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Welcome to R. L. Stowe YMCA Aquatics

Developing the whole person in spirit, mind, and body has been the goal of the YMCA for more than 150 years.   Teaching people how to swim has been one of the YMCA’s most effective tools in accomplishing this goal.  

Benefits of participating in our Aquatic Program

The R. L. Stowe Family YMCA offers a heated 25-meter pool with a shallow end that is 3 ½ feet and the deep end is 6 feet. Enjoy our giant Airspace Airshute with an active sliding length of 26 feet. We have quality aquatic programs for every fitness level.  Youth progressive swimming classes use a problem-solving, guided-discovery teaching approach in a positive, caring environment.   Other YMCA aquatics programs include preschool classes, home school gym and swim, classes for people with disabilities and classes for teens and adults. These include water exercise, private swim lessons as well as training for lifeguard and water safety instructor certifications. 

Pool Hours

   Monday through Friday: 5:30 a.m.  – 9:00 p.m.

   Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

   Sunday: 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Information about Using the Pool

Children wearing floatation devices must be accompanied in the water by an adult and within arms-reach of that adult.  Only flotation devices approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or solid flotation blocks used for instruction are approved for use by the Gaston County Family YMCA.

All children who are not potty trained must wear “swim diapers” and plastic training pants under their swimsuits.  Regular diapers are not allowed.

Inclement weather, including lightning, may cause the pool to close.  Every attempt will be made to reopen as soon as possible.

Swim Lessons

2010 Swim Lesson Schedule & Registration Form

The Stowe Family YMCA offers Learn to Swim classes for children from 6 months, youth and adults, Lifeguard Training, and Water Safety Instructor training.  We emphasize skill development, water safety and having fun in a safe and friendly environment with programs that meet the needs of each student.  Classes are divided into ability groups with a small teacher to student ratio.  Students learn at different rates and are usually in each level more than once.  Trained instructors emphasize personal safety, swimming skills, endurance and social skills, while guiding students with praise and encouragement.  Click here for a registration form.  Please remember that classes fill!  Register early!

Sessions

Tuesday/Thursday
Session 7 July 6th – 29th
Session 8 August 3rd – 26th
Session 9 Sept. 7th – 30th
Session 10 Oct. 5th – 28th
Session 11 Nov. 2nd – 30th (No class 11/25/2010
Session 12 Dec. 2nd – 21st (Short Session)

Saturday Morning Session
Session 7 July 10 th – Aug. 28th
Session 9 Sept. 11th – Oct. 30th
Session 11 Nov. 6th – Dec. 18th (No class 11/27/2010
SHORT SESSION)

Rates

Members $30.00
Non-member participants  $60.00

SWIM LESSON DESCRIPTIONS/SCHEDULE

Register ONLINE for Group Swim Lessions

Adult Swim Lessons and Private Lessons are scheduled by contacting Deborah Cauthen at dcauthen@gastonymca.org or Ann Miller. Call 704-822-9622.

PRIVATE LESSONS - Trying to pass a hurdle in the swimming pool?  Want to be able to go down the slide?  Do you or your child need some extra help on a stroke?  Try private lessons.  Please call 704-822-9622 and speak with the Aquatic Director to schedule your session.

6 classes  $50.00 member               $75.00 participant

Home School Gym and Swim - A perfect opportunity for your students to use the YMCA facility and hone their skills!  Contact Deborah Cauthen or Ann Miller at the YMCA for more information about this fantastic program!

Water Exercise

Water is an extremely friendly environment for individuals with back, knee, and shoulder problems or with any condition that requires low impact exercise.  Enjoy our beautiful pool with a comfortable water temperature of 86 degrees.  Stay in shape, learn new exercise techniques and meet new people.  Water exercise classes are open to youth 15 years of age and adults, and are free with membership.  Registration is not required; just show up and join the fun! 

Tips:

Shallow Water Aerobics

Walking, running, jumping and a variety of aerobic movements are performed in the shallow end of the pool to increase heart rate and provide both cardiovascular and strength training.  A variety of water equipment, dumbbells, noodles, etc. are used for conditioning.  Please see the Aquatic Monthly Schedule for class time and dates.

Deep Water Aerobics

Water resistance is used to give you a great NO impact cardiovascular workout in the deep end of the pool. Feet do not touch the bottom, and flotation belts are provided for comfort and safety.  A variety of water dumbbells are used.  Please see the Aquatic Monthly Schedule for class times and dates.

Lap Swim – The Nautical Mile Club –  This group of 35 swimmers have been swimming since 2006!  They track their laps in miles and have been all over the USA!  The have swam from Belmont to Key West and all the way down the Mighty Mississippi!  Join them next time you are at the pool!

CERTIFICATIONS

Stowe YMCA offers Red Cross Lifesaving certification classes. Upon completion of the program, the participant will receive life guarding, first aid, CPR for the professional rescuer, Automated External Defibrillator and blood borne pathogen certifications. 

Individuals will be required to swim 300 yards using a combination of freestyle, breast and sidestrokes.  They must also be able to retrieve a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool and swim 20 feet without going under water, then exit the pool.  This is a timed event and must be completed in 1 minute and 40 seconds. 

Classes are open to Y members and non-members.  Participants must turn 15 years old by the last day of class.

COST- For Stowe Family YMCA members: $115.00; for non-member participants: $165.00

WHEN – Classes are scheduled on demand.  Contact Deborah Cauthen at dcauthen@gastonymca.org or call 704-822-9622.

WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR - To enroll, you must be at least 17 years of age by end of class and pass a swimming skills test.

- Swim 250 yards freestyle
- Swim 25 yards using each of the following stroke: Front stroke, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Sidestroke, Elementary backstroke
- Swim 15 yards Butterfly
- Tread water 1 minute
- Float on back for 1 minute

Classes are held throughout the year, please call 704-822-9622

CONTRACT SWIM

The Stowe Family YMCA offers group rates for day cares, church group or anyone who wants to schedule private sessions.  Please contact the Aquatic Director at 704-822-9622.

BIRTHDAY & POOL PARTIES

Ultimate Party Package

Slide Party Package

Moon Bounce Party Package

Pool Party Rental Form

Birthday Parties and Pool Parties are available at the Stowe YMCA. Please call the Stowe Family YMCA for more information or to schedule. 704-822-9622.

To Volunteer

Learn about job opportunities at the Stowe YMCA!

Contact Us – Deborah Cauthen, Stowe YMCA Aquatics Director at dcauthen@gastonymca.org or call 704-822-9622.