Adaptive Swim

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Adaptive Swim

Swimming is a life-saving skill, and at the Y, we believe it should be accessible to everyone. Our adaptive swim program provides instruction in a welcoming, inclusive environment for individuals of all abilities. Each lesson is led by a certified YMCA instructor who can customize the learning experience to meet each student’s abilities. A smaller class size helps to ensure every swimmer feels supported, confident, and empowered to succeed in the water.

To best support each participant, a parent or other caregiver may be required to be in the water with the participant, at the discretion of the instructor.


Parent/Child Swim Lessons for Diverse Abilities (Ages 4-15) - Fall

Santa Barbara
9/6/26 - 12/20/26
VIEW

For youth with special needs, we have created Adaptive Swim Lessons. In small groups, swimmers are taught the fundamentals of swimming, while focusing on water safety. Classes are structured to help create a safe and fun environment.

A parent is required to be in the water with their child and will lead their child through the activities with support from the instructor. This class format offers many benefits such parent/child interaction and the activities can be tailored to the level of the student.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
7/11/26 12/20/26 Online / Front Desk $ 102.00$ 138.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available		 Special Rate
09/06/26 - 10/11/26
Su - 12:20 pm
 - Waiting List  
10/17/26 - 11/22/26
Su - 12:20 pm
 4 / 6 Available Register  
12/06/26 - 12/20/26
3 Week Session - Su - 12:20 pm
 5 / 6 Available $51 - $69 Register  

Parent/Child Swim Lessons for Diverse Abilities (Ages 4-15) - Summer

Santa Barbara
8/9/26 - 8/23/26
VIEW

For youth with special needs, we have created Adaptive Swim Lessons. In small groups, swimmers are taught the fundamentals of swimming, while focusing on water safety. Classes are structured to help create a safe and fun environment.

A parent is required to be in the water with their child and will lead their child through the activities with support from the instructor. This class format offers many benefits such parent/child interaction and the activities can be tailored to the level of the student.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
4/2/26 8/25/26 Online / Front Desk $ 64.00$ 88.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available		 Special Rate
08/09/26 - 08/23/26
3 Week Session - Su - 12:20 pm - 12:50 pm
 - $48 - $66 Waiting List  

Participant Assessment - Aquatics

Ventura
7/1/26 - 6/30/27
VIEW

The Aquatics Intake Assessment is a 30-minute evaluation for new participants conducted by a trained YMCA staff member. The assessment helps determine appropriate program placement, adapt programming if needed, staffing needs, safety considerations, and overall readiness for participation. Information gathered during the assessment allows YMCA staff to provide a safe, supportive, and successful aquatic experience tailored to each individual’s needs.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
7/1/26 6/30/27 Online / Front Desk $ 55.00$ 55.00

Preschool Swim Lessons (Ages 3-5) - Fall

Ventura
8/22/26 - 12/20/26
VIEW

For youth with special needs, we have created Swim Lessons for Diverse Abilities. These lessons are set during a quieter time of day at the pool to help reduce distractions and overstimulation. In small groups, swimmers are taught the fundamentals of swimming, while focusing on water safety. Classes are structured to help create a safe and fun environment.

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in Stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming.

We have three class progressions:

Beginner
This class is designed for new swimmers and those who need additional support in the water. Swimmers at this stage are not yet able to float or swim independently and may need extra assistance following directions and participating in class activities.
A parent or caregiver is required to be in the water for every lesson. Classes are taught in partnership with the parent or caregiver, giving them the knowledge and skills to confidently support their swimmer both during lessons and outside of class. The focus is on building water comfort, trust, safety, and foundational swimming skills while helping both the swimmer and parent gain confidence.
Intermediate
This stage is for swimmers who are comfortable and confident in the water and have developed basic independent skills. Swimmers can float on their own and swim short distances but still benefit from the support of a parent or caregiver.
Parents or caregivers are still required to be in the water; however, there is increased instructor interaction. Swimmers will begin working more directly with the instructor and will be passed between the parent and instructor throughout the lesson. The focus is on increasing independence, strengthening foundational skills, and preparing swimmers for greater confidence in the water.
Advanced
This class is for swimmers who are independent in the water and no longer require a parent or caregiver to participate in the pool. Swimmers are able to understand and follow instructor directions, float and swim independently, and demonstrate confidence in the water.
At this stage, swimmers begin learning proper stroke technique while continuing to build endurance and swim longer distances. The emphasis is on refining skills, developing efficient strokes, and progressing toward more advanced swimming abilities.

Parents MUST be in the water with the instructor’s support in this class. To better serve your child, the instructor may ask a parent to enter the water to support the learning process.

This class is held in the therapy pool. 
Please email [email protected] with any questions.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Open registration 7/15/26 12/12/26 Online / Front Desk $ 105.00$ 210.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
08/22/26 - 09/26/26
Beginner - Sa - 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
 - Waiting List  
08/23/26 - 09/27/26
Beginner - Su - 10:00 am - 10:45 am
 - Waiting List  
10/03/26 - 11/07/26
Beginner - Sa - 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
 3 / 4 Available Register  
10/04/26 - 11/08/26
Beginner - Su - 10:00 am - 10:45 am
 3 / 4 Available Register  
11/14/26 - 12/19/26
Beginner - Sa - 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
 3 / 4 Available Register  
11/15/26 - 12/20/26
Beginner - Su - 10:00 am - 10:45 am
 4 / 4 Available Register  

Private Lessons - 1 Person: 30 min (Ages 2 & Up)

Ventura
7/1/26 - 12/31/27
VIEW
Providing consistency, reliability, and getting results is the hallmark of our private lesson program. Our dedicated instructors tailor each session to meet the unique needs of every student. Parents can also join in the water, offering extra comfort and support for younger swimmers. Together, we create a safe, encouraging environment that fosters growth and a love for swimming.
The lessons will be with one of our certified instructors. Don’t see an instructor you want to work with? Contact us to let us know!
Each private lesson is 30 minutes long.

Pricing

4 sessions – $160 members / $240 non-members
8 sessions – $320 members / $480 non-members
*Any unused sessions expire 6 months from the date of purchase.

Private Lesson Availability

Please click here to view private swim lesson availability and openings.

Private Lesson Instructor Bios

To learn more about our private lesson instructors and to decide which instructor is right for you or your child, please take a look at our instructor bios.


Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
07/01/26 - 01/31/27
4 Sessions
 $160 - $240 Register  
07/01/26 - 01/31/27
8 Sessions
 $320 - $480 Register  
08/01/26 - 02/28/27
4 Sessions
 $160 - $240 Register  
08/01/26 - 02/28/27
8 Sessions
 $320 - $480 Register  

School Age Swim Lessons (Ages 5-12) - Fall

Ventura
8/22/26 - 12/20/26
VIEW

For youth with special needs, we have created Swim Lessons for Diverse Abilities. These lessons are set during a quieter time of day at the pool to help reduce distractions and overstimulation. In small groups, swimmers are taught the fundamentals of swimming, while focusing on water safety. Classes are structured to help create a safe and fun environment.

We have three class progressions:

Beginner
This class is designed for new swimmers and those who need additional support in the water. Swimmers at this stage are not yet able to float or swim independently and may need extra assistance following directions and participating in class activities.
A parent or caregiver is required to be in the water for every lesson. Classes are taught in partnership with the parent or caregiver, giving them the knowledge and skills to confidently support their swimmer both during lessons and outside of class. The focus is on building water comfort, trust, safety, and foundational swimming skills while helping both the swimmer and parent gain confidence.
Intermediate
This stage is for swimmers who are comfortable and confident in the water and have developed basic independent skills. Swimmers can float on their own and swim short distances but still benefit from the support of a parent or caregiver.
Parents or caregivers are still required to be in the water; however, there is increased instructor interaction. Swimmers will begin working more directly with the instructor and will be passed between the parent and instructor throughout the lesson. The focus is on increasing independence, strengthening foundational skills, and preparing swimmers for greater confidence in the water.
Advanced
This class is for swimmers who are independent in the water and no longer require a parent or caregiver to participate in the pool. Swimmers are able to understand and follow instructor directions, float and swim independently, and demonstrate confidence in the water.
At this stage, swimmers begin learning proper stroke technique while continuing to build endurance and swim longer distances. The emphasis is on refining skills, developing efficient strokes, and progressing toward more advanced swimming abilities.

This class is held in the therapy pool.
Please email [email protected] with any questions.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Open Registration 7/15/26 12/20/26 Online / Front Desk $ 105.00$ 210.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available		 Special Rate
08/22/26 - 09/26/26
Beginner - Sa - 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
 - Waiting List  
08/22/26 - 09/26/26
Beginner - Sa - 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
 - Waiting List  
08/22/26 - 09/26/26
Beginner - Sa - 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
 - Waiting List  
08/23/26 - 09/27/26
Intermediate - Su - 9:00 am - 9:45 am
 4 / 4 Available Register  
08/23/26 - 09/27/26
Beginner - Su - 11:00 am - 11:45 am
 - Waiting List  
10/03/26 - 11/07/26
Intermediate - Sa - 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
 1 / 4 Available Register  
10/03/26 - 11/07/26
*No Class 10/17 Beginner - Sa - 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
 - $90 - $180 Waiting List  
10/03/26 - 11/07/26
*No Class 10/17 Advanced - Sa - 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
 4 / 4 Available $90 - $180 Register  
10/04/26 - 11/08/26
Beginner - Su - 9:00 am - 9:45 am
 2 / 4 Available Register  
10/04/26 - 11/08/26
Beginner - Su - 11:00 am - 11:45 am
 3 / 4 Available Register  
11/14/26 - 12/19/26
Beginner - Sa - 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
 4 / 4 Available Register  
11/14/26 - 12/19/26
Beginner - Sa - 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
 1 / 4 Available Register  
11/14/26 - 12/19/26
Advanced - Sa - 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
 4 / 4 Available Register  
11/15/26 - 12/20/26
Advanced - Su - 9:00 am - 9:45 am
 4 / 4 Available Register  
11/15/26 - 12/20/26
Beginner - Su - 11:00 am - 11:45 am
 3 / 4 Available Register