Hamilton Area YMCA

New/Returning Swimmers (ages 3+) registering for a higher level class other than Acclimation will be required to take a swim evaluation prior to registering for a stage. These evaluations will enhance your swimmer's experience by ensuring they are in the correct skill level.  

Please click here to reserve a swim evaluation or contact aquatics@hamiltonymca.org to complete a swim assessment.

Parents/participants please visit the Member Service Desk to ensure that your contact information is correct. In the case of emergencies/notifications, we communicate via emails and text alerts.

All refunds/credits must be made within the same session.

Make ups are not provided for missed classes. 

• If a class is cancelled due to weather, maintenance, or emergency related closure, we will process a credit VOUCHER to the participant’s membership account. 

Snow/Weather Closure

• The pool will close for thunder or lighting for a minimum of 30 minutes since the last occurrence. 
• Communication will be sent via text alert or email for any updates, please do not confront staff about timing of notifications as we need to clear the pool area prior to notifying. 
• Snow Closures are subject to the facility closure and will be communicated via email and text alert. 

Emergency Closure

• If an emergency occurs on the pool deck, please exit quickly from the pool area following directions by Aquatic Staff. 
• Safety is the #1 priority for all guests and this will allow staff to provide care as needed. 
• An emergency timeline can vary depending on the needs of the occurrence. 
• A credit VOUCHER will be provided in case of a closure. 

Membership Information

• Request for credits and refunds must be processed at the Member Service Desk by the end of the session in order for credit to be given. 
• Membership and Joiner’s fees/dues are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

• If you upgrade your membership during a session, the difference in program fees is non-refundable.
• Membership refund requests accompanied by a physician note will be considered by the Member Initiatives Director Kailin at kvena@hamiltonymca.org.  

All program requests are processed at the discretion of the program directors. 

We can refund/credit as follows:

• Refunds will be given for classes cancelled due to insufficient enrollment only.
• Credit will be issued only when the YMCA has an unforeseen closure or when an instructor is absent (and no coverage is provided).
• Credit will be issued for illness when it results in the loss of four or more consecutive class days and must be supported by a doctor’s note.
• Credit can be requested for illness, with prior notification to Aquatics Director.
• Credits issued must be used within six months of issue date.
• Credit will not be issued for missed classes for personal absence.

Develops water enrichment and aquatic readiness in children ages 6 months - 2.5 years. The category focuses on developing swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences. Parents also learn how to supervise children in the water, how to prevent accidents, and how to plan for emergencies. Parent participation is required.

The following stages include Parent Participation in the water: Discovery/ Exploration, Acclimation A & B, Movement A & B.

Increases comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Encourages forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently. Ages 2.5 years - adult

Increases comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Encourages forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently. Ages 2.5 years - adult

Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages. Ages 2.5 years - adult

Following the design of Stroke Introduction, Foundations will modify for the age group, but will still focus on key basic stroke technique. By introducing front crawl and back crawl participants will learn stroke work and will reinforce water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke. Instructor approval required.

Introduces basic stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke. Ages 2.5 years - adult

Introduces breaststroke and butterfly and reinforces water safety through treading water and sidestroke. Ages 2.5 years - adult

Refines stroke technique on all major competitive strokes and encourages swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle. Ages 2.5 years - adult

High School Stroke Conditioning is designed to replicate the intensity of a high school swim team practice. Our experienced instructors have over 25 years of coaching experience with competitive swimming. Swimmers must be able to show competency in all four strokes, flip turns, and a minimum distance of 200 yards (8 laps). Instructors will design a weekly set to provide variety focusing on technique and endurance.

*Unsure of your swim level? We strongly recommend coming in for a swim evaluation. Please see the swim evaluation times listed above. New swimmers with some level of experience or those that are unsure what level to register for must visit the JKR Branch to register or be evaluated for the correct swim level prior to registering online.  Those registering for our beginner level classes (Discovery, Exploration, Acclimation) may register online.

This course is for swimmers who can swim all four strokes and competitive swimmers who are not able to commit to a team.

*Unsure of your swim level? We strongly recommend coming in for a swim evaluation. Please see the swim evaluation times listed above. New swimmers with some level of experience or those that are unsure what level to register for must visit the JKR Branch to register or be evaluated for the correct swim level prior to registering online.  Those registering for our beginner level classes (Discovery, Exploration, Acclimation) may register online.

The Diverse Abilities Swim program focuses on reaching children and adults with disabilities in a continued effort to promote equal opportunities for all. 

Through the Diverse Abilities swim program, parents and caregivers of children with disabilities will be given the opportunity to provide their children with the means to learn fundamental water safety and swimming skills in a safe environment. For more information, please contact Nicole Bizuga, nbizuga@hamiltonymca.org.

Please complete this intake form so we that we are aware of your child or adult's individual needs.

Increases comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.

Introduces basic stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke.

Class time: 30 minutes

Must have 2 to register. Semi-private classes allow a maximum of two participants; instructors will work to meet the individual needs of each swimmer. 

Request for credits must be processed at the Member Service Desk by the end of the session in order for credit to be given. All program requests are processed at the discretion of the program directors. Every effort will be made to allow makeup classes due to emergency situations. We can credit as follows:

• Credit will be issued only when the YMCA is unable to provide a makeup class due to repairs or when an instructor is absent.
• Credit will be issued for illness when it results in the loss of four or more consecutive class days and must be supported by a doctor’s note.
• Credits issued must be used within six months of issue date.
• Credit will not be issued for missed classes.