There’s no doubt about it, when you think of the Y, you think of aquatics. The Eastside Family Y’s aquatic complex includes two indoor and pools for recreation, swimming lessons and fitness.  A recreational waterslide is located in the indoor and outdoor complexes; our outdoor complex also includes a water mushroom and a spring diving board.

Deep Water Competency Test

Drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-14 years old. In addition to drownings, five times as many children are victims of near-drowning incidents.

The YMCA of Greater Erie is committed to aquatic safety! All youth ages 17 and under will require a deep water competency test and an identification wristband before entering the deep end of the small pool or large pool. The test will only need to be completed once as a record will be kept on file but a wristband will need to be obtained from the Membership Desk and worn every time you visit.

Please be sure to stop by the Membership Desk prior to entering the pool area to get your wrist band.

Click here to see what skills are required for the deep water test.

Swimming Lessons

The Y has been teaching people to swim for more than a century. Learning to swim at the Y is more than just stroke development. It is a child-centered approach, where kids learn through play, hands-on exercises, and creative repetition. Children are taught in small groups in a progressive approach that allows each child to proceed at their own pace. When your child has mastered one level, they are ready for the next. Each lesson encourages your child to feel good about themselves and what they have learned.

The swim lessons and swim classes offered include parent-child and preschool classes, and swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. We also offer youth competitive swim team programs, as well as lifeguard, swim instructor, First Aid, and CPR training.

Swim Team

Every kid has swimming abilities – there’s a little Michael Phelps in each of them.  Help yours find their swimming potential through the  Eastside Family Y Swim Team!  Swimmers of all ages and abilities participate in our Swim Teams.  Led by caring coaches, we emphasize personal improvement through stroke technique and training, a strong work ethic and team work through competitive swimming.   Swimmers compete locally with the opportunity to advance to the district, state and national level.  Click here for our official team page.

Water Fitness

Adults looking to challenge themselves without stress on their joints or members who just enjoy the water can take advantage of our different water exercise classes. Instructors lead small groups through water aerobics, core strengthening and much more. Gain muscle conditioning and cardiovascular endurance from the aeorobic choreography and the resistance of the water. Ideal for all fitness levels, non-swimmers included. Programs are free to members, unless otherwise noted.