YMCA of the Sandhills

AT THE Y, WE BELIEVE EVERY CHILD AND ADULT SHOULD LEARN TO SWIM! 

It’s an essential life skill for water safety around pools, lakes, and oceans. It’s also a great way to stay active, build confidence, and prepare for competitive swimming if desired. The YMCA of the Sandhills offers year-round indoor pool access at both the Saleeby Family YMCA and Fayetteville Branch, with options for recreational swimming and YMCA swim lessons for all ages and abilities. 

The Y’s swim lesson curriculum provides a clear progression track and is designed to help participants reach their goals. If you need additional help in determining your or your child’s swim stage, see our Swim Lesson Selector Chart.

Our swim programs include:

Private Swim Lessons

Lookign for a personalized way to learn how to swim? Our private swim lessons at the YMCA offer one-on-one instruction tailored to your skill level. Whether you're just starting or refining your strokes, our certified swim instructors provide a structured, supportive environment to help you gain confidence in the water. 
Learn more about private swim lessons.

Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Looking for personalized swim instruction with a friend or family member? Our semi-private swim lessons offer small-group coaching tailored to your skill level and goals. Whether you're a beginner learning to swim or an advanced swimmer refining technique, our certified instructors provide customized training in a supportive environment.
Learn more about semi-private swim lessons.

Group Swim Lessons

Swimming is more fun with others! Our YMCA Group Swim Lessons provide a structured, social setting where swimmers of all ages learn essential techniques and water safety skills. Led by certified instructors, these classes focus on stroke development, endurance, and confidence in the water.
Explore group swim lessons.

Infant and Toddler Swim Class

Introduce your little one to the water with the YMCA Infant and Toddler Swim Class. Designed for infants (at least 6 months old) and toddlers up to 2 years and 11 months, this engaging program helps young swimmers develop water confidence, learn basic safety skills, and enjoy special bonding time wiht a parent or guardian. 
Explore infant and toddler swim classes

Teen/Adult Swim Lessons

YMCA of the Sandhills offers swim lessons for teens aged 13+ and adults -- it is never too late to learn to swim! Classes for teens and adults cater to beginners as well as those who are looking to refine their technique and build endurance in the water. 
Explore teen/adult swim classes

Water Fitness Classes

Stay active with water fitness classes at the YMCA! These low-impact aquatic workouts improve cardiovascular health, strength and flexiblity. Whether you're looking for aqua aerobics, deep-water exercises or gentle senior water fitness, our programs provide an effective way to stay fit while being easy on the joints.
Learn more about water fitness.

Lap Swimming

Improve endurance and strength with lap swimming at the YMCA. Whether training, swimming for fitness or enjoying a low-impact workout, our lap lanes offer a structured swim environment with flexible hours to fit your schedule.
Learn more about lap swimming

Water Safety Programs

Water safety is a vital skill for people of all ages. The YMCA of the Sandhills  in Fayetteville, NC, & Cameron, NC, provide essential education and training to help children, youth, and adults develop confidence and awareness in and around water. Whether you're learning the basics of water safety or improving your swimming skills, our swim lessons promote lifelong safety practices in a fun and supportive environment. Learn more about group swim classes, infant and toddler swim classes, teen and adult swim classes, and  private swim classes.
Water Safety Tips

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

Get certified as a lifeguard with American Red Cross training and learn essential skills in water rescue, CPR, AED use, and first aid. Whether you're starting your career or need recertification, this course prepares you to respond confidently to aquatic emergencies.
Explore Lifeguard Certification

POOL SCHEDULE & CLASSES

SALEEBY FAMILY YMCA POOL HOURS:  
Monday-Thursday:    5:30 am-1:00 pm, 4:00-8:45 
Friday:  5:30 am-1:00 pm, 4:00-7:45 pm
Saturday:  8:00 am-2:00 pm
Sunday:  1:00-4:45 pm

FAYETTEVILLE YMCA POOL HOURS:  
Monday-Friday: 6:00 am-12:00 pm, 2:00-7:45 pm
Saturday 8:00 am-1:45 pm

Water exercise classes are a great way to exercise while lessening the impact on your joints and include cardio, strengthening, core and balance, resistance to develop muscle tone. 

See the class schedules and descriptions here.

DOUBLE SWIM DIAPER POLICY

The Y has a double diaper policy because prevention is best for everyone! 

  • Every child NOT COMPLETELY POTTY TRAINED must wear a Y-APPROVED NON-DISPOSABLE swim diaper OVER their DISPOSABLE swim diaper.
  • Cloth or synthetic non-swim diapers are not permitted. They absorb water and disintegrate, causing waste matter to leak into the pool.
  • According to the CDC, no swim diaper holds fecal material beyond 3-5 minutes. By double diapering, we allow time to discover the waste and remove the child from the water quickly. 
  • Please ensure your child visits the bathroom before getting into the pool, even if they went at home.
  • If you observe your child doing the "potty dance," please take your child out of the pool and to the restroom. Some children are reluctant to stop the fun and tell someone they have to go to the bathroom. 
  • If your child is not feeling well (has cramps, diarrhea, "sick tummy,") DO NOT come to swim.

Please understand that most fecal accidents result in an automatic pool cosing for a minimum of 8 hours. Pool closings are disruptive and affect other YMCA participants and programs. In some cases, people drive long distances and through considerable effort to come to the pool. We do want to disappoint anyone for a problem that can be prevented. Thank you for helping to keep our pool open!  

This is a disposable, non-cloth swim diaper that should be worn as a first layer of protection.  This is a reusable swim diaper that should be worn over the top of the disposable swim diaper.