Flying Fish Swim School
Fall I session of instruction starts September 6
It’s time to get back in the water!
The Flying Fish Swim School offers instruction for children ages 3 and over. Choose group, private or semi-private lessons.
- Fall I seven-week session starts Tuesday, September 6 and ends Monday, October 24.
- Each lesson is 30-minutes long.
- We have two pools for instruction: a 20-yard shallow pool and a 25-yard pool with a deep end.
- Parents and caregivers can watch from the pool decks or from the glassed-in area between the pools.
Group Lessons
We offer group lessons on weekday late afternoons and Sat/Sun mornings.
- 7 week sessions for $145
Most groups will be 3-4 swimmers, although more advanced groups may include 5-6 swimmers.
Private/Semi-Private Lessons
We offer private and semi-private sessions
- Saturdays between 11:30 am and 1pm and Sundays between 11 am and 1 pm
- Weekdays at 3 or 3:30 pm on an ad hoc basis (one lesson at a time)
If you commit to seven weeks the total cost of private sessions is $260 and the total cost of semi-private sessions (two swimmers) is $380.
Book all seven weeks and save!
- Ad hoc private sessions are $45 each and semi-private sessions (two swimmers) are $60 each.
How to sign up
You can sign up for group lessons directly via Community Pass. You’ll find available days and times there.
To sign up for private or semi-private lessons, contact Aquatics Coordinator Chris Russo (crusso@ywca-ens.org). Once Chris has confirmed your spot, you can register and pay online using Community Pass.
To use Community Pass, you’ll create an account and add your swimmer(s). You’ll find our programs under “Aquatics.”
Questions? Contact Pete Caragher, Director of Flying Fish Aquatics, at pcaragher@ywca-ens.org or call 847-864-8445.
Pools
We have two pools – a cool, deep water pool and a warmer, shallow depth pool. Both pools are used for lessons.
Generally, beginners and younger swimmers are in the shallow pool for lessons and more experienced swimmers are in the bigger pool, but when it’s appropriate we may switch pools so that children gain experience in both swimming environments.
Lap swimming and aqua aerobics are in the deep water pool. Both pools are handicapped accessible.
Locker rooms
The girls’ locker room is in the northwest corner of the first floor. The boys’ locker room is in the basement; and we also have a family changing room.
Both girls’ and boys’ locker rooms have lockers (you provide a lock), showers with liquid soap, and bathroom facilities. Anything you don’t lock up you should keep with you.
At our beginning levels, there are five swimmers per instructor. In groups where children are swimming more independently, there are five to seven swimmers per instructor.
Equipment
Other than a bathing suit and towel, equipment needs are few! Caps and goggles are not necessary, but are useful. If your child has long hair and doesn’t want to wear a cap, please tie their hair back from their face. If they are reluctant to put their face in the water without goggles, you may want to purchase a pair. Goggles are always available for purchase at the front desk.
Observing
Please have your child use the bathroom (though it is normal for them to need to go again during class).
Parents are welcome to stay on the pool deck, but it is not recommended that you talk to your child or sit close to their class. Their instructor will speak to you if they need assistance.
Bubbles
We use flotation bubbles on new swimmers for safety. We also occasionally use them for more independent swimmers as an aid to developing proper swimming mechanics.
Free time
Swimmers always get a little free time at the end of class. Though you may be tempted to leave, try to stay – free time is a great period for relaxed exploration in the water.
We have a paved parking lot on the south side of the building, near the lobby entrance. Parking in the lot at the YWCA is free and open to anyone who is using our facilities.
Consistency is one of the most important aspects of a swimmer’s development. Because of this, we ask that you make your child’s lessons a priority, even when it may not be convenient.
Missed classes
Make-ups must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, by email, and must be within the session for which your child is currently enrolled. Make-ups are by no means guaranteed and are handled on a case by case basis. We work with you to make sure you are getting a make-up or a credit. Email us at crusso@ywca-ens.org to schedule.
Refunds/Credits
In the case of a serious illness/injury, we may extend a credit for a future session. This offer will only be good for four months. Please request these credits via email, and provide that email as confirmation upon usage. Email us at flyingfish@ywca-ens.org to request a credit.
Cancelled classes
If we need to cancel a class, we’ll either credit you for that class or try to schedule a time to make it up.
Registration done through Community Pass.