Flying Fish Swim School 

Choose group, private or semi-private lessons for children age 3 and older. (For those younger than 3, see parent/tot classes below.)

  • Our Fall II session of instruction starts Saturday, October 26 and ends Friday, December 20, 2024. (No swimming October 31 and November 25-December 1.)

  • Each lesson is 30 minutes long.

  • Two pools for instruction: a 20-yard shallow pool and a 25-yard pool with a deep end.

  • Parents and caregivers can watch from the pool decks or from the glassed-in area between the pools.

For children younger than three, we offer parent/tot classes led by an instructor. See below.

  • Group lessons

    Once-a-week group lessons are available in Fall II:

    -Mon/Tues/Thurs at 4, 4:30 and 5 pm.

    -Wednesday at 4 and 4:30 pm.

    -Friday at 4 pm.

    -Sat and Sun at 8:30, 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11 am.

    Cost per session (7 group lessons): $175 + annual facility fee. Thursday sessions are 6 group lessons at a discounted rate.

    How to register for group lessons

    Sign up directly on our registration portal Community Pass.

    If you didn't participate in the Fall I session, you must add the $25 annual facility fee before adding your swim lesson session on Community Pass.

    New to Community Pass? Click on "create an account" on the homepage.

  • Private/semi-private lessons

    Private and semi-private lessons are available at various times on weekdays and weekends.

    Single private lesson-$50; semi-private lesson-$40 per swimmer; 7-lesson block of privates-$315 for one swimmer; 7-lesson block of semi-privates-$245 per swimmer.

    How to register for private and semi-private lessons

    Contact Aquatics Manager Carlos Ceja (cceja@ywca-ens.org) first to set up a time.

    Then go to Community Pass and add the fees to your cart.

    You must add the $25 annual facility fee before adding your swim lesson session on Community Pass. Facility fee applies only if you didn't participate in Fall I session.

    If you're new to Community Pass, you'll first need to create an account. Simply go to Community Pass and follow the instructions.

Younger than 3? Join our parent/tot class!

For those younger than 3, we offer parent/tot classes in our small pool. Little ones get in the water with parents/caregivers and are led by an in-water instructor.

Fall II 2024 classes are Saturdays from 10 to 10:30 am and Thursdays from 11-11:30 am.

Fall II Saturday classes of parent/tot begin October 26 and Thursday classes begin November 7. Register now on Community Pass. (You’ll find parent/tot classes under “Group Swim Lessons.”)

Let’s get started!

Go to Community Pass

Want info about the Flying Fish Swim School?

The first step is to contact Aquatics Manager Carlos Ceja at cceja@ywca-ens.org or call 847-864-8445.

FAQs

  • Pools

    We have two pools – a cool, deep water pool and a warmer, shallow depth pool. Both pools are used for lessons.

    Generally, beginners and younger swimmers are in the shallow pool for lessons and more experienced swimmers are in the bigger pool. When it’s appropriate we may switch pools so that children gain experience in both swimming environments.

    Lap swimming and aqua aerobics are in the deep water pool. Both pools are handicapped accessible.

    Locker Rooms

    The girls locker room is in the northwest corner of the first floor. The boys locker room is in the basement; we also have family changing rooms and bathrooms for private changing.

  • At our beginning levels, there are five swimmers per instructor. In groups where children are swimming more independently, there are five to seven swimmers per instructor.

  • Equipment

    Other than a swimsuit and towel, equipment needs are few! Caps and goggles are not necessary, but are useful. If your child has long hair and doesn’t want to wear a cap, please tie their hair back from their face. If they are reluctant to put their face in the water without goggles, you may want to purchase a pair. Goggles are always available for purchase at the front desk.

    Observing

    Parents are welcome to stay on the pool deck, but it is not recommended that you talk to your child or sit close to their class. Their instructor will speak to you if they need assistance.

    Bubbles

    We use flotation bubbles on new swimmers for safety. We also occasionally use them for more independent swimmers as an aid to developing proper swimming mechanics.

    Free time

    Swimmers always get a little free time at the end of class. Though you may be tempted to leave, try to stay. Free time is a great period for relaxed exploration in the water.

    Please have your child use the bathroom before class starts (though it is normal for them to need to go again during class).

  • We have a paved parking lot on the south side of the building, near the lobby entrance. Parking in the lot at the YWCA is free and open to anyone who is using our facilities.

  • Consistency is one of the most important aspects of a swimmer’s development. Because of this, we ask that you make your child’s lessons a priority, even when it may not be convenient.

    Missed Classes

    We do not offer make-ups for missed classes. However, in special cases of illness and emergencies, we can issue credits. See below.

    Refunds/Credits

    In the case of a serious illness/injury, we may extend a credit for a future session. Email us at flyingfish@ywca-ens.org to request a credit.

    Cancelled classes

    If we need to cancel a class, we’ll either credit you for that class or try to schedule a time to make it up.

  • Registration is done through Community Pass.