PARENT HANDBOOK Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA Aquatics Program
YMCA MISSION STATEMENT The YMCA of Honolulu is a fellowship dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. PROGRAMS WITH PURPOSE YMCA programs help people...grow personally...clarify values...improve personal & family relationships appreciate diversity...become better leaders & supporters...develop specific skills...have fun! FOUR CORE VALUES Caring Honesty Respect Responsibility Page 2 AREAS OF FOCUS For Youth Development For Healthy Living For Social Responsibility
GOALS & OBJECTIVES OF THE AQUATICS PROGRAM As in all YMCA programs, the ultimate goal of the YMCA Aquatic Program is to develop the whole person physically, mentally, and spiritually. In order to achieve this, our staff develops a basic understanding and respect for the individuality and uniqueness of each student. The teaching methods that are used throughout the program are student centered. They are designed to help develop each participant s potential, to encourage his or her awareness of safety in all aspects of the program, and to refine skills to the best of his of her ability. Page 3
THE YMCA AQUATIC PROGRAM The YMCA follows the guidelines set forth by the YMCA of the USA Aquatics Programs. We offer a variety of aquatic programs for ages 6 months through adults. Parent/ Child (6-36 months) Shrimps, Kippers, Inia, Perch Promotes water enrichment and provides aquatic readiness activities for children and their parents or other trusted adults. Children are grouped by developmental abilities with corresponding approximate chronological ages. Preschool (3-5 years old) Pike, Eel, Ray, Starfish Promotes water adjustment and provides beginning swim skills for children without their parents. We use a unique method of swimming instruction using various flotation devices, toys, and games to assist young swimmers to overcome the many fears associated with water. Youth and Adult (6 years and up) Polliwog, Guppy, Minnow, Fish, Flying Fish, Shark Promotes water adjustment through advanced watermanship. Classes enhance your child s water safety with the progressive development of basic rescue and lifesaving techniques at each level. Teaches the four competitive strokes: Front crawl, Back crawl, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. We also include other aquatic experiences that allow each student to appreciate the water environment.
PARENT/CHILD SWIM PROGRAM PRESCHOOL SWIM PROGRAM Page 5
Page 6 YOUTH SWIM PROGRAM
SWIM LESSON COMPONENTS PERSONAL SAFETY (i.e. Pool rules, front/back float, PFD, etc.) STROKE DEVELOPMENT (i.e. Paddle on front/back, front alternating paddle, front rudimentary breaststroke, etc.) PERSONAL GROWTH (i.e. Danger recognition, safety and emergency procedures, goal setting, heart rate, etc.) RESCUE (i.e. Yell for help, dial emergency number, reaching and throwing assist, rescue breathing, etc.) WATER SPORTS & GAMES Synchronized Swimming Wet ball Boating Safety Diving INSTRUCTIONAL FLOTATION DEVICES Float belts Barbells Fun Noodles Kickboards Pull Buoys Page 7
PROGRAM STRUCTURE SWIM SESSIONS ARE YEAR ROUND WINTER I SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER II January March April May June July August September October-December Spring, Summer, Fall= 8 Lessons (Once a week for 8 weeks) Winter I & II= 11 Lessons (Once a week for 11 weeks) Youth & Adults are 45 Minute Lessons Preschool & Parent/Child are 30 Minute Lessons Student/Instructor Ratios In order to maintain safety and high quality instruction in our programs, we have a maximum student to instructor ratio, which is dependent of the age and ability of each class. Level Ratio Parent/ Child 12:1 Preschool 4:1 Youth 6:1 Adult 6:1 Program Newsletters & Flyers These are passed out within the session to inform you of any upcoming events or program information. Progress Reports All participants will receive a progress report at the end of the session. This will keep you informed of your child s progression and know what skills are required to complete the level. Awards As your child completes the requirements for each level, he/she will be awarded a ribbon or patch acknowledging their achievement.
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CLASS MAKE UP POLICY 1. Makeup Days are only schedules if the YMCA cancels a class. If a makeup day cannot be scheduled, a credit will be posted to the account. 2. If you willingly drop the program a 30% cancellation fee up to $50 will be applied to the refund. 3. Credits will NOT be given for a cancelled class due to unsafe weather. REGISTRATION Notices will be handed out as a reminder as the next session approaches. Registration can be completed online or in person. Online Registration can be done through our website at: www.ymcahonolulu.org NEW MEMBER/ NON-MEMBER RATE The Aquatics program is now offering Member/Non-Member rates for group swim lessons. The YMCA has been striving to provide the best programs we can offer to our community and members. One of our goals is to provide program fees that benefit all who have a YMCA Family Membership. This allows the children and adults under this Family Membership an opportunity to pay for program service at a member rate.
WAIT LIST If the class you wish to attend is full and there are no other alternative classes, we do keep a wait list. If we have the instructor and enough participants on the wait list., we will add classes where we can do so, and you will be contacted if a class is created. WHAT TO BRING Bring to each class: Swim Suit or trunks and towel, swim cap or hair tie for long hair; sun screen; change of clothes and warmer clothes during cooler weather. DISCIPLINE Growth for our children at the YMCA is nurtured through positive discipline techniques. Your input is valuable in helping our instructor implement the following discipline measures: 1. Discussion between instructor and child 2. Time-out and individual quiet time under the watchful eye of the instructor or aquatic specialist 3. Parent and instructor or aquatic specialist meets to discuss problem and possible solutions. POOL TEMPERATURE Our pool is heated year-round. We try to maintain optimum temperature between 82-84 degrees. Page 11
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Ideally, we would like all parents to stay and watch their child s lesson. We do understand that cannot always be the case, so, please note that the YMCA is not responsible for supervising your child either before or after the lesson. Parents are expected to pick children up promptly following the class. EMERGENCIES We pride ourselves in our emphasis on safety. We do, in the event of unforeseen accidents, follow set emergency procedures as follows: 1. Child will be given first aid treatment. 2. Parents will be notified. If the parent cannot be reached, then the emergency contact person listed on the membership form will be called. 3.If your child is taken to an emergency unit, a YMCA staff will be present until parent is contacted. OBSERVATION AREA So that all participants can receive the most from their lesson, we require all spectators to remain outside the designated pool area. This is to allow the instructors and guard to keep their attention on the safety of the children in the pool. Please feel free to utilize the benches outside the gated area as well as the tables under the tent. We encourage you to come to speak with your child s instructor between classes during the 15 minute break.
OUR STAFF All instructors are selected on their ability to serve as good role models for children. All instructors attend an orientation and training prior to teaching swim lessons. They are expected to utilize effective discipline techniques which exclude physical punishment, even if parents give approval. All instructors are given regular performance appraisals. They are expected to work with parents as a team provide quality guidance for each child. All instructors plan lessons in accordance with the National YMCA of the USA Swim curriculum and are guided by the Aquatics Specialist and Aquatics Director. HOW CAN YOU HELP Bring your child to class on time and prepared. No one likes to be late. Make sure you accompany your child to class in person and monitor them at the end of class and in the facility. (locker room, pool area, etc.) SAFETY FIRST Remind your child about the pool rules. Pay attention to your child s lesson so you can learn what they are doing so you can help either at home or at the beach. Communicate with your child's instructor and aquatic specialist in following with your child s progress in the program. Page 13
SPECIAL EVENTS Semi-annual Association Swim Meets are for swim levels: Minnow and above. This provides the experience for participants to demonstrate their swim skills in a competitive and nurturing environment. Meets are held at various YMCA branches throughout the year. Information will be passed out before each event. ASC ANNUAL SUPPORT CAMPAIGN Each year, the Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA conducts its Annual Support Campaign. It is a fundraiser to raise money to subsidize our youth program fees and allow us to offer financial aid to families who need assistance. Programs that benefit from this campaign include; Learn to Swim classes, Teen Leadership programs, all Childcare programs, and Preschool programs. All the monies raised, stay right here at the Kaimuki YMCA. This is an opportunity for the YMCA to spread the word on the work we do with the leaders of tomorrow. Please support the YMCA and the youth programs. Page 14
BASIC POOL RULES Always swim with a buddy and a lifeguard on duty No running in or near the pool area No horseplay in pool area No food, drink, or gum is permitted in the pool area Always use the restroom and take a thorough shower before entering the pool No Band-Aids should be worn in the pool No spitting or spouting water Long hair must be tied back or use a swim cap No swimming with open wounds or sores, infections, excessive sunburns or abrasions Failure to follow pool rules will result in ejection from the pool area. Page 15
Kaimuki- Waialae YMCA 4835 Kilauea Ave Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 Phone: (808) 737-5544 www.kaimukiymca.org