Katie Lillemon completed the the Porpoise program at the YMCA Aug. 13.

Katie began lessons in the YMCA Learn to Swim Program in 2007 as a preschooler and went through all the levels of our school aged program. She swam with the Austin Y Aqua Pack Swim Team. Like many of our Porpoise graduates over the past six years and we are hopeful Katie will join the Aquatic staff of the Y when she is 15.

Porpoise is the final level in the YMCA Progressive swim lesson program. A Porpoise must swim a 200 IM, tread water holding a ten pound brick, lead a synchronize swim routine, be able to perform a stride jump, carry a 10-pound object 15 yards and finally help teach 24 hours in the YMCA swim lesson program. This is an accomplishment not many complete.

YMCA Aquatic Programs promote Kids safety and self-esteem. Just because it’s not summer the opportunity for your child to learn to swim hasn’t stopped. There’s a reason why the Y is referred to as America’s favorite swim instructor.

The Y offers swim lessons year round. If your child has begun to acquire basic swim skills this summer don’t let their endurance and skill slip away from non-usage. Just like any skill our swimming gets better with continued practice and development.

Here at the Austin Y we realize how busy families are, so come in and check out our “New Family Friendly” programming schedules — get all the children in for lessons at one single time frame. We are now offering once a week programs for eight sessions or twice a week monthly programs. Come in and register early to ensure a spot and time that works for you.

Fall swim lesson programs will be starting on Sept. 8.