Aquatics

Annually, over 3,500 American children are treated in the emergency due to a drowning-related incident. Approximately 75% of child drownings occur because of a lapse in adult supervision of less than five minutes. 

• It takes less than one minute for a child to silently slip below the water's surface.
• Most drownings occur within 10-30 feet of safety.

You are your child's best lifeguard. However, without proper training or strong swimming ability, you could put yourself in danger. If possible, only swim in areas where a lifeguard is present. Use barriers around the pool and assign an adult to supervise pool activities even when a lifeguard is on duty. Never jump in to save someone. Throw out a flotation device or use a pole to reach a drowning child or adult. 

We believe the ability to swim is a critical life skill for every child, teen and adult. In swim lessons, we use a variety of methods to help overcome fears, build confidence in the water and develop skills that last a lifetime. Qualified instructors meet kids and adults at their own level, help families set achievable goals and celebrate all successes. 

We offer free swim assessments to Y members under the age of 12 that include:

•  Treading water for one minute 
•  Swimming the length of the pool 
• Floating on front and back 
• Jumping into water over their head 

If your child is unable to complete this test, they should remain in the shallow end of the pool and within arm's length of an adult at all times.

Be Water Smart From the Start! Check back later in the year for 2018 Safety Around Water dates! During this time every year, the Y offers FREE water safety courses at the following branches: 

• Downtown
• Cleveland
• Hamilton
• Healthy Living Center at North River
• North Georgia 

With a 150-year history of helping people learn to swim, the Y’s swimming classes are designed to teach this lifelong skill to kids and adults of all skill levels in a safe environment. Swimming is one of the most effective tools in developing the spirit, mind and body.

The YMCA offers unique, age-specific swim lessons through group or private classes year round with new classes beginning each month.

Ready to get started? See the swim lesson schedule at the YMCA branch most convenient for you.

• Hamilton Family YMCA
• Downtown Family YMCA
• YMCA Healthy Living Center at North River
• Cleveland Family YMCA
• North Georgia Community YMCA

Come and swim coached workouts with other adult swimmers. This Adult Masters Swim Team will be coached by one of our aquatics staff who is qualified and experienced in swimming. Each workout will be new and challenging. Each class we will work on various skills including: Stroke Technique, Endurance, Speed, and Strength. Must be 18 or older to participate. This is a US Masters Swimming program so there is a nominal $43 yearly membership fee. Click here for more information.                  

Our club name is YMCA Chattanooga Masters Swim Club.
The abbreviation is YCHA and the club number is 153-072.

Questions? Contact one of the following: 

• Downtown: Lisa Becht
• Hamilton: Lauren Desai
• YMCA Healthy Living Center at North River: Travis Corder
   

There's nothing more fun than pool parties or lock-ins at the Y! Come celebrate your next birthday with us and we'll make it unforgettable! We have the perfect pool party you are looking for. We can accommodate up to 25 kids per party (additional kids welcome for an additional fee).

Booking a Party
We accept MasterCard, Visa, America Express, Discover, cash or check. See below for contact info on booking a party. 

Outside food/drink:
You can bring food, drinks, cake, and decorations. Table cloths are recommended. Guests are responsible for removing gifts and personal items before the scheduled party time is over. Please no glitter or confetti.

Swim Party Guidelines
All swimmers under the age of 14 must take a swim test. Swimmers who do not pass or decline to take the test may swim in the shallow area of the pool under any of the following conditions:

• They are within arm’s length of the parent
• They are 5 feet or taller
• They are wearing a Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device
• Children under the age of 4 MUST wear a swim diaper in the pool
• Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult in the pool area

LOCK-INS
Please contact your local branch to inquire about Lock-Ins, as available/offerings may vary. 

Ready to book your party? Contact the following people at your local branch: 

• Downtown YMCA - Jerica Besley or call 423-266-3766
• Hamilton YMCA - Chelsea Schwabe or call 423-899-1721 
• Cleveland YMCA - Rebecca Flynn or call 423-476-5573 
• YMCA Healthy Living Center at North River - Travis Corder or call 423-877-3517