Aquatics

Youth Swim Lessons

Our progressive small group swim lessons help your child build lifelong water safety skills and confidence. Our trained instructors create an encouraging environment where:

• Infants and toddlers discover the water through guided exploration
• Preschoolers develop comfort and basic skills through playful learning
• School-age children master strokes and water safety techniques
• Private YMCA swim lessons provide personalized instruction for any skill level

From water discovery parent and child classes to stroke development and mechanics, learn more about what the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has to offer.
Learn more about youth swim lessons at the Y!

Adult Swim Lessons

It’s never too late to become confident in the water. Our professional instructors meet you at your current ability level—whether you’re just starting out or enhancing advanced techniques. With three skill-based levels, we’ll help you achieve your personal swimming goals while building endurance and proper form.
Learn more about adult swim lessons at the Y!

Breakers Swim Team

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Breakers swim team unites athletes ages 7-18 to build confidence, friendships, and competitive skills in a supportive environment. As part of both YMCA Competitive Swimming and USA Swimming, our year-round program welcomes swimmers from novice to national competitor levels. We’re committed to making competitive swimming accessible to all youth in our community.

Masters Swimming

Connect with a welcoming community of adult swimmers (18+) who share your passion for the water. Our adult competitive swimming program is ideal for those who are new to swimming or training for competition. Plus, our flexible-schedule program accommodates all skill levels with dedicated pool time and supportive coaching at the West Y.

Transform your fitness routine with low-impact, high-reward aqua fitness classes. Our certified trainers create a personalized water workout routine to help you:

• Increase flexibility and strength
• Improve balance and endurance
• Protect joints while building muscle
• Achieve your unique wellness goals

This   personal training offering is available at both our West and Central locations with flexible 30- or 60-minute sessions, or small group training that brings friends together for shared success.

Through our partnership with local schools, the Y ensures that every third-grade student in northern Michigan learns essential water safety skills. This life-changing water safety class helps prevent drowning and builds water confidence in our community’s youth.

Over five weeks, students discover:

• Basic swimming techniques and water safety
• How to float, tread water, and move confidently in the pool
• Safe ways to help others in water emergencies
• Life-saving skills that extend beyond the pool, keeping them safe too

By making water safety education accessible to all children, we’re creating stronger, safer communities where everyone can thrive around water.

Learn more about our partnership water safety classes, and how you can support this drowning prevention program.