FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Need more information? Read our most frequently asked questions about swim lessons below.
General Questions
You can register for swim lessons at any time. With continuous, year-round lessons, participants can start whenever they're ready and progress at their own pace as they build confidence and develop new skills.
In July, we open registration for the upcoming program year. McGaw Y members receive priority access to register one week before registration opens to the public. Classes fill up fast, so registering during this time period is highly recommended.
To register online 24/7, go to the Swim Lessons page and use the Swim Lesson Finder to browse available lessons by swim level, day, time, and age. You can also bookmark classes before registration opens to make the process even easier.
When you're ready, select the class that best fits your schedule and click Register to complete your enrollment. An online account is required.
If a class is full, online registration will not be available. When offered, you may add your name to the waitlist and will be notified if a spot becomes available.
To register in person, visit the McGaw YMCA during regular facility hours or register over the phone by calling 847-475-7400, option 1.
We offer continuous swim lessons year-round so that participants can start when they are ready and progress at their own pace as they build confidence and develop new skills through each stage.
The McGaw Y’s School Year Swim Lesson Session runs from September through July (unless otherwise noted), though you can register for swim lessons at any time throughout the year. In July, we open registration for the upcoming program year. McGaw YMCA members receive priority access one week before registration opens to the public.
The McGaw Y’s School Year Swim Lesson Session runs from September through July. Swim lesson fees are automatically drafted on the 1st of each month, from October 1 through July 1, using the debit card, credit card, or checking account on file.
To update your payment information, please log in to your account and visit the “Payment and Order Management” section in our online registration system.
For accuracy and maximum value, lessons are prorated based upon the total dollar amount for the Swim Lesson Session. For example, if you start after 10 of 40 lessons and there are 5 drafts remaining, you will be charged 75% of the program total, and this amount will be divided evenly over your first full month’s dues receipted at time of registration and the 5 remaining drafts.
We extend our best benefits and discounts to McGaw Y members. Member savings and program benefits, including financial assistance, are extended through Family, Couple, Adult or Teen membership options. Members enjoy significant savings across all programs and facility benefits permitted by designated age and membership type. Plus, in Y Swim, members receive 20% off a second swim class per week, discounted drop-in lessons, eligibility for private/semi-private lessons, invites to seasonal events and pool parties as well as everyday value and access to adult lap/open swim, youth lap/open swim, aqua fitness classes and our popular family swim time! Youth Program Perks Passes are also available with opportunities for savings, financial assistance and program access below full member features, yet beneficial compared to non-member enrollment.
Yes, financial assistance is available to McGaw Y Members to help cover up to 40% of the cost of swim lessons. Financial assistance is awarded on a sliding scale based upon total household income and household size. To apply for financial assistance, complete our secure online form, or visit the Y front desk during regular facility hours and provide your most recent tax return, letter of non-filing or proof of SNAP benefits for review. Members may qualify for up to 50% off membership and up to 40% off eligible programs. Youth Program Perks Pass participants may qualify for up to 20% off the youth pass and up to 20% off eligible programs.
If your swimmer will turn 3, 6 or 14 within two weeks of their first swim class, you may register them for the next age group by visiting or calling the McGaw Y at 847-475-7400, option 1. Otherwise, swimmers are evaluated every trimester and will be able to move to the next age group on the evaluation date following their birthday.
We excitedly welcome new swimmers all year long. Do not be shy to jump right into a class! For families seeking to confirm that Y Swim is the best fit for their swimmer(s), we offer a free trial class opportunity to welcome you to our Y Swim community. Register in advance here.
With the safety and development of each swimmer top of mind, it is important that swimmers are registered at the appropriate level. Please place your child on the waitlist as this helps staff to determine how we can best accommodate the scheduling needs of our Y Swim community.
Yes, where space is available, we are happy to facilitate transferring your swimmer. Please complete this form. Staff will review within five business days and process your transfer, including the applicable administrative fee, or reach out if additional information is needed.
We understand family schedules can be quite active. When your swimmer needs to miss a lesson, we extend the benefit to make up one missed lesson per month during the following calendar month. Make-up lessons are typically conducted on the second Sunday of the month at 8:10am for preschool and school age swimmers. Electronic registration closes on the last day of the calendar month in which the lesson was missed.
Refunds are not available for scheduling conflicts, holidays, vacations, or disinterest in the program. Requests for refunds and credits will be considered for classes missed for medical reasons that are supported by a valid doctor’s note.
We encourage families to take advantage of our make-up lesson opportunities for vacations, holidays, and other scheduling conflicts. Please note that if you leave the program, there is no guarantee that your previous spot will be available when you return.
Whenever possible, we encourage swimmers to continue with lessons for the duration of the program to sustain skill progress and retain your spot in class. If you wish to cancel your swim enrollment before the end of the Swim Lesson Session, an early cancellation fee will be applied. The fee will be equal to your monthly program fee.
Please contact the McGaw Y by the 20th of the month prior in order to receive, complete, and sign the cancellation form by the 25th of the month for the cancellation to take effect for the 1st of the following month.
Preparing for the First Swim Class
When preparing for swimming lessons, all students should bring a properly-fitting swimsuit, a towel and a bag for personal items.
Swim caps are helpful for students with long or thick hair, since the added weight of wet hair can make swimming more difficult. However, pulling hair back into a ponytail or long braid is a suitable alternative to wearing a swim cap.
It’s best for students to learn to become comfortable in the water without goggles, but a pair of goggles can be useful for more advanced swimmers. Goggles should fit snugly to keep the water out, but not be so tight that the excess pressure causes a headache.
Sometimes, swimmers complain of dry and itchy skin after a lesson. This is typically the result of the chemicals used in the pool’s purification system. To avoid discomfort, it’s recommended that students with sensitive skin shower after a swim lesson and apply baby oil or an emollient lotion before dressing.
Yes. Children who are not fully potty trained should wear a snug-fitting swim diaper. Without a swim diaper, fecal material can leak into the pool water. This presents a health risk for all swimmers. For your convenience, rubber swim diapers are available for purchase at the YMCA front desk.
We recommend you arrive at least 10 minutes before your class begins to ensure you find your way through the facility. Please enter through the Maple Street doors on the East side of the building. Members enjoy free parking in the South lot, and convenient two-hour street parking is available for non-members. Your exit will be through these same doors.
Locker rooms are available for changing/showering before and after lessons. While changing for class, we highly recommend your child uses the bathroom to ensure they are able to participate in every minute of class. Once you arrive at the pool deck, please check in with the deck supervisor. They will show you where your class meets and introduce you to your instructor. We will ensure your level placement is correct on the first day and make any adjustments if necessary.
No. For safety reasons and to provide the most undistracted experience for swimmers, we ask that you enjoy a bird’s eye view of your child’s swim lesson from the balcony located above the pool.
About the Y's Swim Program
As the largest provider of swim lessons in the country, there is no one more qualified than the YMCA to ensure swimmers build confidence with every stroke. Swim lessons at the Y focus on learning vital water safety skills and stroke development through a progressive curriculum. Beginning swimmers are introduced to basic stroke movement and learn how to be more comfortable in the water. More advanced swimmers are instructed in stroke technique, endurance, and safety skills.
YMCA swim lessons have a low child-to-instructor ratio to ensure plenty of time in the water. Swim lessons and classes are available during the week and on weekends.
Y Swim instructors are professional role models who are passionate about giving back their time and talent to our community. Each instructor brings their own unique and extensive swim background and undergoes intensive training to learn the YMCA's nationally-acclaimed swim and water safety curriculum. Many Y Swim instructors were former participants or are current McGaw Y members themselves.
We believe swimming is a lifelong journey. From water safety to stroke development and competitive swim team to employment opportunities, Y Swim affords several pathways. Plus, it is the perfect low-impact exercise to carry through adulthood. Each swimmer develops at a different pace based upon prior experiences and confidence around water, etc. Please be patient with your swimmer. Repetition is important. We strongly recommend swimmers remain in the program at least through Stage 4, so they will have the skills to be safe around water, have fun in aquatic settings with friends and be able to enjoy swimming as a recreational sport.
Our progressive swim model is all about just that – progress! At winter, spring and summer breaks, we celebrate swimmer growth through certificates of achievement, which show off new skills each swimmer has worked on, areas they are still improving and skills that have been achieved. This is also the time where swimmers may be recommended for the next level. Communication and relationships are important to us. Please check in with the deck supervisor to talk about your child’s progress at any time.
We understand that everyone’s learn-to-swim journey takes place at their own speed. The Y’s nationally-acclaimed curriculum supports instructors in being attentive and adaptable to each swimmer’s needs, adjusting teaching methods to suit each swimmer’s strengths and needs in learning. In the event a level change is needed to support your child’s safest and most effective learning experience, Y staff will reach out to discuss how we best assist with a class transfer.
With the popularity of our swim program, multiple classes are taking place at the same time. Often, a swimmer can remain in the same timeslot through a level advancement(s). When a time change is necessary, we will work with you to find the class that best fits your schedule.
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If you need assistance or have questions about our pools or swim programs, please contact our Aquatics team.