Building Confidence in the Water

Swimming is a life skill as well as great exercise and a challenging sport. The YMCA offers swim lessons for all ages and abilities. We have options for private and semi-private lessons.  Swim year-round in our heated, indoor pools and swim with the folks that created group swim lessons!  We offer fitness classes in the water at both our branches. Check out the variety of options we have for staying active in our pools.

Children's Swim Levels

Swimming lessons are an essential tool for ensuring your child’s safety in and around the water.  They can also be a lot of fun for your child.

We have a system to determine exactly what class your child should be in based on age and skill level.

See the Swim Level Chart >

Start Swim Lessons

With a focus on water safety and skill development, the YMCA Swim Lesson program is effective at helping children and adults learn to swim and, most importantly, be safe around water.

The Y was the first organization to establish certification programs for lifesaving, swimming and aquatic instruction, and it's a tradition we're proud to continue today.

Learn more about Swim Lessons >

Join Swim Team

Why Join Swim Team? On swim team children work with swim coaches and learn to become strong, efficient swimmers by repeatedly practicing and correcting stroke technique and specific skills necessary to gain efficiency in the water.

Your child does not have to compete to be on the team.

If you child can swim the length of the pool, 25 yards, consider taking lessons with WYNS. We have swimmers as young as 3 years old.

Learn about our Swim Team WYNS >

Training & Certifications

Whether you're looking for basic water safety courses, first aid or to become a certified lifeguard, the Y is the leader in swim safety and training.

Lifeguard, First Aid and CPR/AED certification is valid for two years.

Learn More >

Lap Swim / Water Walk

Lap Swim and Water Walk time is available at both Aspirus and Wausau pools. There is a schedule for each pool with lanes availability.

Lap swimmers are expected to share lanes if lanes are full.

Learn more about Lap Lane Etiquette >

Open Swim

Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Children 10 years old may be at open swim without an adult. All life jackets must be Coast Guard approved.

See Pool Schedules >

CPR/AED Certification Classes

Find out about all of the Certification Programs we offer and literally learn how to save a life!

2022 Woodson Y Aquatics

Kids Learned to Swim
Certified in CPR/AED
Lifeguards Trained

Water Exercise Classes

Did you know that a 30-minute walk in the water is equivalent to a two-hour walk on land? Water resistance offers an excellent opportunity for muscle toning and body sculpting. Water also cools the body during exercise, which reduces stress on the heart and reduces the risk of injury by lessening the impact on weight-bearing joints, muscles, and bones.