Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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Take Advantage of the YMCA’s 2026 Fall Swim Lesson Sale

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to announce special Swim Lesson Sale!

Save $7 when you register for Fall 3 swim lessons from October 23-26.

Offer valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Open to Facility Members and Community Members. Some restrictions may apply.

Use promo code: SWIMFA3 when registering online. You can also call your local branch to reserve your time slot:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544
(815) 267-8600

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 West Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450
(815) 513-8080

Village of Shorewood YMCA
1801 West Jefferson Street
Shorewood, IL 60404
(815) 744-3939

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2026 “Go Blue” Water Safety Program Helps Summer Day Campers Learn Important Life Skills

As America’s most trusted swim lesson instructor, the YMCA has been teaching kids how to swim for more than 100 years. Swim lessons at the YMCA help kids stay fit, healthy, and strong when they spend time in and around water. But, most importantly, they gain confidence and learn vital water safety skills that will last a lifetime.

The YMCA’s Swim Lesson Curriculum is based on a continuum that focuses on a skill-based progression that builds confidence and supports skill development swimmers of all ages. This summer, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA was proud to once again provide swim lessons through our “Go Blue” initiative.

The “Go Blue” Water Safety Program was offered as a part of summer day camp activities at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA,  Morris Hospital YMCA, and Village of Shorewood Family YMCA. At the start of the summer, campers completed mandatory swim tests before entering the pool and, based on their swimming abilities, received a red, yellow, or blue wristband. To “Go Blue” meant that swimmers had enough strength, skill, and confidence to pass the YMCA’s blue swim test, which included jumping into the deep end of the pool, treading water, and swimming the length of the pool using a front crawl stroke without stopping.

To improve their swimming skills, all red and yellow wristband campers participated in 15-minute swim lessons each week with the goal of “Going Blue” by the end of summer.

This year’s program served 767 campers and provided 4,345 swim lessons over the course of the summer. Here are the exciting results!

Start of SummerEnd of Summer
Red Swimmers31.68%25.68%
Yellow Swimmers36.90%23.86%
Blue Swimmers31.42%50.46%

During the first week of summer camp, only one third of the campers attained the highest swim level when tested. By the end of the final week of testing, more than half the campers had gone ‘Blue.’ Additionally, 46 campers that were previously required to wear life jackets when using YMCA pools as red level swimmers improved to a swim level where a life jacket was no longer needed. 

We would like to thank the staff members on our amazing YMCA aquatics teams as well as the generous efforts of volunteer swim instructors for helping children learn these life-saving skills this summer.

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Summer Fun Starts at the Y: Friendly Reminders for YMCA Facility Members

We know that the start of summer is an exciting time at the Y. To help our members make the most of their Y experience, here are a few friendly reminders :

Swim Lessons
YMCA summer session programs begin on June 1 and Early Bird pricing for Summer 1 swim lessons is available through Tuesday, May 26. Be sure to register before the Early Bird deadline to SAVE!

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Facility Schedules
Members can find up to date facility schedules using the YMCA On the Go App or by clicking here.

Locks and Locker Usage
Lockers are available for daily use and YMCA members and guests are encouraged to bring locks to secure their belongings while visiting the Y. Items may not be stored in lockers overnight. Locks may be purchased at the Membership Desk.

Parking Lot Traffic
Please note that Summer Day Camp activities will begin across YMCA branches throughout the next week. All Y visitors should be aware of increased traffic during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. We encourage members and guests to use caution and slow speeds at all times when navigating parking lots.

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Try the YMCA’s Swim Selector Tool

As we continue to celebrate National Water Safety Month, and with our Summer 1 programming session just around the corner, the Y is excited to remind members of our Swim Lesson Selector tool. Available online, this tool is a must-try for parents who are interested in enrolling their children in YMCA swim lessons.

By answering short “yes-or-no” questions—and in some cases, by watching a short video—the Swim Lesson Selector can help you quickly identify which swim stage is right for your child.

Try It Now

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National Water Safety Month 2026: Six Tips to Help Kids Stay Safe

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. That is why the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Ask first, splash later

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

Tip # 2: Find your water watcher, or become one! 

When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Tip # 3: Buddy up or dry out.

The Buddy System isn’t just for field trips; it’s for every swimming session! No one should swim alone. So be sure to:

-Pick a buddy
-Check in on each other
-Stay Safe

Tip #4: Suit up like a pro

Safety never goes out of style. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water. Regular swimmers should also ensure to wear a proper swimsuit and sunscreen.

Tip #5: Don’t hold your breath

Breath-holding contests? Yeah, let’s not. They might seem like harmless fun, but breath-holding games in the water can be seriously dangerous, even for strong swimmers. 

Holding your breath too long can lead to shallow water blackout, a silent and sudden emergency that can happen without warning.

Tip #6: Know what to do (before you need to) 

Emergencies don’t wait. Learn how to recognize signs of distress, call for help, and respond calmly. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling – use a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety.

As America’s most trusted swim lesson instructor, the Y is the perfect place to ensure your child’s safety by enrolling them in swim lessons. Just like teaching your children to look both ways before they cross the street, having them participate in formal water safety lessons teaches them an important life skill. Learn more about our swim lesson curriculum and schedules here, use our swim lesson selector tool to get started, or register online today!

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Village of Shorewood YMCA Invites Members to Participate in Opening Sampler Programs

We are so excited to welcome the community to the Village of Shorewood YMCA! If you are looking to explore all of the amazing things kids, families, and adults can do at the Y, we invite you to participate in our upcoming sampler programs!

PLEASE NOTE: These events and activities will be FREE and are open to Village of Shorewood YMCA Facility Members and Shorewood Resident Program Members only.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

YOUTH FITNESS
Classes will provide opportunities for children and teens to learn health and wellness routines and exercises.

Junior Strength Training
Dates: Tuesday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 12
Time: 5-5:30 p.m.
Ages: 9-14
REGISTER ONLINE

Kid Fit
Dates: Wednesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 13
Time: 5-5:30 p.m.
Ages: 4-8
REGISTER ONLINE

Fast Twitch Fitness
Date: Monday, May 11
Time: 5-5:30 p.m.
Ages: 9-14
REGISTER ONLINE

YOUTH SPORTS
Classes will provide children and teens with opportunities to learn and practice their skills in various sports.

Basketball Skills & Drills
Date: Tuesday, May 5
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Ages: 6-14
REGISTER ONLINE

Preschool Dodgeball
Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 10-10:45 a.m.
Ages: 3-5
REGISTER ONLINE

Floor Hockey
Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Ages: 9-11
REGISTER ONLINE

Preschool Basketball
Date: Monday, May 11
Time: 10-10:45 a.m.
Ages: 3-5
REGISTER ONLINE

Volleyball
Date: Thursday, May 14
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Ages: 6-11
REGISTER ONLINE

Dodgeball
Date: Tuesday, May 19
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Ages: 11-13
REGISTER ONLINE

INTRO TO SWIM LESSONS
Participants will complete baseline testing to establish the best starting level for their first lesson!

Date: Tuesday, May 5
Time: 10:10-10:40 a.m. – Stages 2P, 3P, and 4P (Ages 3-5)
Time: 10:50-11:20 a.m. – Stage 1P (Ages 3-5) and Stage 1Y (Ages 6-12)

Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 5:10-5:40 p.m. – Stages 1P and 2P (Ages 3-5), Stage 3Y and 4Y (Ages 6-12)
Time: 5:50-6:20 p.m. – Stages 3P and 4P (Ages 3-5), Stages 1Y and 2Y (Ages 6-12)
Time: 6:30-7 p.m. – Stages 1P and 2P (Ages 3-5), Stages 5Y & 6Y (Ages 6-12)

Saturday, May 9
Time: 10-10:30 a.m. – Stages A and B (Ages 6 months-3 years), Stages 3Y and 4Y (Ages 6-12)
Time: 10:40-11:10 a.m. – Stages 3P and 4P (Ages 3-5), Stages 1Y and 2Y (Ages 6-12)
Time: 11:20-11:50 a.m. – Stages 1P and 2P (Ages 3-5), Stages 5Y and 6Y (Ages 6-12)

REGISTER ONLINE

ADULT PROGRAMS 

Open to ages 16 and above except where noted

INTRODUCTION TO LAP SWIMMING
This class will help you learn fundamental techniques for exercise and competition.

Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: Noon-1 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, May 12
Time: 7-8 p.m.

REGISTER ONLINE

SQUAT RACK CONFIDENCE
This small group training class is designed for beginners who want to learn how to lift the bar with proper form and confidence. Led by a trainer, you’ll be guided
through the fundamentals of technique, safety, and alignment.

Date: Tuesday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 12
Time: 6:30-7 p.m.
REGISTER ONLINE

BELLY DANCE
A YMCA dance instructor will help participants learn choreography to a specific song and become more confident through dance! No previous experience needed.

Date: Wednesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 13
Time: 6-6:30 p.m.
REGISTER ONLINE

POWERLIFTING
This class teaches proper techniques to beginners for major lifts (squat, bench, deadlift) and gym safety, helping participants build strength and confidence in a supportive group setting.

Date: Thursday, May 7 and Thursday, May 14
Time: 6:30-7 p.m.
REGISTER ONLINE

SELF DEFENSE
Gain the upper hand in this power-packed class designed to make you aware, prepared, and ready for any situation. Participants will develop physical and mental confidence to avoid hazardous scenarios.

Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 5:30-6 p.m.
REGISTER ONLINE

Y-FIT
This class includes strength and conditioning exercises for individuals looking for a challenge! A wide variety of equipment and formats may be used, including – but not limited to – battle ropes, rowers, treadmills, weights, TRX, straps, BOSU balls, plyo boxes, and more!

Date: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 5-5:30 p.m.
REGISTER ONLINE

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