The Best Is Now Even Better
For more than 100 years, the YMCA has been known as America's Swim Instructor. Group lessons were invented at the Y in 1909, and each year, more than 1 million children (and many adults!) learn to swim in YMCA-sponsored classes.
In 2022, we made some exciting changes to the YMCA of Greater Des Moines' aquatics program! We have introduced the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculum for our lessons, and all our instructors are receiving Red Cross Water Safety Instruction (WSI) certification. This partnership between the Y and the Red Cross brings together two of the nation's leaders in programs to help kids learn skills and stay safe in and around water.
For our youngest students—age 6 months to 3 years—we offer Parent & Child classes that are FREE with a Family membership. In these classes, parents help their children learn to enjoy the water in preparation for preschool lessons later on.
Develop skills that provide lifelong benefits by enrolling in swim lessons at the Y!
We Offer Lessons at These Locations
Walnut Creek Family YMCA
948 73rd St. West Des Moines, 50265 Get Directions 515-224-1888 Branch Hours| MON: | 5 am - 9 pm |
|---|---|
| TUE: | 5 am - 9 pm |
| WED: | 5 am - 9 pm |
| THU: | 5 am - 9 pm |
| FRI: | 5 am - 8 pm |
| SAT: | 6 am - 4 pm |
| SUN: | 8 am - 4 pm |
Waukee Family YMCA
210 N. Warrior Lane Waukee, 50263 Get Directions 515-987-9996 Branch Hours| MON: | 5 am - 9 pm |
|---|---|
| TUE: | 5 am - 9 pm |
| WED: | 5 am - 9 pm |
| THU: | 5 am - 9 pm |
| FRI: | 5 am - 8 pm |
| SAT: | 6 am - 6 pm |
| SUN: | 8 am - 4 pm |
The USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash initiative is saving children's lives through swim lessons. Through Make a Splash, the USA Swimming Foundation partners with learn-to-swim providers, community-based water safety advocates, and national organizations to provide swimming lessons and educate children and their families on the importance of learning how to swim.
Other Relevant Programs
Competitive Swim
We offer competitive swimming for swimmers ages 6-22 at several of our branches. All branches swim in the local, state and national YMCA network, as well as have the opportunity to compete in USA Swimming. We have well-trained coaches and great facilities where we're able to keep youth active and improve their skills in the water.
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Specialty Swim
Triathlon training, diving lessons, artistic swimming and more – the Y offers a number of specialty swim programs to members searching for a more specific type of swim training.
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