We strongly believe in the YMCA group Swim Lessons. However we understand that for various reasons some choose to learn in a one-on-one environment. If you are interested in safe, fun, effective, private lessons for yourself or your child the YMCA of Rapid City is the place to go. Times and dates are determined by student/instructor, availability, and pool space. Please call Frances at the Y to ask questions, set up times, or to sign up! Please remember to leave a voicemail if she is not available. You may also reach Frances via e-mail: frances@rcymca.org

(endurance workout) To enroll in this Healthy Living program, adaptive students must be able to swim 1 consecutive length of the pool, with no floatation device or assistance. This program is designed to develop the adaptive youth’s endurance, knowledge and desire towards lifelong regular swim workouts or even towards Special Olympic competitions. Coach(s) will help improve stroke technique, develop individualized workouts and monitor and encourage each swimmer.

To enroll in this Healthy Living program students must have progressed from the Fish level, or be able to swim 4 consecutive lengths of the pool using the American Crawl stoke. This program is designed to develop the youth’s endurance, knowledge and desire towards lifelong regular swim workouts or even towards area (youth/adult) Triathlon events. Coach(es) will help improve stroke technique, develop individualized workouts and monitor and encourage each swimmer.

This learn to swim program has been designed for those “Special Needs” students (at a 6-13 year old ability level). Our staff will evaluate your child for placement in our adaptive program or our swim lesson program. Limited space and time available. We will do our best to serve each child! Call Frances for an Evaluation appointment. During our the initial evaluation we will work to ensure the child's ability to follow aquatic safety guidelines, simple instructions, and our instructors ability to provide a quality program for each individual participant. Times and dates are determined by student/instructor, availability, and pool space. Please call Frances at the YMCA to ask questions, set up times, or to sign up! Please remember to leave a voicemail if she is not available. You may also reach Frances via e-mail: frances@rcymca.org

PRE-REQUIREMENTS: YOU MUST BE 15 YEARS OLD by the end of THE CLASS. CANDIDATES MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM 300 YARDS CONTINUOUSLY USING THESE STROKES IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER: 1) 100 yards of front crawl using rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propellant kick. Rhythmic breathing can be performed either by breathing to the side or the front 2) 100 yards of breaststroke using a pull, breathe, kick and glide sequence 3) 100 yards of either the front crawl or breaststroke students demonstrating comfort in the water. There is no time limit to swim the 300 yards, however it must be done non-stop. ALSO STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO: 1) Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breast stroke, surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10 pound object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back to the starting point and exit the water without using the a ladder or steps. During the swim back, you must have your face above the water, both hands on the brick, and the brick on your chest. You have 1 minutes and 40 seconds for this skill. UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS CLASS CANDIDATES WILL BE CERTIFIED IN AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARDING, FIRST AID, CPR PR & AED - We always have a class during Christmas break (between Christmas and New year's) we also try to have a class in April, June, Sept/Oct. Please call the YMCA to have your name, address and phone number put on a contact list for when next class is avaialbe. Click on the link to the right to see if there is a class taking registration now! :)