Aquatics
Lessons for Life
Whether it's learning how to swim or splashing about with your family, the YMCA has been involved in Aquatics since the late 1800's. The YMCA created formalized swim lessons and gave birth to what we now call Swim Teams. The Y was instrumental in developing the first lifeguard certification training and remains today the largest provider of certifications in the country.
Recreational
Various times are set aside for recreational swim. Children under the age of 7 and those who cannot stand in the shallow end or pass the deep water test must have supervision by an "in-water" adult at least 18 years of age.
Exercise Programs
Lap swim times are available throughout the day for those whose favorite form of exercise happens in the pool. Anybody with the ability to swim the length of the pool is welcome to utilize the lap swim times. We also offer aqua aerobics exercise classes at various levels of intensity along with aqua sculpt and water jog (check fitness and pool schedules for current times).
Ed Kellner Super Mile Swim
The Helena Family YMCA recently held its annual Ed Kellner Super Mile Swim on February 5th, 2012. Twenty Eight competitors took to the water in honor of Ed Kellner, a former YMCA member and avid swimmer. Over $700 was raised to benefit YMCA aquatics programs. The top three male swimmers were Mike Turner (22:44), Jason Fowler (23:26), and Nickk Angeli (26:19) . The top three female swimmers were Mandy McGowan (25:34), Kate McIvor (29:40), and Karen Simpson (33:41). Ms. McGown also placed 3rd among all swimmers, male and female. The YMCA Super Mile Swim is held every year on Super Bowl Sunday in honor of Ed Kellner who inspired others to swim by mapping his miles swam along several U.S. waterways, including all 2341 miles of the Missouri river.
Overall results: Mike Turner 22:44, Jason Fowler 23:26, Mandy McGowan 25:34, Nick Angeli 26:19, Poy Wong 28:38, Kate McIvor 29:40, Tim Meherns 30:00, Noah Genger Relay 32:52, Tyler Hollow 33:09, Karen Simpson 33:41, Stu Kellner 33:43, Tim Cail 33:54, Jake Glueckert 34:43, Roger Hoogerheide 34:48, Bill Shupe 35:49, Bill Allen (Mile FLY) 36:35, Kathy Chase 37:14, Mark Morgan 37:38, John Hollow 39:56, Peggy Collins 40:08, Bob Glueckert 40:42, Vicki Wilhelm 41:18, Margret Corcoran 44:32, Beth Angeli 48:28, Vicki McCall 60:00, Charlotte Sandal also participated, but a time is not available
NEW!!! YMCA Junior Swim Team
JUNIOR SWIM TEAM is a BRAND NEW program designed for kids who already know how to swim and are looking for new challenges in the water but who cannot commit to a 9-month swim season. Junior Swim Team (JuST Swim!) follows our youth sports schedule allowing kids an opportunity to experience a competitive swim program right here in Helena. No driving, no overnight hotel stays....just good clean fun and lots of improved skills. JuST Swim is staffed by our experienced Y staff and parent volunteers. The emphasis will be on stroke development, refining swim techniques and preparing kids for lifetime of active water enjoyment.
Ages: 7-14 years, must be able to swim the entire length of the pool without assistance
Registration: December 5th - 30th
Cost: $60 members/$120 non-members
When: January 2nd - February 25th. Choose Mon/Wed Group or Tues/Thurs group. Practices are held twice a week from 6:45-7:30 PM
Meets: Two Saturday morning meets will be held on January 28th & February 25th
**All participants will receive a YMCA t-shirt and a participation award. Ribbons will be awarded at the meets
For Additional information contact Mike Turner, Aquatics Coordinator at mike.turner@helenaymca.org
SWIM LESSONS
Registration for Winter Swim Lessons is open
(Spring Swim Lesson information will be available soon!)
Winter Session I: December 5-15 (Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks)
Winter Session II: January 2-26 (Twice a week for 4 weeks)
Winter Session III: Jan 30-Feb 23 (Twice a week for 4 weeks)
Winter Session IV: March 5-15 (Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks)
Call 442-9622 or click here for exact times
Helpful Information...
1. Please bring your child to class on the first day with a suit, goggles, a towel and any supplies to shower with before and after pool use. Long hair needs to be put up or tied back. No lifejackets are needed. Parents will not be in the water unless you have signed up for the Aquatot level.
2. Class ratios of kids to instructors will be kept relatively low at 4:1 for ages 3-5, 5:1 for ages 6-8 and 6:1 for ages 9+. This enables proper amount of one on one work versus group activity.
3. Remember, it is perfectly normal for a child to repeat a level 2 or 3 or even up to 4+ times. The YMCA recognizes that each child learns at their own rate and we keep this in mind for all levels. If specialty training is needed, private swim lessons are available.
4. On the last day of class the instructor will inform each parent/guardian of their child’s progress and which level to sign them up for in the future. Printed progress reports will not be handed out until further notice. If you have any specific questions please ask the instructor during their free time, or contact Aquatics Coordinator Mike Turner at 442-9622 or mike.turner@helenaymca.org
AQUATICS CLASSES
Aquaerobics - Monday thru Friday 9:00 AM -10:00 AM and Mon/Wed/Fri 1:00-2:00 PM
Water Sculpt - Tuesday & Thursday 1:00-2:00 PM
Master's Swim - Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Water Polo - Fridays 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
See pool schedule for lap swim and recreational swim times
