Swim for Life

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Swimming Saves Lives

Launched in 2011, Swim for Life provides children with life‑saving water skills and greater confidence in and out of the pool. The program offers free swim lessons for children and adults who qualify based on income, funded entirely through the YMCA Annual Campaign, grants and corporate donors.

60% of Drownings

occur within 10 feet of safety.

69% of Youth

from urban neighborhoods have low or no swimming skills.

88% Reduction

in drowning risk after completing a YMCA water‑safety program.

Swim for Life sessions are offered throughout the year at YMCA branches and primarily serve children and families participating in Camp Excel, Y Learning and other community‑supported programs.

Upcoming Sessions

Registration for Swim For Life programs are held at YMCA locations.

March 30 - April 2 (Spring Break)
Daily, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

April 28 - May 14

March 23-26
Monday-Thursday : 6 - 8 p.m.

April 28 - May 7
Tuesday - Thursday, 5 - 6:45 p.m.

April 7 - 23
Tuesday & Thursday, 6:15 - 9 p.m.

Volunteer

To make Swim for Life possible, we rely on volunteers from our community. It's not necessary to be a swimming professional, we just ask that volunteers are comfortable in the water and have some swimming experience. There are also opportunities to cheer on participants and help with check-in. All volunteers will receive a brief training from Y staff before the sessions start.

A.E. Finley YMCA: Contact Linda Singh
Alexander Family YMCA: Volunteer
Southeast Raleigh YMCA: Waleska Brown or volunteer here.
Taylor Family YMCA: Volunteer

Delta Air Lines

Since 2023, annual support from Delta Air Lines has enabled the Y to bring Swim for Life to more children and families across our region. Their partnership helps us reach communities where water‑safety education is needed most, ensuring more kids learn life‑saving skills and gain confidence in and around the water. Swim for Life sites at the A.E. Finley YMCA, Southeast Raleigh YMCA and Taylor Family YMCA are generously supported by Delta.

Traditional Lesson Options

Still exploring swim lessons? We offer traditional lessons across the Triangle.

Parent & Child

Parents must be in the water For infants and young children, ages 6 - 36 months. A parent is in the water at all times.

Preschool

Progressive swim lessons for kids ages 3-5 at locations across the Triangle.

Youth

Lessons that focus on water safety, skill and stroke development. For swimmers ages 6-12 of all levels.

Stroke School

An advanced swim instruction series for youth interested in stroke proficiency for swim teams or lifeguarding.

Aquatics Directors

A.E. Finley YMCA, Linda Singh
Alexander Family YMCA, Finley Baldwin
Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA, Hannah Widener
Downtown Durham and Hope Valley Farms YMCAs, Stanley Bass
East Triangle YMCA, David Huie
Ingram Family YMCA & Chatham Park YMCA, Max Turner
Kerr Family YMCA, Antoinette Pujol
Kraft Family YMCA, Madison Temple
Northwest Cary YMCA, Shane Tillett
Poole Family YMCA, Jaime Jewett
Taylor Family YMCA, AnnaMaria Galardi
Southeast Raleigh YMCA, Waleska Brown
YMCA at Knightdale Station, Chuck Gordon

Swimming Benefits

Build muscle, learn a skill, gain confidence and be safe.

Confidence

Whenever a child learns and masters a new skill, they become more confident. Plus, learning to swim makes YMCA Day Camp even more fun!

Safety and Peace of Mind

When your child knows how to swim, they are safer in and around water. Whether at the local pool or on a boat, learning how to swim and stay safe around water brings peace of mind.

Health and Fitness

Swimming is one of the best workouts you can get. Swimmers use their entire bodies during workouts and build lean muscle.