South Shore YMCA Swim Lessons, Now Powered By The American Red Cross

The South Shore YMCA Aquatics team is excited to share that beginning in Fall 2026, we are enhancing our swim lesson program, now powered by American Red Cross curriculum. 

For many years, the South Shore YMCA has been the leading provider of American Red Cross lifesaving training programs across the Northeast, including CPR and First Aid certification, Babysitting certification, Lifeguard training, and more. Building on this strong foundation, we are now incorporating American Red Cross–based curriculum into our swim lesson program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, teens, and adults. 

The Y is “America’s Swim Instructor,” and by integrating this nationally recognized approach into our existing YMCA aquatics programming, we are creating a more consistent, connected, and comprehensive experience for all participants, supporting swimmers of every age, ability, and learning style. 

What participants can expect: 

• Broad consistency across instructors and branches 
• Clear progression through swim lesson levels 
• Enhanced support for swimmers of all abilities and learning styles 
• Stronger connections to future aquatics opportunities and certification
• Continued focus on water safety, skill development, and confidence 
• Access to a broader continuum of Red Cross aquatics and safety programs 

One of the most exciting aspects of this enhancement is the opportunity to connect swim lessons to a broader pathway of aquatics education, leadership development, and employment opportunities. 

Participants can progress through: 

• Parent & Child Aquatics 
• Preschool & Youth Swim Lessons
• Adaptive Swim Lessons
• Junior Lifeguarding 
• Lifeguarding Certification 
• Instructor Certifications 
• Leadership and Employment Opportunities 

This approach creates meaningful opportunities for participants and families to stay engaged with YMCA aquatics programs for years to come—while building valuable life skills and leadership experience. 

Next Steps for Swim Families

Current Summer Swim Lesson Participants

• There are no changes to the current Summer 2026 swim lesson session.
• During the Summer Session, all swimmers will receive a skill evaluation as part of their regular mid-session progress report to determine the appropriate lesson level for Fall 2026.

Not Currently Enrolled?

• If your swimmer is not enrolled in Summer lessons but plans to participate this fall, or is new to the program, we invite you to have your swimmer take a free swim evaluation at either South Shore YMCA branch. Our aquatics team will help determine the appropriate lesson level and answer any questions about the new curriculum.

Swim Evaluation Schedule:

• Emilson YMCA: Drop-in evaluations are offered Saturdays, 12:15-12:45 PM (no appointment required). To schedule an evaluation outside of drop-in hours, contact Sarah Cavalear at scavalear@ssymca.org
• Hale Family YMCA: Drop-in evaluations are offered Saturday mornings. Speak with a supervisor for details. To schedule an evaluation outside of drop-in hours, contact Denean Johnson at djohnson@ssymca.org

Need help? Our Aquatics team is here all summer to support you. We’re happy to answer questions, guide your placement, or offer a free swim assessment.

Helpful Resources 

• Swim Lessons: ssymca.org/swimlessons
• Y Program Information: ssymca.org/programs
• Emilson Y Branch Aquatics Leadership: Sarah Cavalear, Assistant Aquatics Director, scavalear@ssymca.org
• Hale Family Y Aquatics Leadership: Denean Johnson, Aquatics Director, djohnson@ssymca.org

We are excited to bring this enhanced experience to our swim families and look forward to supporting your swimmer every step of the way.