Aquatics
The Y’s aquatics programs provide swim lessons for all ages, water fitness classes, and competitive swim teams in a supportive environment. Emphasizing safety and skill development, these programs help participants build confidence, stay active, and enjoy swimming. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced swimmer, the Y offers opportunities for everyone to learn, grow, and foster a lifelong love of water activities. Open swim times also allow for fun and relaxation at your own pace.
Aquatics Center Amenities
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA offers a wide range of aquatic amenities across its four main locations, each with unique features designed for fun, fitness, and family time. Amenities vary by location. Please call your local branch if you are interested in learning more about your Y’s aquatic center.
- Lap Pools for swim workouts and training
- Rec Pools and Rivers for play, fitness, and fun
- Kiddie Play Areas perfect for younger swimmers
- Hot Tubs, Saunas, and Steam Rooms for relaxation and recovery
- Water Slides to add excitement to every visit
- Lifeguard Stations for customer service and safety swim tests for kids
Whether you’re looking for swim lessons, water fitness classes, or just a place to cool off and have fun, the YMCA’s aquatics centers offer something for everyone.
Aquatic Centers’ Status and Features
Planning your next swim or family outing? The Treasure Valley Family YMCA makes it easy to check real-time pool capacity and explore the unique aquatic amenities at each location. Whether you’re heading to Caldwell, Downtown Boise, West Boise, or Tomlinson South Meridian, you can view updated capacity counts online to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Know before you go—and make the most of your time in the water!
SWIM LESSONS FOR ALL
Swimming is a critical life skill that can provide endless fun and excitement. The Y offers swim lessons beginning at 6 months old to enhance water safety, give swimmers confidence, and make everyone more capable and safer around water. Learning to swim opens opportunities for social interaction, recreation, and participation in water-based activities like enjoying so many of Idaho’s lakes and rivers.
Swim lessons are only $30/month for YMCA members!
Parent/Child Lessons
Infants and toddlers from 6-36 months, accompanied by a guardian, learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences, while parents learn about water safety, drowning prevention, and the importance of supervision.
Preschool Lessons
Children from 3-5 learn personal water safety and basic swimming competency by learning two benchmark skills: “Swim, Float, Swim” and “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab”. Activities, games, and drills geared to reinforce learning are used as swimmers progress in this skill-based approach to swimming.
School Age Lessons
Children from 5-12 learn personal water safety and basic swimming competency by learning two benchmark skills: “Swim, Float, Swim” and “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab”. Activities, games, and drills geared to reinforce learning are used as swimmers progress in this skill-based approach to swimming.
Teen & Adult
Swimming is a lifelong skill, and it is never too late to start. Participants are taught the recommended skills for safe water habits, underwater exploration, and how to swim to safety. Activities, games, and drills are incorporated to support each swimmer on their journey and toward their goals.
AquAbility
AquAbility at the Y supports people with diverse abilities through aquatics programs that increase independence, ability, confidence, health, and well-being. Along with a caregiver and dedicated Y staff member, participants will create and work toward individualized goals such as physical and cognitive goals, communication skills, large and small motor skills, motor planning, motor sequencing, confidence, independence, and water safety skills.
These 30-minute private therapeutic aquatic sessions happen once per week.
AquAbility at the Y can be an approved program for Family Directed Services (FDS).
WATER FITNESS | AQUATICS GROUP EXERCISE
Looking for a fun, low-impact way to stay active and healthy? YMCA Water Fitness classes offer a refreshing approach to exercise that’s perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing joint pain, or simply want to add variety to your workout routine, our water-based classes provide a safe and supportive environment to build strength, improve flexibility, and boost cardiovascular health.
Led by certified instructors, classes combine aerobic movements, resistance training, and stretching, all performed in the water to reduce stress on your joints while maximizing results. From gentle aqua yoga to high-energy water aerobics, there’s a class for everyone.
Check out the options below and then sign up in the YMCA360 app to experience the benefits of water fitness: improved mobility, increased energy, and a community that cheers you on every step of the way.
CLICK THE PLUS (+) SIGN NEXT TO EACH CLASS NAME TO LEARN MORE!
AQUA FLOW
AQUA FLOW is held in the warm instructional pool and combines elements of yoga, Pilates, and ballet for a low-impact workout that focuses on balance, strengthening, and range of motion.
AQUA GOLD
AQUA GOLD is held in our warm instructional pool and focuses on the needs of those with arthritis. You will work on mobility, flexibility, range of motion, and stretching.
AQUA HIIT
AQUA HIIT is a high-intensity interval training class using simple, yet intense exercises combined with the increased resistance of water, sure to challenge everyone.
AQUA NIA
AQUA NIA is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts. The practice of Aqua Nia is to empower participants of all shapes, sizes, and abilities by connecting the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Every experience can be adapted to individual needs and abilities. This class is held in the deep end of the pool.
CARDIO SPLASH
CARDIO SPLASH is a fun, high-intensity class that works against the water to increase cardio with resistance, improve core strength, and enhance muscle toning. All to boost your workout, while supporting you in the water. It’s a fun and safe way to do cardio.
CARDIO WAVE
CARDIO WAVE is a 50-minute pool workout rotating between blocks of cardio/aerobic movements and core exercises. Class is held in the shallow end of the 50-meter pool (cold pool). The resistance of the water will offer you opportunities to really challenge yourself to accelerate and add power to your moves.
DEEP CHALLENGE
DEEP CHALLENGE is held in the deep end of our 50-meter pool. Using a flotation belt for buoyancy, you will focus on maintaining a strong core while you move through the water. The resistance of the water will offer opportunities to challenge yourself to accelerate and add power to your moves. You will get a cardio and strength challenge in this class. Great for intermediate and advanced levels.
FRESH START
FRESH START teaches the basics of water fitness movements and encourages the participant to move at their own pace. After being part of the class or a few sessions, exercisers can move through the more advanced cardio moves. This class is a stepping stone for more advanced water exercise classes that you can take. Class is held in the deep end of the pool.
GET PUMPED
GET PUMPED to get strong and have fun in the pool! This class happens in the shallow end of our 50-meter pool. Enjoy full body strength conditioning using pool equipment and the resistance of the water to work for all muscle groups through strength and cardio segments.
RIVER WATER FITNESS
RIVER WATER FITNESS combines cardio and strength training using the natural resistance of water. Set in a fun, supportive group environment, this low-impact class is perfect for improving endurance, toning muscles, and boosting overall wellness, without the strain on your joints.
SHALLOW HIIT
SHALLOW HIIT happens in the shallow end of our 50-meter pool. HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training and offers a low-impact but high-intensity water aerobics class where no swimming skills are needed. This class is designed to improve flexibility, range of motion, strength, muscle tone, and cardiovascular endurance while using water resistance to cushion the feet, knees, and back. Exercises are performed to lively, motivating music and are effective and easy to follow.
SILVER SPLASH
SILVER SPLASH is a low-impact, high-fun, water fitness class for new and experienced members. We focus on safe form, core conditioning, light cardio, total body toning, and resistance training while being gentle on your joints.
SWIM TEAMS
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA offers recreational and competitive teams for swimmers to take their skills to the next level in an athletic and supportive community. The Blue Marlins, Yellow Fins, and Y City Pirates swim teams are recreational teams with an emphasis on stroke development and aerobic exercise. Swimmers with learn and grow by increasing their endurance through skill-appropriate workouts and competitions in a fun environment.
The Boise YMCA Swim Team is both a YMCA and USA Swimming year-round competitive swim team. This team offers high-quality, professional coaching for swimmers 6 and over of all abilities. The goal of the Boise YMCA Swim Team is to provide team members with the opportunity to improve their skills and achieve success at all levels, from novice to national competitor.
DIVING LESSONS
YMCA diving programs are designed to guide participants through every stage of their diving journey, from learning the basics to competing at an advanced level. Starting with Intro to Diving, new divers are introduced to foundational skills in a supportive environment. As confidence and ability grow, divers can progress through Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Diving, each level offering new challenges and opportunities for personal achievement.
With expert coaching and a focus on skill development, these programs are perfect for anyone ready to dive deeper into the sport.
WATER POLO INSTRUCTION
YMCA Water Polo is the perfect way to build skills, stay active, and be part of a dynamic team sport that’s as fun as it is fast paced. Our Youth Water Polo program welcomes players of all experience levels to learn the fundamentals, develop teamwork, and enjoy friendly competition in a supportive environment.
For teen athletes, High School Water Polo offers a chance to dive into something new, sharpen skills, and connect with peers through spirited play—no experience required, just a willingness to learn and ability to pass the green swim test.
SCUBA PROGRAMS
There are many ways you can participate in our SCUBA courses at the West Boise YMCA. Youth/Teens SCUBA introduces young adventurers to the magic of SCUBA diving in a fun and safe environment. Aquatics Awakening combines mindfulness and yoga with SCUBA diving. This program aims to reduce cortisol levels and improve sleep, providing profound mental and physical benefits.
SCUBA Certification Classes (pool only) include pool training, classroom and deck-side instruction, and e-learning as a step to become a certified SCUBA diver. Graduates are encouraged to further their learning by participating in local companies that will take them to open water to complete that certification.
GET CERTIFIED AT THE YMCA
Build Skills. Gain Confidence. Get Certified. The YMCA offers hands-on certification programs that prepare you to lead, respond, and make a difference in your community. From CPR, First Aid, and Child and Babysitting Safety to Lifeguard and Swim Instructor training, these courses are designed to equip you with essential skills for safety and service.
Serving our community starts with being prepared, and there’s no better way to do that than by learning first aid and safety procedures. It’s a powerful way to give back, build confidence, and be ready when it matters most.
BECOME A LIFEGUARD OR SWIM INSTRUCTOR
At the YMCA, lifeguards are thoroughly trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency response techniques. These are skills that not only apply to the job but are also valuable throughout life. Knowing how to respond in emergencies, perform CPR, and administer first aid can make a crucial difference in various situations, both on and off the job. We are hiring lifeguards year-round at all branch locations.
- Competitive Pay– hourly lifeguard and swim instructor wages also include free YMCA membership privileges and seasonal increases
- Flexible Hours– part-time, shift-work, and full-time opportunities at all Treasure Valley locations
- Future Work– lifeguards and swim instructors in good standing can return for re-hiring opportunities
- Advancement Opportunity– start and continue your career with the Y
- No prior experience is required for pre-hire and certification!
Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certifications include Health and Safety Institute’s certifications in Basic Life Support (CPR for professional rescuers), First Aid, and Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen. This suite of certifications is a great way to jump-start a future career in first responder and other medical fields. The Y will pay for the classes and certifications once the hiring process is complete.