Aquatics
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The YWCA Lower Cape Fear pool hosts a comprehensive Aquatics Program with activities for all ages, abilities, and interests.
Six lanes for lap swimming, a large deep (8′) and shallow ends (2-4′) for all types of exercise and activities.
The YWCA pool is accessible with a pool ramp and wheelchair. Lifeguards are available to assist with wheelchair entry and exit from pool.
The reservation is for a space in a lap lane. We ask that all pool users be prepared to share a lane if enough reservations warrant it. Those who do not wish to share a lane will be asked to swim in the deep end until a lane is available. Please let the lifeguard know if you have specific lane requests or needs; we will do our best to accommodate them.
Reserve a Swim Time
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Monday - Friday: 5:30 am - 7:25 pm
Saturday: 7:00 am - 3:55 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 3:55 pm
Downloadable pool schedules:
Hours subject to change at anytime
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Generally:
Monday – Friday:5:30 am – 3:25 pm
5:30 pm – 7:25 pmSaturday: 7:00 am – 3:55 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 3:55 pm
Hours subject to change at anytime. View our online reservation system for the most up-to-date lane availability.
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Monday - Friday 11:30am-7:25pm
Saturday 12:00pm-3:55pm
Sunday 10:00am-3:55pm
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Annual YWCA Membership Fees:
Membership alone does not include use of the pool, but does allow users access to the pool for programs, monthly pool passes and reduced daily visit and guest fees.
Youth Membership (>17): $25.00
Individual Membership (18+): $35.00
Family Membership (2 adults 18+ and children residing in the same household): $55.00
Senior Membership (65+): $30.00
Drop In Pool Pass Fees:
Nonmember Fee: $10 per person
Member Daily Pool Pass: $6 per person lap & family swim / $8 per person water aerobics class
Guest with a Member: $6 under 12 / $8 over 12
Monthly Pool Pass Fees:
All monthly pool pass fees require an automatic monthly payment with a credit card, debit card or bank account. We ask for an initial 3-month commitment. After that there are no contracts, however we ask for a 2-weeks notice to put a pool pass on hold, cancel or downgrade.
Discounts available for veterans with valid ID (such as NHC Veteran ID card)
Our fees allow households to find the right pool pass to meet their needs. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Call us today!
910-799-6820
Lap Swim/Self Directed Exercise/Family Swim ONLY
Individual <65: $38/month
Senior Individual >65: $30/month
Family (2 adults 18+ and children residing in the same household): $55/month
Senior Family (at least one adult in household >65 ): $48/month
Above Pool Access PLUS Water Aerobics
Individual <65: $45/month
Senior Individual >65: $40/month
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The YWCA Pool is available to rent for parties, birthdays, and private events. Please call the YWCA Pool Front Desk for open dates, times, or bookings at 910-799-6820, extension 109.
Private Party: $250
2-hour rental period for up to 40 swimmers. Currently available on Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm-6pm.
Semi-Private Party: $150
2-hour rental period for up to 15 swimmers; pool is shared with swimmers during regular operating hours. Currently available on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm-3pm.
Group Reservation Requests: The pool is open weekdays for organized groups such as school groups, daycares, summer camps, and boy scout groups needing to accomplish merit badge requirements. Contact us today to inquire about available times.
An active YWCA Membership is required for all pool parties. For questions about the type of membership that is best for your family you can contact the YWCA Pool Front desk. Membership alone does not include use of the pool outside of your program time.
To book your pool rental time, call, stop by or go online!
Click here to book your pool party online.
If you are currently a YWCA member or have been in the recent past you can retrieve that membership login by following the link above and then by clicking “Login”. DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT. If you are experiencing issues accessing your current or past account, email pool@ywca-lowercapefear.org and we will assist with resetting your password.
YWCA Learn to Swim Program
Conducted by American Red Cross standards and uses Red Cross Progressive Levels. Lessons are open to all ages and levels of ability, beginning at 3 months old in the Welcome to Water Class and continue through to adults.
Beginner
Introduction to water skills. Learn how to feel comfortable in the water and safely enjoy it. Basic swimming skills.
Welcome to Water
Little Swimmers 1 & 2
Aqua Tot 1, 2
Level 1
Adult Level 1, 2
Intermediate
Gain confidence with stroke development with guided practice to improve swimming skills.
Little Swimmers 3
Aqua Tot 3
Level 2
Level 3
Adult Level 3
Advanced
Refine stroke and become efficient swimmer. Learn to swim with ease over greater distances.
Level 4
Level 5
More detailed class descriptions can be found by viewing the aquatic programs brochure:
Private Swim Lessons
The YWCA offers private and semi-private lessons. These are a great option for families who need flexibility with scheduling or have specific goals outside of group lessons.
These lessons take place at the YWCA Pool. We are unable to provide mobile instructors at this time.
FEE INFORMATION
YWCA Membership is required. Membership alone does not include use of the pool outside of program times. $25/annually for a youth membership / $55/annually for a family membership
Private Lesson: $30 for 30 minutes / $45 for 45 minutes
Semi Private Lessons: $35 for 30 minutes / $50 for 45 minutes (total fee, not per person)
SCHEDULE INFORMATION
There are two ways to schedule a private lesson.
1: Book online
2: Use Private Lesson Interest form below.
ONLINE BOOKING
Go online and browse instructors and available swim times. Currently online sign up for Private Lessons are limited to 30 minute, one-on-one lessons.
If you’re a current YWCA member, you’ll sign into your membership account and browse the lessons. You will need to “register” for those lessons and put them in your shopping cart in order to view availability. You do not need to complete the transaction if you do not find a time that works for your schedule.
If you are not currently a YWCA member, you will need to create a YWCA membership (a youth-only option is sufficient; membership alone does not include us of the pool) and then browse the lessons. You will need to “register” for those lessons and put them in your shopping cart in order to view availability. You do not need to complete the transaction if you do not find a time that works for your schedule.
PRIVATE LESSON INTEREST FORM
Use the form below to be placed on an interest list.
This is a good option for families interested in 45 minute lessons, in semi-private instruction (2-3 children, you arrange you own small group) or if the available schedule does not work for your schedule.
You will provide us with information about your swimmer and your availability then our instructors will contact you directly to schedule your private lessons. Due to the overwhelming demand, we cannot guarantee placement. We recommend families also consider group lessons or continue to browse the online schedule option.
Welcome to Water
Welcome to Water
Welcome to Water gives you and your baby the best start to their swimming journey. Learning to swim is an essential skill for all children. This is a force-free introduction to swimming for infants up to three years old.
Barracudas Swim Team
Dive into Excellence with YWCA’s Swim Team! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a water enthusiast looking to make a splash, YWCA Barracudas offers the perfect blend of skill development, friendship and fun.
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There are two sessions in our Fall Training program, a mini session that runs from mid-August to September, and the regular session that runs from October through February.
Registration opens July 28, 2025 at 9am
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A 10-week jumpstart to summer swim team. It allows all levels of ability to strengthen their stroke technique, starts, turns, muscle strength, endurance and race strategy in a fun, positive atmosphere. There are no swim meets in this program, but there are time trials within the practice times.
Registration opens December 1, 2025 at 9am
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The summer season runs mid-May through mid-July with 5-6 meets and championships. Practice and meet schedule will be announced Spring of 2026 or as details become available.
Registration opens March 16, 2025 at 9am
Immerse yourself in a dynamic workout that combines water resistance with invigorating movements
Water Aerobics
Lifeguard Classes
The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is proud to offer lifeguarding classes, as well as recertification classes in lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR/PR throughout the year. See below for current class schedules, costs, program, and contact information.
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The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is proud to offer lifeguarding classes every spring.
Lifeguard Class Cost: $275*
The following items are needed for class:
rescue-ready bathing suit
towel
lifeguard manual (provided by YWCA)
snacks & water
CPR pocket masks (provided by YWCA)
This class requires online prework that must be completed prior to the first day of class. This prework will be emailed to the course participant at least 1 week prior to the first class session.
The first class of each session meets poolside for a pre-test. The pre-test consists of a 200-yard swim (150 yd swim, 2 minute tread without using hands, 50 yd swim), and a timed event to retrieve a 10 lb brick in the 8 1/2 foot water.
Individuals must be 15 years old to participate.
Four students are needed to conduct a class with no more than ten students.
*A $50 non refundable deposit is required to register and reserve a space in the course. This fee is forfeited if the participant cannot pass the swim test, does not attend the class or if they need to transfer to another date.
2026 class schedule will be posted December of 2025
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The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is proud to offer recertification review classes for lifeguarding, first aid and CPR/PR each spring.
Recertification Class Cost: $150*
These are 12-hour review classes lasting between 2 days. If you have a pocket mask, please bring it with you to class. There will be a written and practical test for all re-certifications.
Classes are limited to ten participants and four must be signed up to conduct the class.
*A $50 non refundable deposit is required to register and reserve a space in the course.
Proof of current certification is required before beginning the class.
2026 class schedule will be posted December of 2025
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YWCA Membership is NOT required for lifeguard training courses.
Registration is available in person, by phone or online.
To register in person, stop by the YWCA Aquatics Center located at 2815 S. College Rd during pool operating hours.
To register by phone, call 910-799-6820 x109 during pool operating hours. If we do not answer, please leave us a message!
If you choose to register online, please continue reading for important instructions:
If you are currently a YWCA member or have been in the recent past you can retrieve that membership login by following the link above and then by clicking “Login”. DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT. If you are experiencing issues accessing your current or past account, email pool@ywca-lowercapefear.org and we will assist with resetting your password.
If you are not currently a YWCA member, you do not need to be a member to register for Lifeguard certification courses. Go to the link above and select “Sign Up”. Scroll to the bottom and choose the “Non Member” option for $0.00.
A $50 non refundable deposit is required to hold a space in the course. Remaining course fees will be charged after successful completion of the pre-course swimming skills the first pool day of the course.
All YWCA annual memberships are non-refundable.
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For more information, contact:
Aileen Sutton
Aquatics Director
E: pooldir@ywca-lowercapefear.org
P: 910-799-6820, extension 110
The Y-Dub Tri Club is an official USA Triathlon Club providing specialized training in swimming, running and cycling for all levels and ages of athletes. Every practice is coached to ensure safe training techniques and feedback.
Currently the club is a swim-only club with practices on T/Th mornings, 5:30am-7:00am and occasional open water swims.
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Membership alone does not include the pool or the YWTRICLUB. Please email the Tri Club Coordinator for the most up to date season dates and information.
Annual YWCA Membership Fees:
Youth Membership (under 17): $25
Individual Membership (18+): $35
Family Membership: $55
Senior Membership (60+): $30
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Tuesday:
SWIM at YWCA
5:30 am – 7:00 am
Thursday:
SWIM at YWCA
5:30 am – 7:00 am
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Beth Andrew
Tri Club Coach and Coordinator
E: coachbethandrew@gmail.com
Flow Motion
What Is Flow Motion?
Flow Motion is a progressive fitness program designed for survivors of breast cancer, incorporating both water and land exercises. It focuses on strengthening areas affected by breast cancer surgeries and treatments, while also teaching gentle stretching to improve range of motion and relaxation techniques to soothe tired bodies.
Land & Water Fitness Program for Survivors of Breast Cancer
What does the Land & Water Fitness look like?
Shallow water exercise is performed in waist to chest deep water for low-impact training.
Deep water uses flotation equipment to maintain correct alignment of the core and provide a zero impact workout.
When Can I Participate?
Individuals should consult their doctor before starting a fitness program. Survivors at any stage of recovery are welcome to participate, provided they have completed all chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Doctor’s permission is required, and participants must have external post-surgical drains removed and incisions fully healed.