Swimming Instruction at the Decatur DeKalb YMCA

Outdoor Rec. Adventures, Inc. (ORA) offers individual and group based swimming instruction classes throughout the year in our afterschool program.  The swimming pool continues to demonstrate an effective, challenging and fun environment to address the various sensory and social goals targeted by our program and the families involved.  By carefully monitoring the size of each class (never more than 8 children per class and if need be, less), we are uniquely suited to accommodate the individual needs of each child who participates in these programs.  We have welcomed parents to join us in the water to help their child feel safe and confident as they adjust to this setting as well as provide an opportunity for the parent to learn how to implement these skills independently.  We have also included older children and siblings to join us in the pool to develop and refine their skills as peer leaders and supporters of the class.  Providing opportunities for families to actively participate in these programs located in local community settings directly supports our participating families, local community institutions and our mission at ORA.

Goals for Individual and Group Classes

  • Independent self-help and organizational skills (before and after swimming procedures)

  • Confidence

  • Gross motor strength development

  • Increasing motor planning skills

  • Increasing processing skills while actively participating in active physical activities

  • Increasing endurance

  • Self regulated state of being and increased organization

  • Improving general swimming skills and technique in water

  • Increasing understanding of group-based activities from a perspective of an active participant in a group

  • Have fun

Group lessons are presently offered on Mondays and Thursdays at 4:00- 5:30 and Individual Lessons on Tuesdays and Fridays at 3:00-5:00 the Decatur DeKalb YMCA