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.
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.
Spring 2026 Sessions
Registration for Swim for Life programs are held at YMCA locations.
Swim for Life depends on community volunteers. No professional experience is required—just comfort in the water and basic swimming ability. Volunteers can also support participants by cheering or helping with check-in. All volunteers receive a brief training from Y staff before sessions begin. Click on each site for volunteer information.
March 30 - April 2 (Spring Break)
Daily, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
April 28 - May 14
VOLUNTEER: Contact Linda Singh
March 23 - 26
Monday-Thursday: 6 - 8 p.m.
VOLUNTEER: Sign up on Volunteer Matters
April 28 - May 7
Tuesday - Thursday, 5 - 6:45 p.m.
VOLUNTEER: Sign up on Volunteer Matters
April 7 - 23
Tuesday & Thursday, 6:15 - 9 p.m.
VOLUNTEER: Sign up on Volunteer Matters
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.
Stroke School
An advanced swim instruction series for youth interested in stroke proficiency for swim teams or lifeguarding.
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.
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