The YMCA of Parkersburg is equipped with a 6-lane indoor pool with a deep end that reaches 10 feet. Interested in lap swimming or open swim time? Visit our schedules page to see when the pool is open.
YMCA of Parkersburg Swim Test Policy & Procedure: Every child under the age of 12 years is required to be tested on their swimming ability before entry into the pool.
All of our instructors are trained to teach in a way that is safe, welcoming and accepting of all people, bodies and fitness abilities.
Swim Lessons
Kids Group
Swim Lessons
Private Swim Lessons
Adult Group
Swim Lessons
Aquatic Programs
Lifeguard Certification
100 Mile Swim Challenge
Scuba Diving
Aquatic Fitness Classes
Aqua Zumba
SPLASH DANCE
Water Aerobics
Competitive Swim Teams
YMCA of Parkersburg Sharks Swim Team
Kids Swim Lessons
Kids Swim Lessons are offered year-round for swimmers ages 6 months to 12 years old of all skill levels. Lessons are taught in group settings and emphasize on water safety, skill and stroke development.
CLASS
DESCRIPTIONS
Swim Starters:
Swim Starters develops swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences. This class is for children ages six months to three years. Parents also learn how to supervise children in the water, how to prevent accidents and how to plan for emergencies. This class requires the guardian to get in the water with the swimmer.
Swim Basics Level I:
Swim Basics Level I develops personal water safety and introduces swimmers to the water. Swimmers develop a high level of comfort in the water with assistance by practicing safe water habits, engaging in underwater exploration, floating, blowing bubbles, and kicking with assistance. Swimmers must be between 3 and 6 years old. Beginner students who are 6+ should take Swim Foundations as their first class.
Swim Basics Level II:
Swim Basics Level II introduces Front Crawl (Freestyle) swim stroke and back floating. Swimmers practice proper breathing, front crawl swim stroke, back floating and learning how to swim to safety and exit if they fall into a body of water. Swimmers must be at least 5 years old.
Stroke Introduction:
Swim Strokes introduces Backstroke and Breaststroke. Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills, and build stroke development. To be eligible for this class, the swimmer must be able to swim Front Crawl for at least half of the pool length. Swimmers must be at least 5 years old.
Stroke Development:
Stroke Development introduces Butterfly and refines Front Crawl, Backstroke and Breaststroke. Swimmers will also learn to dive, and tread water. To be eligible for this class, the swimmer must be able to swim Front Crawl and Backstroke for at least half of the pool length. Swimmers must be at least 5 years old.
Future Swim Team:
Future Swim Team is for both younger swimmers who want to join a Swim Team or older swimmers who want the exercise of swimming without the time commitment of swim team. This class helps improve stroke technique and increases endurance. Having already learned the strokes, students begin to practice like a swim team. To be eligible for this class, the swimmer must be able to swim at least 50 yards and demonstrate each stroke. Swimmers must be at least 5 years old.
COST
YMCA Members: $40
Non-Members: $75
Exclusive Pricing for Baby Sharks!
YMCA Members: $52
Non-Members: $90
REGISTER TODAY!
Registration is available in-person or online. Registration typically opens to the public 4 weeks before the swim lesson session begins.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Alicia Richmond, Aquatics Coordinator
Direct Number: (304) 485-5585 ext. 205
Email: alicia.richmond@parkersburgymca.org
Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons
The YMCA of Parkersburg offers private & semi-private swim lessons for all ages and abilities. Knowing how to swim and be safe around water is one of the most important skills a person can learn.
Our private swim lessons are for one-on-one instruction for those who want a more individualized learning experience. The lessons are 30-minutes long and are scheduled between the instructor and the student during open swim at our facility.
Our semi-private swim lessons are designed for 2 to 4 friends/family members. These 30-minute lessons are scheduled between the instructor and the students during open swim at our facility.
PRICES
-
One 30-minute Session:
Members: $28
Non-members: $47Four 30-minute Sessions:
Members: $72
Non-members: $120 -
One 30-minute Session:
Member: $15
Non-Member: $25Four 30-minute Sessions:
Member: $50
Non-Member: $80
*To ensure that the YMCA of Parkersburg maintains a safe space for ALL to enjoy, we do not permit youth under the age of 18 to receive “private” training, one on one child-care or private transportation. The presence of additional adult is required. For training purposes, the adult can be a parent/guardian or YMCA staff member over the age of 18.
Adult Swim Lessons
Would you like to learn to swim, but think it’s too late? Or, would you like to improve your overall swimming ability? Consider registering for Adult Swim Lessons at the YMCA of Parkersburg.
AGES:
16 years old to 99 years old
COST:
Y Members: $40
Non-members: $75
REGISTER TODAY!
Registration is available in-person or online.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Alicia Richmond, Aquatics Coordinator
Direct Number: (304) 485-5585 ext. 205
Email: alicia.richmond@parkersburgymca.org
Lifeguard Certification
DETAILS
Our detailed training includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as comprehension on written tests. The certification, which includes First Aid, CPR and AED training, is valid for two years upon completion and is accepted nationwide. Learn how to effectively prevent and respond to water emergencies with the American Red Cross lifeguard training.
Participants must attend ALL scheduled class dates and times (NO MAKE-UPS), demonstrate proficient land and water skills, and pass the written exam with a score of least 80%. Upon successful completion of the course the participant will be certified in:
Red Cross Lifeguarding (valid for two years)
Red Cross First Aid for the Professional Rescuer
Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
NOTE: No other Red Cross First Aid, CPR/AED class can be used towards Lifeguard Certification
Certification Dates
-
Please check back later for new swim test dates
Dates don’t work? Please contact Aquatics Coordinator, Alicia Richmond to be added to our lifeguard class mailing list. You will be contacted with future lifeguard certification course dates.
NOTE: Required minimum attendance of 4 students.
Certification Fees
Lifeguard Certification:
Y Members: $200
Non-Members: $250
Lifeguard Review:
Y Members: $100
Non-Members: $125
Qualifications & Pre-Course Swim Test
Minimum age of 15 by the last day of the scheduled course. Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent to participate in the course.
Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence: swim 150 yards (6 lengths or 3 laps) without stopping, using the front crawl and/or breaststroke. Must demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing. Swim goggles may be used. Then stop at the deep end and treat water for 2 minutes using only legs. Swim an additional 50 yards (2 lengths, 1 lap) using the front crawl and/or breaststroke.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds without swim goggles:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards.
Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a rubber 10lb brick.
Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the brick and keeping the face at the surface so they are able to breathe. Candidates should not swim the distance under water.
NOTE: There are no formal classes that must be taken as a prerequisite for Lifeguard certification courses.
SIGN-UP FOR THE SWIM TEST
Contact Aquatics Coordinator, Alicia Richmond to sign up for one of the pre-course swim tests. Upon the successful completion of the the swim test you can register for a course at our Membership Desk.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Alicia Richmond, Aquatics Coordinator
Direct Number: (304) 485-5585 ext. 205
Email: alicia.richmond@parkersburgymca.org
100 Mile Swim Challenge
Swim 100 miles in the year 2023!
Details
Can you swim 100 miles in a year? Simply keep track of the laps you swim during each workout and record your milage on the Tracking Chart in the pool area.
Reach 100 miles and receive a FREE t-shirt! Good luck!
COST:
The cost to join the 100 Mile Challenge is only $12 per person. To register for the challenge, visit us in-person at the Membership Desk.
Distance Key
1 Length = one end of the pool to the other (25 yards)
1 Lap = 2 lengths or down & back (50 yards)
1 Mile = 35 laps
GOAL = 100 miles (176,000 yards or 3,520 laps)
Just so you know
Swim aids such as snorkels, fins, paddles, pull bouys and kick-boards are acceptable to use.
2 miles per week = 100 miles in about 50 weeks
3 miles per week = 100 miles in about 33 weeks
1 mile per day, 5 days a week = 100 miles in about 20 weeks
Scuba Diving Certification
Begin your underwater explorations by enrolling in the YMCA of Parkersburg’s Scuba Diving Certification Class. Earn a lifetime certification upon completion of the class, test, and check-out dives.
DETAILS:
Lifetime certification after completing all requirements.
Certification must be earned. Payment does not ensure certification.
The minimum age requirement is 12 years old.
Approximately 30 hours of training is split between classroom and water sessions with 8 separate class meetings.
These classes and sessions will take place at the YMCA of Parkersburg.
Plus, 2-8 hour days of Check-Out Dives for certification.
These are generally held on weekends, all day. Some of the Check-Outs are done in Ohio, while others are done in Florida or the Bahamas. These arrangements will be made towards the end of your class with the instructor.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Scuba Mask, Fins, Booties & Snorkel
This IS required. On average, this can cost up to $180.
They can be rented for $75 from the instructor.
3mm Full Wetsuit
This is NOT required. On average, this can cost up to $140.
They can be rented for $25 from the instructor.
COST BREAKDOWN:
$435 - Class
Includes manuals and the use of the instructor’s equipment (i.e. air, tanks, buoyancy compensator, regulators, weights, all necessary paperwork).
$150 - Open Water Weekend
Includes entry fees, gear rentals, and air fills.
This is the price for a Check-Out done in OHIO.
Online or in-person registration is available.
In-person registration is available on-site by visiting our Welcome Desk which is located in our Fitness Center towards the rear entrance of our facility.
YMCA Sharks Swim Team
Swimming is one of the most popular national competitive sports leagues at the Y. The Y hosts state, regional and national championships annually, helping kids value hard work, reach for excellence and enjoy spirited competition.
This competitive program offers children and teens an opportunity to work with trained coaches to improve swimming skills, endurance and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Requirements
To join the YMCA of Parkersburg Sharks Swim Team, swimmers must:
Be 5 - 18 years old
Have a YMCA membership
Be able to demonstrate the following skills:
Swim 25-yard freestyle, demonstrating breathing to the side and good body position
Swim 25-yard backstroke, demonstrating good body position
Swim 25-yard breaststroke or butterfly
Demonstrate the fundamentals of a forward dive from the edge of the pool
Swim Team Basics
Our trained coaches work to improve swimmers' skill level, endurance and to promote a healthy lifestyle. Our program embraces the YMCA core values and promotes progression at an individual level.
The YMCA Swim Team offers up to three practice times a week for beginning swimmers and more for advanced groups. Swimmers are encouraged to attend at least two practices a week.
