Community Aquatics

3rd Grade Swim Lessons

The YMCA’s 3rd Grade Swim Program is a vital outreach initiative that provides free swim lessons to 3rd graders in Ocean Springs Schools. This program aims to equip young children with essential swimming skills and water safety knowledge, fostering
confidence and reducing the risk of drowning by teaching life-saving swimming and self-rescue skills. By partnering with Ocean Springs Schools, the YMCA ensures that all 3rd Graders receive 1 free session which consists of eight 30-minute lessons during
their PE time. Each participant will gain water safety education and a completion certificate upon the last lesson.

Andrew Johnson Recreation Pool

The YMCA is dedicated to fostering community well-being, and one of its standout initiatives is providing lifeguards and swim lessons at the Pascagoula Pool during the summer. This program not only ensures the safety of all pool-goers by maintaining a vigilant team of trained lifeguards but also offers affordable and accessible swim lessons to children and adults alike. Through these lessons, participants gain essential water safety skills, build confidence, and develop a lifelong appreciation for swimming.

Francis X Collins Lifetime Fitness Center Pool

This Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA is committed to strengthening community wellness through its valued partnership with the City of Gulfport at the Gulfport Pool. The YMCA provides certified lifeguards to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors, maintaining the highest standards of aquatic safety. In addition, the YMCA offers affordable and inclusive swim lessons for both you and adults, helping participants build confidence in the water while learning critical lifesaving skills. This partnership not only expands to aquatics programming but also encourages healthy lifestyles and fosters a deeper connection to water safety across the Gulf Coast Community.

Ship Island

The YMCA takes pride in ensuring the safety of visitors at Ship Island during the summer by providing highly trained lifeguards. These lifeguards are USLA and EMR certified and also undergo rigorous training to handle a variety of water-related emergencies. Their presence offers peace of mind to families and beachgoers, knowing that expert assistance is readily available. The YMCA’s commitment to safety helps create a fun and secure environment, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful waters of Ship Island without worries. Moreover, the lifeguards often engage in community outreach, educating visitors on water safety practices and promoting a culture of vigilance and care.

Prerequisites

• Must be 17 before the first day of the season
• Must be able to obtain a lifeguard certification by a nationally accredited provider before training
• Swim 600 yards in 10 minutes or less
• Run 1.5 miles in 12 minutes or less

Upcoming Tryouts

Tryouts for the 2027 season will begin in October 2026.