer Lessons 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 5:00 - 5:30 pm

Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Register For Guppy Lessons

Summer Swim Camp 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon & Wed Camp 1 Jun 8 - Jul 1 Mon & Wed 11:00 - 11:30 am
Mon & Wed Camp 1 Jun 8 - Jul 1 Mon & Wed 3:30 - 4:00 pm
Mon & Wed Camp 1 Jun 8 - Jul 1 Mon & Wed 3:30 - 4:00 pm
Mon & Wed Camp 2 Jul 13 - Aug 5 Mon & Wed 11:00 - 11:30 am
Mon & Wed Camp 2 Jul 13 - Aug 5 Mon & Wed 3:30 - 4:00 pm
Mon & Wed Camp 2 Jul 13 - Aug 5 Mon & Wed 3:30 - 4:00 pm
Tues & Thu Camp 1 Jun 9 - Jul 2 Tues & Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am
Tues & Thu Camp 2 Jul 14 - Aug 6 Tues & Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 9:00 - 9:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 10:00 - 10:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 1:30 - 2:00 pm
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 3:00 - 3:30 pm

Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Guppy Swim Camp

>> Starfish | Ages 3 - 8

Starfish  |  Ages 3-8

In this level, encouragement and positive reinforcement will help little swimmers become more skilled swimming independently. Floating independently on their front and back as well as kicking across the pool on their back independently is stressed in this class for water safety reasons.

Summer Lessons 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 5:30 - 6:00 pm

Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Register For Starfish Lessons

Summer Swim Camp 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon & Wed Camp 1 Jun 8 - Jul 1 Mon & Wed 11:00 - 11:30 am
Mon & Wed Camp 1 Jun 8 - Jul 1 Mon & Wed 3:30 - 4:00 pm
Mon & Wed Camp 2 Jul 13 - Aug 5 Mon & Wed 11:00 - 11:30 am
Mon & Wed Camp 2 Jul 13 - Aug 5 Mon & Wed 3:30 - 4:00 pm
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 9:30 - 10:00 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 10:30 - 11:00 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 3:00 - 3:30 pm

Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Starfish Swim Camp

>> Froggie | Ages 5 - 13

Froggie  |  Ages 5 - 13

In this class, participants will build on their independent swimming ability by swimming further distances. Being able to transition from swimming on their front to their back with ease is one of the skills that will build this swimmers confidence. This skill is also a major water safety skill and building block toward formalized strokes in future levels.

Summer Lessons 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8- Aug 17 Mon 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Mon Jun 8- Aug 17 Mon 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Tues Jun 9- Aug 18 Tues 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Thurs Mar 19 - May 7 Thurs 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Thurs Mar 19 - May 7 Thurs 5:30 - 6:00 pm

Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Register For Froggie Lessons

Summer Swim Camp 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon & Wed Camp 1 Jun 8- Jul 1 Mon & Wed 11:00 - 11:30 am
Mon & Wed Camp 2 Jul 13 - Aug 6 Mon & Wed 11:00 - 11:30 am
Tues & Thu Camp 1 Jun 9- Jul 2 Tues & Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am
Tues & Thu Camp 2 Jul 14 - Aug 7 Tues & Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 9:00 - 9:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 9:30 - 10:00 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 10:00 - 10:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 2:30 - 3:00 pm

Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Froggie Swim Camp

>> Turtle | Ages 5 - 13

Turtle  |  Ages 5 - 13

Children in this class will build on previous levels by working on swimming under water, beginning to define swim strokes and learning more water safety skills. Swimmers will learn backstroke, front crawl, elementary backstroke and be able to retrieve toys from the bottom of the pool.

Summer Lessons 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 4:30 - 5:00 pm
       

Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Register For Turtle Lessons

 

Summer Swim Camp 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Tues & Thu Camp 1 Jun 9- Jul 2 Tues & Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am
Tues & Thu Camp 2 Jul 14 - Aug 7 Tues & Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 9:00 - 9:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 10:30 - 11:00 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 1:30 - 2:00 pm

Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Turtle Swim Camp

>> Otter | Ages 5 - 14

Otter  |  Ages 5 - 14

Swimmers will gain confidence as they begin to swim further distances in backstroke, front crawl and elementary backstroke. Children will learn dolphin kick, the timing of breaststroke, and will start to learn flip turns.

Summer Lessons 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 5:30 - 6 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 4:30 -5:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 5:00 - 5:30 pm

Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Register For Otter Lessons

 

Summer Swim Camp 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 9:30 - 10:00 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 3:00 - 3:30 pm

Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Otter Swim Camp

>> Seal | Ages 5 -13

Seal  |  Ages 5 - 13

Children in this class will increase their strength and endurance by swimming multiple lengths of front crawl and backstroke with flip turns. Your swimmer will progress by completing the butterfly and breaststroke. Endurance will be increased even more by working on being able to swim 150 yards continuously.

Summer Lessons 206
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Two Week Swim Camp Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 10:00 - 10:30 am

Summer Lessons: Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Summer Swim Camp: Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Seal Lessons

>> Shark | Ages 5 - 13

Shark  |  Ages 5 - 13

These experienced swimmers will be able to swim multiple lengths of the pool in each of the competitive strokes: front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Children in this class will also be skilled in elementary backstroke and sidestroke. Safety is emphasized in this class while students learn various forms of survival swimming which they will be able to do for ten consecutive minutes.

Summer Lessons 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Two Week Swim Camp Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 10:30 - 11:00 am
Two Week Swim Camp Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 2:30 - 3:00 pm

Summer Lessons: Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Summer Swim Camp: Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Shark Lessons

 

Fercho YMCA Adult Swimming Lessons

Ages 15+ | Fercho YMCA

Improve your technique, learn swim strokes, gain comfort in the pool, or overcome fear of the water! Participants swim once per week for 30 minutes at the Fercho YMCA. Ages 15+. Private and adaptive options are available.

>> Adult Lessons - Summer
Summer Lessons 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Tues & Thu Swim Camp 1 Jun 9 - Jul 2 Tues/Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am
Tues & Thu Swim Camp 2 Jul 14 - Aug 6 Tues/Thu 11:00 - 11:30 am

Summer Lessons: Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Summer Swim Camp: Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Adult Lessons

 

Fercho YMCA Adaptive Swimming Lessons

All Ages | Fercho YMCA

The YMCA is happy to provide Adaptive Swimming Lessons, to ensure participants of all needs and skill levels are able to learn water safety and enjoy the pool. These one-on-one lessons are for swimmers with special needs - including autism, sensory issues, physical disabilities, and more - and are tailored towards the skills of each participant. Instructors will communicate with parents even more than usual to ensure that each swimmer is working towards an agreed upon goal. Adaptive lessons are available for swimmers of all ages - from infants to adults!

>> Adaptive Lessons - Summer
Summer Lessons 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Mon & Wed Camp 1 Jun 8 - Jul 1 Mon & Wed 3:30 - 4:00 pm
Mon & Wed Camp 2 Jul 13 - Aug 5 Mon & Wed 3:30 - 4:00 pm
       

Summer Lessons: Member: $110 | Non-Member: $220

Summer Swim Camp: Member: $88 | Non-Member: $176

Register For Adaptive Lessons

 

Fercho YMCA Private Swimming Lessons

All Ages | Fercho YMCA

Private lessons are a great way to build confidence and skills in the water in a one-on-one environment!

>> Private Lessons - Summer
Summer Lessons 2026
Session Dates Day Time
Mon Jun 8 - Aug 17 Mon 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Tues Jun 9 - Aug 18 Tues 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Wed Jun 10 - Aug 19 Wed 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Thurs Jun 11 - Aug 20 Thurs 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Mon & Wed Swim Camp 1 Jun 8 - Jul 1 Mon & Wed 11:00 - 11:30 am
Mon & Wed Swim Camp 2 Jul 13 - Aug 6 Mon & Wed 11:00 - 11:30 am
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 1:30 - 2:00 pm
Two Week Swim Camp 3 Aug 10 - Aug 20 Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 2:30 - 3:00 pm

Summer Lessons: Member: $440 | Non-Member: $880

Summer Swim Camp: Member: $352 | Non-Member: $704

Register For Private Lessons