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.
YMCA Swim Program Overview (click to view PDF)
Get a head start on our winter lessons or keep your swimmer progressing between sessions with our mini swim sessions! Three sessions will be held Monday-Thursday:
Winter is the perfect time to learn how to swim or continue building on swim skills! Group and private lessonsn will be offered for 10 weeks, January 4 through March 13, 2027. Get the details on tuition and payment plan!
Our swim programs include:
Looking 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.
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.
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 with a parent or guardian.
Explore infant and toddler swim classes
The Y offers Preschool Swim Lessons for 3- to 5-year-olds to help kids gain confidence in the water and learn basic swimming skills, progressing through different levels. Group lessons are afor preschoolers.
The Y's Youth Swim Lessons are designed for kids aged 6 to 12 and focus on stroke development, breathing techniques and water safety skills. Children progress through different levels, advancing their swimming ability and skills with each stage. Both group lessons and private lessons are avialable.
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
Stay active with water fitness classes at the YMCA! These low-impact aquatic workouts improve cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility. 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.
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 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
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 schedules vary by YMCA branch. Visit our Pool Hours page and the Fayetteville YMCA group fitness classes schedule and the Saleeby Family Y group fitness classes schedule for days, times and descriptions of water fitness classes.
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.
The Y has a double diaper policy because prevention is best for everyone!
Please understand that most fecal accidents result in an automatic pool closing 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!
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| 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. |
