Fergus Falls 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 year-round lessons, quality instructors, and more! The Fergus Falls 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.


 

Fall Swim Lessons - Fergus Falls YMCA

The Fergus Falls Swim School offers weekly 30-minute lessons focusing on aquatic readiness and safety, taught by certified instructors for all ages and skill levels. Parents are asked to stay close for assistance. Class offerings are subject to demand and instructor availability. 

Click on the levels below for descriptions, times and registration buttons.

>> Parent & Baby/Child ( 6 - 35 mo )

Parents work with their baby on floating, submerging, hand/eye coordination, and more through games/songs.

Session Dates Day Time
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Tuesday 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Thursday 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 9:30 - 10:00 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Tuesday 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 9:30 - 10:00 am

 

Member: $80 | Non-Member: $120

Register For Parent & Baby Lessons

>> Guppy ( Ages 3+ )

Children ages 3+ 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

Session Dates Day Time
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Tuesday 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Tuesday 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Thursday 5:45 - 6:15 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 9:00 - 9:30 am
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 10:00 - 10:30 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Monday 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Tuesday 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Wednesday 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Wednesday 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Thursday 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 9:00 - 9:30 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 10:00 - 10:30 am

Winter Session: Jan 12th - March 7th (8 weeks)  
Spring Session:  March 7th - May 9th (off for spring break March 23rd), No April 4th due to Easter 

Registration price is pre-adjusted for missed dates.

 

Member: $80 | Non-Member: $120

Register For Guppy Lessons

>> Starfish

Encouragement and positive reinforcement help kids become more confident floating on their front and back as well as kicking across the pool on their back independently.

Session Dates Day Time
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Monday 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Tuesday 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Thursday 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 9:00 - 9:30 am
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 10:30 - 11:00 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Monday 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Wednesday 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Thursday 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Thursday 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 9:30 - 9:30 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 10:30 - 11:00 am

Winter Session: Jan 12th - March 7th (8 weeks)  
Spring Session:  March 7th - May 9th (off for spring break March 23rd), No April 4th due to Easter 

Registration price is pre-adjusted for missed dates.

 

Member: $80 | Non-Member: $120

Register For Starfish Lessons

>> Froggie

Children will build on independent swimming skills by swimming longer distances and transitioning from swimming on their front to their back.

Session Dates Day Time
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Monday 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Tuesday 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Thursday 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 9:30 - 10:00 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Monday 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Thursday 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 9:30 - 10:00 am

Winter Session: Jan 12th - March 7th (8 weeks)  
Spring Session:  March 7th - May 9th (off for spring break March 23rd), No April 4th due to Easter 

Registration price is pre-adjusted for missed dates.

 

Member: $80 | Non-Member: $120

Register For Froggie Lessons

>> Turtle

Swimmers will begin to define swim strokes like backstroke, front crawl, and elementary backstroke.

Session Dates Day Time
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Monday 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Tuesday 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 10:00 - 10:30 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Monday 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Thursday 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 10:00 - 10:30 am

Winter Session: Jan 12th - March 7th (8 weeks)  
Spring Session:  March 7th - May 9th (off for spring break March 23rd), No April 4th due to Easter 

Registration price is pre-adjusted for missed dates.

 

Member: $80 | Non-Member: $120

Register For Turtle Lessons

>> Otter/Seal/Shark

Build skill, endurance, and confidence on swim strokes. Swimmers also learn dolphin kick, the timing of breaststroke, and will start to learn flip turns.

Session Dates Day Time
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Tuesday 4:00 - 4:30 am
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 10:00 - 10:30 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Tuesday 5:00 - 5:30 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Thursday 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 10:00 - 10:30 am

Winter Session: Jan 12th - March 7th (8 weeks)  
Spring Session:  March 7th - May 9th (off for spring break March 23rd), No April 4th due to Easter 

Registration price is pre-adjusted for missed dates.

Member: $80 | Non-Member: $120

Register For Lessons

>> Private Swim Lessons

Private lessons are one-on-one scheduled class times! These lessons are great for those looking for specific skill development or those who prefer a one-on-one environment.

Session Dates Day Time
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 8:00 - 8:30 am
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 10:30 - 11:00 am
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Saturday 11:00 - 11:30 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Monday 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Monday 7:00 - 7:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Monday 7:30 - 8:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Tuesday 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Wednesday 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Thursday 5:00 - 5:30 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Thursday 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 8:00 - 8:30 am
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 10:30 - 11:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 11:00 - 11:30 am

Winter Session: Jan 12th - March 7th (8 weeks)  
Spring Session:  March 7th - May 9th (off for spring break March 23rd), No April 4th due to Easter 

Registration price is pre-adjusted for missed dates.

 

Member: $255 | Non-Member: $360

For private lessons, please contact Anna Drenth, Aquatics & Recreation Director:  SwimSchoolFergus@ymcanorthernsky.org

 

>> Semi-Private Lessons

These lessons allow your child to partner with a friend, family member or classmate to build swimming skills and confidence in the water together.

Session Dates Member Non-Member
       

Winter Session: Jan 12th - March 7th (8 weeks)  
Spring Session:  March 7th - May 9th (off for spring break March 23rd), No April 4th due to Easter 

Registration price is pre-adjusted for missed dates.

Per person: Member: $400 | Non-Member: $450

For semi-private lessons, please contact Anna Drenth, Aquatics & Recreation Director:  SwimSchoolFergus@ymcanorthernsky.org

>> Adaptive Swim Lessons

The YMCA is happy to provide Adaptive Swimming Lessons to ensure participants of all needs and skill levels can learn water safety and enjoy the pool. These one-on-one lessons are for swimmers with special needs 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.

Please check back for more adaptive lesson options.

       
       

 

For adaptive lessons, please contact Anna Drenth, Aquatics & Recreation Director:  SwimSchoolFergus@ymcanorthernsky.org

>> Adult Lessons

These lessons are geared towards adults who want to learn how to swim

Session Dates Days Times
Winter Jan 12 - Mar 7 Tuesday 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Tuesday 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Spring Mar 7 - May 9 (no class 3/23, 4/4) Saturday 8:00 - 8:30 am

Winter Session: Jan 12th - March 7th (8 weeks)  
Spring Session:  March 7th - May 9th (off for spring break March 23rd), No April 4th due to Easter 

Registration price is pre-adjusted for missed dates.

Member: $80 | Non-Member: $120

 

 


Intro to Syncro - Fergus Falls YMCA

Ages 8 - 14

Discover the elegance and athleticism of synchronized swimming in our introductory class! Designed for beginners, this class will teach the basics of synchronized swimming, including fundamental techniques, routines, and teamwork. Participants will learn to perform synchronized movements in the water, enhancing their swimming skills, coordination, and confidence. Join us for a fun and engaging experience that combines swimming, dance, and gymnastics! Students must be able to tread water comfortably for 1 minute to be able to participate.

Session Dates Day Time
Spring  April 11 - May 16 Saturday 11:00 am

 

 

Member: $60 | Non-Member: $75

Click Here To Register For Syncro


 

Make-Up Lessons:

Due to the size and format of the classes, there will be no make-up for missed classes.


YMCA Swim School Advantages & Structures

  • Skill Patch Rewards: As each child progresses at their own pace, they will be recognized for their accomplishments with patches from the level they’ve completed.
  • Small Class Sizes: Classes are held as a group and structured by age and ability to accommodate varying skill levels within each age group. Student-to-teacher ratios are 5:1 with Parent/Baby and Parent/Child classes 7:1.
  • Certified Swim Lesson Instructors: The swim teachers are highly trained in safety, class management, and keeping children engaged with enthusiasm, imagination, and fun! All teachers are also CPR and First Aid certified.
  • Year-Round Swimming: Consistency and practice are key to fine-tuning or retaining any skill on a more permanent basis. With our indoor pools, children can swim year-round and consistently build upon and progress in their skills.
  • Safety Topics: Included in every lesson, your child will learn safety topics such as the ‘Throw Don’t Go’ method, life jacket usage, and additional instruction on what to do in the event of an emergency.