H2O Cardio
Free Class for Y Members and $5 for Non-Members
FREE Classes for Y Members
- Level: All
- Pop in class - no registration required!
An Average Class
Class will take place in heated indoor pool in shallow water. Our well heated pool is great for a low cardio impact workout. The instructor leads participation through cardio movements such as walking, jogging, kicking, cross-country ski movements, arm workouts, & core strength.
This is perfect for individuals with arthritis and joint pain. An ideal way to meet people, make new friends, meet up with people you have not seen since high school days and socialize before and after your workout.
Equipment Needed
- The Y provides all equipment for this class and will be told what to grab on your way in!
Attire and What to Bring
- Come to class dressed and ready for the pool.
- Proper swim attire is required (swim suit), no basketball shorts, street clothes, etc.
- Water Shoes (encouraged but not required)
- Towel and a water bottle
Being Safe Around the Water
Discover the World with VWYMCA!
Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental injury and death among youth. Swim lessons help your children learn the basic skills of swimming and teaches your children simple safety skills to help prevent drownings.
Swimming is something you can do at any age, this is a skill that will last a lifetime, and you can always improve your skill.
Swim lessons can lead to other new adventures:
- Going to the lake with friends and family
- Go to summer camp where there is swimming
- A new exercise
No Parents are allowed on the pool deck during class time. On the final week of lessons, your family may observe the swim class on the pool deck. You are welcome to observe from our Pool Balcony.
Types of Swim Lessons
Parent Tot
Parent Tot
Parent Tot
This class is to introduce children to the water with singing games, walking in the water and basic aquatic movements.
Class will be once a week for 6 weeks.
Pike
Parent Tot
Parent Tot
This class is an introduction to little swim diggers, learning to blow bubbles, kick their feet, float on their back & put lips, chin, nose, and eyes in the water and eventually their whole face.
Class will be once a week for 6 weeks.
Eel
Parent Tot
Polliwog
Be able to: float on back with little help, put face in water, can kick and fin on their back with little help and swim front crawl by themselves.
Learn to: Swim front crawl 5 to 6 feet with little help, kick on front with kick board the width of the pool and jump into water by themselves.
Class will be once a week for 6 weeks.
Polliwog
Advanced Polliwog
Polliwog
Be able to: This class is an introduction to swimming with big arms, learning to blow bubbles, kick their feet, float on their back & put lips, chin, nose, and eyes in the water and eventually their whole face.
Learn to: Use a kick board, kick & fin on their front and back, swimming with little to no help.
Class will be once a week for 6 weeks.
Ray
Advanced Polliwog
Advanced Polliwog
Be able to: Float on their back, swim the front crawl, and kick with kick board.
Learn to: Introduce rotary breathing, kick on front and back with kick board the length of the pool, swimming the length of the pool with some help, introduce the back stroke & little bit of elementary back strong, jump of the diving board with help.
Class will be once a week for 6 weeks.
Advanced Polliwog
Advanced Polliwog
Advanced Polliwog
Be able to: Must have passed Ray class, can swim front crawl, back stroke the width of the pool with little help, jump into deep water with assistance.
Learn to: Swim front crawl with rotary breathing, deep water bobs hanging on to the side of the pool, kicking with kick boards on front and back the length of pool with little help, be able to jump off the diving board and swim to the side with little help, swimming elementary back stroke with noodle the width of the pool.
Class will be once a week for 6 weeks.
Van Wert Marlins Swim Team
Discover Our Amazing Features
It is the mission of Van Wert YMCA Marlins Swim Team to provide the youth of our community with a high-quality swim team and to promote the sport of competitive swimming in our area.
We will create the opportunity for swimmers of all levels to develop mind, body, character and spirit and achieve the highest levels of personal growth as well as achievement in the sport.
Our team welcomes all children ages 5-18 who love the water and can swim at a minimum of 25 meters. Coaches will teach all 4 competitive strokes. Practices are not mandatory and our team is very flexible for families.
The Van Wert YMCA Marlins Swim Team participates in and are members of two different leagues for two different seasons. The Western Ohio Aquatic League (WOAL) is the summer season league. Summer season generally runs from May to mid-July with meets in June on Monday & Thursday evenings with a culmination championship 2-day meet the second weekend of July.
For the winter season we are members of the Northwest Ohio YMCA Swim League (NWOYSL). Winter season generally runs from October to March with a mixture of dual meets & invitationals with a culmination in a large championship meet with opportunities to advance to larger meets based on qualifying times.
For information, please contact us via email at: vanwertmarlins@gmail.com
Van Wert Marlins Swim Team
Competitive swim team for youth ages 5-18
Great fun! Great exercise! Great team atmosphere!
Practice schedule:
- Tentative Practice Schedule:
October 6, 2025 - March 5, 2026
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - MS/HS: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
- Elementary: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Coaches: Coaches: Katie Drerup & Eric Muhlenkamp
For more information contact: Katie Drerup vanwertmarlins@gmail.com
Download the Marlins application and information packet by clicking the link below!
Join the Fun!
Marlins Application
Lifeguard Information
Build a Lifetime Skill. Become a Lifeguard
Looking for a great summer job or being a professional lifeguard at the Van Wert YMCA? Our comprehensive American Red Cross lifeguard training course includes: accident prevention, lifeguard techniques, emergency action plan, rescue skills, CPR for the professional rescuer, AED and First Aid with a year two certification.
Lifeguard Training typically begins in the Spring.
Training Prerequisites:
- Must be 15 years of age at the end of our class date.
- Swim 150 meters or 6 lengths of the pool (freestyle / front crawl and breaststroke) going right into treading water, with no hands for 2 minutes, right into swimming 2 more lengths of the pool.
- Dive down to 10ft pick up a 15lb brick, then swim to the shallow end with brick on your stomach or chest.
All Participants will swim with no stopping at each end of the pool & with your face in the water!
This lifeguard class will be offered as an online blended learning with in-person skills and test verification!
Looking for a place to host your child's next birthday party
Bounce House
Options:
1.) One hour of bounce house (party room included) and one hour in the pool!
2.) Two hours of bounce house
Party in the Pool
Options:
1) One hour of swimming with one hour of the party room
2) Two hours of swimming.
*Disclaimer*
Swimming parties have a max of 25 swimmers. If there are more than 25 swimmers, we will add a fee of $30.00 for additional staffing
Meet Aquatics Director Libby
About Me:
Libby serves as the Aquatics Director at the YMCA, overseeing all aspects of pool operations with professionalism, care, and a strong commitment to safety. From maintaining exceptional water quality standards to ensuring the facility is clean, welcoming, and running smoothly, she works diligently to create an environment where members of all ages feel comfortable and confident.
As a Lifeguard Certified professional and swim instructor, Libby plays an active role on the pool deck—teaching swim lessons, mentoring staff, and promoting water safety. She is passionate about equipping children with lifesaving skills and giving parents peace of mind, knowing their children are learning how to swim and respond safely in the water.
Libby coordinates lap swim, water classes and open swim schedules to best serve members’ needs, while also planning engaging, family-friendly events throughout the year, including the popular Easter Egg Dive and upcoming seasonal pool activities. She brings creativity and energy to every program, making time in the water both educational and fun.
As a mother of two, Libby deeply understands the importance of water safety and the confidence that comes with knowing how to swim. Her leadership reflects both professional expertise and personal passion, ensuring the YMCA aquatics program remains a safe, vibrant, and impactful part of the community.