The Y has long been America’s favorite swimming instructor.
Our Aquatics programs focus on drowning prevention through teaching techniques and skills. We offer the opportunity to build friendships, develop confidence, and create positive experiences that will last a lifetime.
The Y's Walla Walla facility offers a 25-meter pool and warm water therapy pools. Additionally, the Y operates pools and provides lessons in communities across the valley, including Milton-Freewater, Athena, and Prescott.
The Walla Walla YMCA was chosen as one of 124 youth swim lesson providers to receive a USA Swimming Foundation grant in 2024. The Learn-to-Swim grant award will go toward our continued efforts to provide free or reduced-cost swim lessons for children in local communities.
These grant funds will assist the Y towards our goal of teaching water safety to over 1000 youth this year, including adaptive swim lessons for children with disabilities.
SCHOOL-AGE LESSONS
The Y's Learn-to-Swim Lessons teach life-saving water safety skills to children ages 6-12. Higher levels progress into more advanced swimming techniques!
LEVEL 1
For the beginner who may be uncomfortable in the water.
LEVEL 2
Swimmers should already be able to float on front and back and put their head under water.
LEVEL 3
Swimmers should already be comfortable swimming front stroke and swimming on their back.
LEVEL 4
Swimmers should already be able to swim front & back crawl 25 yards.
LEVEL 5
Swimmers should already be able to: swim freestyle, breaststroke & backstroke 25 yards, scissors kick, whip kick, treading water, and dive.
YOUNGER LESSONS
Open to ages 3-5, our Preschool Swim Lessons progress at a slower pace appropriate for the young participants. Parent/Child Swim Lessons accommodate those under age 3 down to just 6 months old!
PARENT/CHILD
For our youngest learners! Join your infant or toddler in the pool for a safe introduction to the water.
PRESCHOOL 1
Swimmers work toward comfort in the water, including submersion of the face.
PRESCHOOL 2
Swimmers should already be able to float on front and back and put their head under water.
PRESCHOOL 3
Swimmers will build upon skills to gain complete independence without floatation.
Click to view registration details for our next Swim Lessons!
We also offer PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS with one-on-one instruction for children and adults, plus ADAPTIVE SWIM where we focus on fun, safety, and technique to help small groups of children and adults with special needs become the best swimmers possible.
ADULT WATER EXERCISE CLASSES
Water-based exercise offers resistance training through the hydrostatic pressure of water across the surface of the body, which can benefit balance, coordination, and mobility. Performing aerobics in water gives you a good low-impact, cardiovascular workout which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Classes are designed for all fitness levels and ages. Since your feet can touch the bottom of the pool, they are open to swimmers and non-swimmers alike! No registration required – classes are included with your membership.
AQUA FITNESS
M-W-F at 7:30AM
Instructor: Susan
This class is held in the big pool and includes water walking, calisthenics, cardio and resistance exercises to build stamina, range of motion and strength. It is suitable for all fitness levels including non-swimmers.
WATER AEROBIC EXERCISE
T-Th at 7:30AM
Instructor: Justin
Suitable for all fitness levels including non-swimmers and swimmers.
H.E.A.R.T. High Energy Aerobic and Resistance Training
M-T-W-Th-F at 8:30AM
Instructor: Susan
Contrary to the HEART acronym, this class is NOT just for people with heart issues. Rather, it is aerobic exercise for everyone who has a heart and wants to exercise their cardiovascular system in the water.
H.E.A.R.T. is also not just for seniors or women even though the time slot is attractive to those who are retired. The instructor offers three levels of impact and cardiovascular exercise to suit the variety of fitness levels and needs of participants.
JOINT MOBILITY & STRETCH
M-W at 9:45AM
Instructor: Susan
This class is in the warm pool and includes specific joint-related exercises and stretches from head to toe. It’s the perfect class for those with arthritic joints, sore muscles, or joints recovering from replacement surgery once the doctor has given you the okay to be in the water. Suitable for non-swimmers and swimmers.
LIGHT AEROBICS
T-Th at 9:45AM
Instructor: Susan
This low to no impact class in the warm pool is perfect for those who want a light aerobic workout with lively music in warm water. Exercisers can choose the level of aerobic workout to suit their own personal fitness level and goals. Suitable for non-swimmers and swimmers.
Also on our schedule are various Lap and Open Swim times for members to make use of our pools:
Lap Swim
Y members age 12 and older are welcome to swim laps in the pool to stay in shape! Circle swim may be required if there are several swimmers in the pool at the same time. Please be courteous to all members and make space for incoming swimmers.
Open Swim
Children age 7 and under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is in the water and within arm’s reach of their child(ren) at all times. Children may be accompanied by a family member age 12 years and over, but parent must be present on pool deck area at all times.
Veteran Swim
A quiet swim time free for our vets and their spouses.
Warm Water Adult Open Swim
For adults who would like a quiet time to exercise and enjoy our facility. Water Walking Open is time to walk and do personal aquatic exercise without instruction.