Aquatics

Make a splash at YW with aquatic fun for everyone! Our pool is open for lap and open swim by reservation only to maintain social distancing guidelines. Reserve your spot by clicking below and signing in through our new member portal. 

Need help? Visit our Member Sign In page for detailed instructions.

We also ask you continue to put your used pool equipment in the used equipment bin for cleaning after use.

Safety protocols

Before visiting the pool, please review our protocols and practices in place during our phased re-opening to help keep everyone safe.

Please review the pool guidelines before coming to swim at our pool.

Pool Guidelines

  • To best adhere to extended social distancing guidelines:
    • Two swimmers are allowed per lane for lap swimming, with one swimmer on each side of the lane 
    • Fifteen swimmers are allowed at a time in the open swim lanes
  • Registration required. To register, you will need to sign into the new HFC system and register to reserve a lane for lap swimming or space for open swim.
  • Lockers are available for rent or can be used with a personal lock
  • Universal locker rooms are available for all to use
  • Lockers are for day use only, unless otherwise noted as rentals
  • The use of cameras is prohibited in all locker rooms
  • YWCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items
  • Found items will be in the lost and found, see a staff member about any lost items
  • YWCA supports all people to choose and use the locker room or restroom that best aligns with their gender identity

Reservations are now required to use the pool. There is a 60-minute time limit which includes swim and locker room time. To allow for cleaning in between reservations in the pool area and locker rooms, we ask that you respect the time limit.

Pool reservation guidelines and sign-up are as follows:

  • Lap Swimming: 2 swimmers per lane
  • Open Swimming: 20 participants total

Reserve your reservation by clicking the button at the top of the page, or visit our Member Sign In page for more detailed instructions.

Updates to these policies will be distributed by email. Make sure that you always know the latest news by signing up for our email list

Pool Rentals

Want a great way to spend time with family and friends? Planning a special event? Rent out a portion of the pool! Rates start at $85 for up to 10 people. To reserve a date or for more information, contact 651-265-0756 or fitness@ywcastpaul.org

Piranhas Swim Club

The Piranhas swim team offers a range of fun and competitive options for kids to develop skills and build confidence—and we’re always looking for new team members! Swimmers will be placed on the appropriate team (see descriptions below) based on a coach’s assessment. To schedule an assessment, contact JBarrientos@ywcastpaul.org or Neil Erickson at NErickson@ywcastpaul.org

For swimmers who are comfortable in the water but new to competitive swimming.

Emphasis will be placed on learning how to swim the competitive strokes properly, learning the rules of competition swimming and building a cardio base.  Practices are offered two days per week. It is recommended that swimmers attend one to two days per week.

For swimmers who can complete training sets using Free Style and Back Stroke legally, with a focus on technique improvement and the introduction of longer swims.

Organized dry land activities will be implemented to build strength without putting too much strain on younger bodies. Practices are offered four days per week. It is recommended that swimmers attend at least two to three days per week.

For swimmers ready to start more intense training with the ability to train for individual medley and distance freestyle.

Training will focus on striving toward the highest levels of competition. Practices will be offered five days a week. It is recommended that swimmers attend all five practices per week.

For swimmers ready to start more intense training with the ability to train for individual medley and distance freestyle.

Training will focus on striving toward the highest levels of competition. Practices will be offered five days a week. It is recommended that swimmers attend all five practices per week.

teen girl swimmer prepares to push off from starting block in pool
middle aged Asian man in pool with swim goggles on his head, smiling at the camera.

Masters Swim Team

The Masters swim team is for swimmers ages 18+ who can swim 200 yards. It’s great for former competitive swimmers and triathletes in training, but competitive swimming experience is not required. 3 organized workouts are scheduled per week, which include interval, distance and non-crawl workouts. Coached by Charles Spencer.

For more information about joining the team, contact HealthAndFitness@ywcastpaul.org

Masters swim team is a monthly service, which includes up to3 practices per week!

$25/month for YW HFC members
$65/month for non-members

Attend any of the practices listed below—or all of them!

Tuesday, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Thursday, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Noon–1 p.m.

Youth Swimming Lessons

If you’re interested, please email Neil Erickson

Water Babies (Ages 6m-1y)

This class helps to establish water confidence from a very young age. Your child will learn how to support themselves in the water and will also learn the beginning motions for strokes. A parent or guardian must participate in the class with the child.

Aqua Tots (Ages 2-3)

Developed for children who have little or no experience in the water, this class works to build water confidence. Swimmers will develop stroke technique and learn how to support themselves in the water. A parent or guardian must participate in the class with the child.

Jolly Tails (Ages 3-4)

Swimmers will learn to become comfortable in the water. Class will also teach beginner skills such as kicking, floating, & putting their heads into the water.

Jelly Fish (Ages 4-5)

This class is for beginner swimmers with little to no experience in the water. In additional to helping swimmer become comfortable putting their faces under water, the class works on helping swimmers to hold their breath, float, & complete the arm and leg actions for the front & back crawl with assistance.

Blow Fish (Ages 4-5)

To participate in Blow Fish, swimmers must be able to comfortably put their faces & heads under water. This class will focus on helping swimmers to hold their breath under water, float without assistance, glide, retrieve objects under water, & complete the arm and leg actions for the front & back crawl for 15 feet without assistance.

Sting Ray (Ages 6-10 Beginners)

The class is for swimmers with little or no experience in the water. It helps swimmers become comfortable putting their faces underwater & helps them learn how to hold their breath. This class will focus on helping swimmers learn to float with assistance, complete arm & leg actions for front & back crawl without assistance.

Otter (Ages 6-8)

To participate in the Otter class, swimmers must be able to comfortably put their face & head under water. This class helps swimmers to gain success with fundamental water skills such as holding their breath under water, floating without assistance, gliding, retrieving objects underwater, and completing arm & leg actions for the front and back crawl for 15 yards without assistance.

Dolphin (Ages 8-10)

To participate in the Dolphin class, swimmers must be able to float without assistance on their front & back, and swim the front & back crawl without assistance for 10 yards. This class helps swimmers work on holding their breath, retrieving objects from bottom of the pool, & completing the arm and leg actions for the front & back crawl crawl for 25 yards without assistance. Swimmers will also be introduced to treading water & rotary breathing.

Koi Fish (Ages 10-12)

To participate in the Koi Fish class, swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards in front crawl, back crawl, & do butterfly & breast stroke with no assistance. This class focuses on helping swimmers refine their stroke movements, swim 50 yards in different strokes, completing side stroke for 25 yards. Swimmers will also be introduced to shallow dives & flip turns.

Private Lessons

Need to learn at your own pace or simply want individual attention? Private swim lessons are available with a focus on stroke development! A water safety instructor will design lessons to help you achieve your goals. For more information, or to sign up, email Neil Erickson.

Become a member today!