C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
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.
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!
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 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)
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.
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
At the Y, we recognize the importance of maintaining inclusive spaces and adapting our programs wherever possible to meet the needs of our community. In the case of C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Tiffney Hart, adaptive aquatics programming has been invaluable for her daughter Mahogany.
“Mahogany has autism and cerebral palsy and she has been going to physical therapy her whole life. I wanted to find a fun, new way for her to engage her muscles,” Tiffney said. “While I was looking for programs in the community to help fill her day, I ran across the Y’s Sensory-Friendly Swim program.”
Designed to be inclusive and accommodating for individuals with diverse sensory needs, YMCA Sensory-Friendly Swim times feature a quiet environment with no music and little-to-no whistle use by lifeguards with the goal of creating a welcoming space for swimmers of all abilities. Tiffney said Mahogany made an instant connection with Y staff during their first visit.
“We met (swim instructor) Janet Kubas-Furnish and she was so sweet. She said the Y also offered one-on-one adaptive lessons. Now we’ve been coming in once a week for swim lessons for almost a year,” Tiffney said.
As is the case for each participant in adaptive swim lessons, the Y’s aquatics team tailored alternative movement options to meet Mahogany’s individual needs and help her thrive.
“She’s improved her core strength and swim lessons are also building her leg strength and her cardiovascular endurance,” Tiffney said. “She has been able to do phenomenal things like holding onto the side of the pool by herself for more than 10 seconds. She’s never been able to do something like that outside the water.”
And the value of visiting the Y has gone beyond the scope of just swimming for Mahogany.
“While she’s in the water, she’s also working on her social skills,” Tiffney said. “When anyone else is around in the pool, Janet will remind her to say hello. It’s bridging the gap between disabled individuals and non-disabled individuals.”
Tiffney said the experience is reflective of the overall atmosphere offered at the Y.
“Everyone at the Y is so accepting, kind, and readily able to help. It’s a warm, family environment,” Tiffney said. “The Y builds bonds, opens doors, and has really raised the standard for what I think is possible for Mahogany. The experience here has helped me be a better advocate for recreational programs and facilities for individuals with special needs.”
To learn more about YMCA adaptive aquatics programming, please click here or speak to a member of the Aquatics staff team during your next visit.
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to announce a Winter Swim Lesson Sale!
Save $7 when you register for Winter 2 swim lessons from January 19-26.
Offer valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Open to Facility Members and Community Members. Some restrictions may apply.
Use promo code: SWIMWI26 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
Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 744-3939
Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 West Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450
(815) 513-8080
The Y is excited to offer youth swim lessons for homeschool families this winter! These programs are open to kids, ages 4-14, and will feature 30 minutes of lessons and 30 minutes of open swim. PLEASE NOTE: Participants will be swim tested at the first lesson.
Winter 1 Lessons: 4-week session running January 5-February 1
Cost: $47 for Facility Members, $94 for Community Members
Winter 2 Lessons: 5-week session running February 2-March 8
Cost: $58 for Facility Members, $116 for Community Members
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Galowich Family YMCA
Thursdays, 11 a.m.-Noon
REGISTER TODAY
Morris Hospital YMCA
Mondays, 11 a.m.-Noon
REGISTER TODAY
To learn more, please contact the aquatics director at your local Y branch:
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Jack Glimco
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 228
Galowich Family YMCA
Catie Wallis
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 320
Morris Hospital YMCA
Coni Schram
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 520
