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New Canaan YMCA

Adult Aquatics

Adult Aquatics

Adult Water Activities

WHERE WE BECOME STRONGER IN THE WATER

The New Canaan YMCA offers aquatics programs for adults to become healthier and stronger in and out of the water. Programs include swim lessons, aquatic group exercise classes, Masters Swimming, and more. Our aquatics center features three beautiful pools.

Adult Swim Lessons

Beginner Swim Lessons

This lesson provides an opportunity for beginning swimmers to learn basic swimming skills and start on their journey towards a lifelong enjoyment of swimming. Perfect for those who are uncomfortable in the water or never have received any swimming instruction.

NEW! Stroke Refinement

This class is for those who are interested in refining their swimming strokes. Participants must be able to lap swim comfortably as well as being able to swim all four strokes with some proficiency.

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Private and semi-private lessons are available based on pool, instructor, and swimmer availability. Register for private and semi-private lessons through Kristin White, Senior Director of Aquatics, at 203-920-1643 or by email. Open to both members and non-members.

PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE LESSON CANCELLATION POLICY

Please direct cancellations of Private or Semi-Private lessons to our Kristin White, Senior Director of Aquatics, at 203-920-1643 or by email. No-notice cancelations or “no shows” must be paid for.

ADULT SWIM LESSONS

Our adult swim lesson programs provide opportunities to adults at all skill levels. From beginners who may be uncomfortable in the water through advanced swimmers looking to enhance technique, our adult lessons provide instruction and support in a comfortable small-class setting. Open to New Canaan YMCA members.

Masters Swim

Masters Swim is for adult swimmers looking to improve their endurance and strokes in the pool, whether for triathlons, Masters Competition, or personal well-being. Open to New Canaan YMCA members and non-members ages 18+.

The 2025-2026 season will be available for a monthly fee, including practices with a coach. Participants may join mid-season as space allows.

To register for Masters Swim, contact Deb Isidro at 203-920-1633 or by email.

For more information on Masters Swim, contact Liz Blau, Associate Director of Competitive Swimming, at 203-920-1645 or by email.

Drop-In Swimming

ADULT LAP:

For members 13 and older looking to swim for leisure and exercise. Please follow guidelines posted throughout the pool areas so as to not interfere with another swimmer’s workout.

THERAPY SWIM:

An open time for members ages 13+ needing water therapy.

FREE SWIM:

Free swim is available to New Canaan YMCA members and their guests
Youth members under 12 may be accompanied by one non-member parent or guardian without charge. Any additional guests accompanying a youth member may purchase a day pass.
Adult members may bring guests in accordance with the Y’s guest policy.
Children under 12 years, children using a swim aid, and non-swimmers of any age must be accompanied into the pool and supervised by a competent swimmer over the age of 18. The New Canaan YMCA only permits Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices during free swim.
A ratio of 1 adult to no more than 6 children (no more than 2 non-swimmers) is required.
All children 13 years and under will have their swimming skills evaluated before entering the pool and be assigned a color-coded neckband: RED (beginner), YELLOW (intermediate), or GREEN (advanced).

Please note: Non-swimmers of any age and children using a swim aid must have a parent in the pool no more than an arm’s length away
at all times. The New Canaan YMCA only permits Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices during free swim and therapy swim.

NOTICE:

New Canaan YMCA lifeguards have the right to ask anyone not abiding by pool rules, and/or putting other members at risk, to leave the pool area. Only swimmers are permitted on the pool deck, no spectators allowed in pool area unless accompanying a swimmer as required by YMCA policy. Spectators may view the Valles Pool from the observation deck.

Drop-In Aquatic Fitness Classes

Water is a wonderful, supportive environment for exercise. The ability to use the properties of water to vary the intensity of a workout make aquatic fitness appropriate for all ages and abilities. We offer a variety of group exercise classes each week, classes are free and open to New Canaan YMCA members.

The Y’s aquatic fitness classes are taught in our Forese Family Scooter and Valles Pools. If you have any questions or if you need help getting started, please contact Tetiana Kokorska, Group Exercise Director, at 203-920-1636 or by email.

Red Cross Lifeguard Certification & Recertification Courses

Lifeguarding Certification Course (Ages 15+)

The American Red Cross Lifeguard course is available to those who are interested in becoming a certified lifeguard. This course includes certification in First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer/AED and Lifeguard.

Lifeguarding Recertification Course (Ages 15+)

The Recertification Course will re-certify any current American Red Cross lifeguard with a two-year certification. Participants will demonstrate their skills and brush up on saves, first aid, and CPR/AED.

For additional information and any questions about Red Cross Lifeguarding courses, contact Kristin White, Senior Director of Aquatics, at 203-920-1643 or by email.