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Aquatics

Those under 13 who cannot pass swim test must have adult 18+ in the water with them.

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POOL/WATER SLIDE GUIDELINES & HOURS

The Leisure Pools (exercise pool, lazy river, zero depth/splash zone, and water slide) are available to swim in without a reservation for all members and guests. NEW in 2026: Dedicated Open Swim and Slide Hours! This means that during Swim Lessons and Birthday Parties, there will no other activities in the Leisure Pool. 

*If there are no Birthday Parties scheduled on Saturday or Sunday, the Waterslide and Open Swim will begin at 12pm.

Open Swim Hours

APPROXIMATE POOL Temp

LAP LANE RULES

  • Lane 1 will be first come, first serve. YMCA Swim Programs have priority, when needed.
  • Lap swim and water exercise have priority over open swimming in Lane 1.
  • Lanes 2, 3, and 4 will continue to use the current reservation system.
  • Individuals who are more than 15 minutes late will forfeit their reservation.
  • Questions about your reservation time? Please refer to your mobile app, email, or Front Desk staff.
  • Lane 1 will be first come, first serve. YMCA Swim Programs have priority, when needed.
  • Lap swim and water exercise have priority over open swimming in Lane 1.
  • Lanes 2, 3, and 4 will continue to use the current reservation system.
  • Individuals who are more than 15 minutes late will forfeit their reservation.
  • Questions about your reservation time? Please refer to your mobile app, email, or Front Desk staff.
  • LAP LANES ARE AVAILABLE BY RESERVATION . Should a lap lane not have a reservation, it is open to the public.
  • The lifeguard holds the right to move or reorder lap lane patrons as necessary.
  • Swimming without a lifeguard present is prohibited.
  • Breath–holding activities are not permitted.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times.
  • Please walk at all times.
  • For the safety of all patrons, throwing objects (footballs, toys, goggles, etc.) is not permitted.
  • Food is not permitted on the pool deck. All drinks must have a closing lid.
  • Children under the age of 13 must pass a swim test or be within arms reach of a parent/guardian.
  • Hanging on the float lines is not permitted.
  • Persons with bandages, open cuts, and wounds are not allowed in the pool.
  • Please obey all requests by the lifeguard.
Lap Lane Reservation

Pool Rules

  • Swimming without a lifeguard present is prohibited.
  • Breath–holding activities are not permitted.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times.
  • Please walk at all times.
  • For the safety of all patrons, throwing objects (footballs, toys, goggles, etc.) is not permitted.
  • Food is not permitted on the pool deck. All drinks must have a closing lid.
  • Children under the age of 10 must pass a swim test or be within arms reach of a parent/guardian.
  • Hanging on the float lines is not permitted.
  • Persons with bandages, open cuts, and wounds are not allowed in the pool.
  • Please obey all requests by the lifeguard.
  •  
  • Swimming without a lifeguard present is prohibited.
  • Breath–holding activities are not permitted.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times.
  • Please walk at all times.
  • For the safety of all patrons, throwing objects (footballs, toys, goggles, etc.) is not permitted.
  • Food is not permitted on the pool deck. All drinks must have a closing lid.
  • Children under the age of 13 must pass a swim test or be within arms reach of a parent/guardian.
  • Hanging on the float lines is not permitted.
  • Persons with bandages, open cuts, and wounds are not allowed in the pool.
  • Please obey all requests by the lifeguard.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times. No t-shirts, cut offs, or gym shorts.
  • No open wounds.
  • All must shower before entering spa.
  • Do not use body lotions, oils, or suntan preparations before entering the spa.
  • Do not submerge to the bottom of the spa.
  • Children under 3 years of age are not permitted.
  • Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) in the spa at all times.
  • Maximum occupancy: 25 people
  • Please limit spa time to 15 minutes max.

Normal Slide Hours:

  • Fridays: 3:30pm-7:20pm
  • Saturdays: 2:00pm-5:20pm
  • Sundays: 2:00pm-4:20pm

Extended Holiday Waterslide Hours

December 26th- 12:00 PM–Close
December 27th- 12:00 PM–Close

December 29th & 30th- 12:00pm-4:00pm

January 2nd- 12:00pm-7:20pm

Slide Rules:

  • Only 1 person/child is allowed on the water slide.
  • Life jackets are not permitted on the water slide.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times. No t-shirts, cut-offs, or gym shorts.
  • Persons with bandages, open cuts, and wounds are not allowed down the slide.
  • Showers are mandatory before entering.
  • Please walk at all times.
  • Must be at least 48 inches tall or pass a swim test to ride the waterslide.
  • While the waterslide is running, no other patrons are allowed in the splashout pool.
  • Heart Conditions: Individuals with a heart condition should check with their physician prior to using the spa.
  • Pregnant Women: The American College of Obstetricians states that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy.
  • Children 5 and Under: It is highly discouraged and not recommended that children 5 years old and under use the spa.

LAP POOL DISTANCES

Pool Schedule

Click here for the Full Schedule

Showing Pool Schedule 1

Showing Pool Schedule 2

Water Aerobics Schedule

AQUATIC EXERCISE CLASSES

Aqua Fitness is a shallow water moderate intensity workout, using water and equipment for resistance, toning muscles, and increasing endurance and flexibility.

Aqua Fitness is a shallow water moderate to high intensity workout, using water and equipment for resistance, toning muscles, and increasing endurance and flexibility.

Senior Splash provides a gentle, low impact workout that is challenging and effective, giving you the benefits of both aerobic exercise and strength training. The program is perfect for those who are older, overweight, or have medical concerns such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

Waterworks is a low-impact workout that is fun, challenging, and effective. It gives you the benefits of both aerobic exercise and strength training. This class utilizes dumbbells, kick boards, and is taught in the Exercise Pool.

Improve strength and muscle balance, work muscles in both directions without putting unnecessary stress on your joints. The Aqualogix Maximum Resistance Bells can produce over 60lbs in resistance when moved at a high speed.

Drag resistance equipment puts the user in control. The harder you push, the harder the workout! Our equipment can be used by everyone, no matter your age, level or goal.

Looking to try the newest and hottest trend? This aquatic exercise and barre fusion employs ballet-inspired movements and gentle resistance to strengthen arms, legs and especially the core. Experience isometric movements that will tone every muscle in the body, and enjoy long lever movements to lengthen, strengthen and improve your range of motion.

Using multiple pieces of equipment, this course is designed to move the body and have you use all your muscles from head to toe. This moderate intensity, all inclusive workout is a great introductory course to our Aquatic Fitness programs! 

Group X Schedule

All of the Aquatic Exercise classes are free for Y-members! Come on in and enjoy the benefits of cardio, strength, flexibility, and balance within a low-impact environment.

Swim Bay City 2026

Swim Bay City’s goal is to increase student confidence in an aquatic environment to achieve an overall goal of swim competition, recreation, and safety. Our YMCA is dedicated to this goal by providing swim lessons for all ages and abilities. 

Swim Lesson Page
More Information

CHOOSING YOUR LESSON​

Our Swim Bay City Program will help you nurture skills and build confidence in the water. 

Selector coming soon

Scholarships

At the Y, we believe all children should have the chance to participate in sports camps, leagues, and programming. Learn more about our Jeff Buczek Memorial Scholarship and apply to register your child for any sport or YUSA swim programming, regardless of financial standing below.

Apply Here

Aquatic Personal Training

You will receive one-on-one aquatic conditioning with an instructor. From cardio to strength training, flexibility and stability to cross-training, we will help you reach your specific and overall fitness goals within an aquatic environment.

Some benefits of aquatic training over on-land training includes:

Water exercise is an effective method to train for mobility while protecting the joints using water’s natural buoyancy.

Water exercise is an effective method to train for mobility while protecting the joints using water’s natural buoyancy.

It can improve posture with a subjective feeling of support and lightness.

It provides greater freedom of movement and multidimensional resistance or buoyancy assistance.

It decreases swelling and offsets the tendency of blood pooling in the extremities.

It increases blood supply to the muscles significantly, which improves oxygen delivery to the muscles.

It allows for easy variation of load or weight-bearing levels. You may choose to completely unload (in deep water) or load up to 50% in shallow water.

It easily competes with, and can exceed, land training benefits if the same amount of effort is put into both programs. Many individuals experience greater and faster improvements with less pain and discomfort in the water.

Please note! Aquatic Personal Training focuses on overall fitness mainly from a standing (vertical) position. If you are interested in increasing your swimming ability such as training for a Triathlon, improving swim stroke(s), or practicing water safety techniques such as floating and rotary breathing, please check out our Individual Private Lessons page. 

30 Minute Aquatic Personal Training

# of SessionsY MemberCommunity MemberSenior Y MemberSenior Community Member
1$30$45$25$40
5$145220$120$195
10255405$215$440
20450750$340$640

60 Minute Aquatic Personal Training

# of SessionsY MemberCommunity MemberSenior Y MemberSenior Community Member
1$45$55$40$50
5$215$265$190$240
10$385$485$340$465
20$680$880$580$780
Interested? fill out a personal trainer request form

Bay-Arenac ISD Adaptive Swim Program

The Bay-Arenac ISD Adaptive Swim Program will allow severely multiply impaired (SMI) students at the Bay-Arenac ISD (children and young adults) opportunities to help increase their range of motion and locomotion with assistance in the pool by YMCA-certified swim instructors and BAISD staff. The warmth of the water and resistance aids in controlled conditioning to help improve participant cardiovascular function, decrease spasms, and promote relaxation. In addition, it is a key component of the program that it is administered at the YMCA so that those with severe disabilities and their caregivers can be out in the community as well. This program not only positively impacts physical health, but the students’ mental health as well.

The Adaptive Swim Program aligns with the United Way’s goal of a healthier community. For the SMI population, as most are wheelchair-bound or have severe physical disabilities, going outside of the Lifelong Learning Center is very difficult and costly. This grant provides the only funding for transportation of participants to be able visit the YMCA on a regular basis.

Siblings of the participant or other friends who are not under the spectrum or are not their caregiver will be asked to purchase a day pass or have an active membership.

Aquatics

Our pool area closes 30 minutes before the rest of the building.

Don’t forget your towel!

Those under 13 who cannot pass swim test must have adult 18+ in the water with them.

The Dow Bay Area Family YMCA Management reserves the right to modify the rules as necessary. Violation of rules may result in loss of Pool and/or Facility Privileges.

Pool Guidelines
Lap Lane Rules
Aquatics Classes
Swim Lessons
Personal Training
PT
Prices

POOL/WATER SLIDE GUIDELINES & HOURS

The Leisure Pools (exercise pool, lazy river, zero depth/splash zone, and water slide) are available to swim in without a reservation for all members and guests. NEW in 2026: Dedicated Open Swim and Slide Hours! This means that during Swim Lessons and Birthday Parties, there will no other activities in the Leisure Pool. 

*If there are no Birthday Parties scheduled on Saturday or Sunday, the Waterslide and Open Swim will begin at 12pm.

Open Swim Hours

APPROXIMATE POOL Temp

LAP LANE RULES

  • Lane 1 will be first come, first serve. YMCA Swim Programs have priority, when needed.
  • Lap swim and water exercise have priority over open swimming in Lane 1.
  • Lanes 2, 3, and 4 will continue to use the current reservation system.
  • Individuals who are more than 15 minutes late will forfeit their reservation.
  • Questions about your reservation time? Please refer to your mobile app, email, or Front Desk staff.
  • Lane 1 will be first come, first serve. YMCA Swim Programs have priority, when needed.
  • Lap swim and water exercise have priority over open swimming in Lane 1.
  • Lanes 2, 3, and 4 will continue to use the current reservation system.
  • Individuals who are more than 15 minutes late will forfeit their reservation.
  • Questions about your reservation time? Please refer to your mobile app, email, or Front Desk staff.
  • LAP LANES ARE AVAILABLE BY RESERVATION . Should a lap lane not have a reservation, it is open to the public.
  • The lifeguard holds the right to move or reorder lap lane patrons as necessary.
  • Swimming without a lifeguard present is prohibited.
  • Breath–holding activities are not permitted.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times.
  • Please walk at all times.
  • For the safety of all patrons, throwing objects (footballs, toys, goggles, etc.) is not permitted.
  • Food is not permitted on the pool deck. All drinks must have a closing lid.
  • Children under the age of 13 must pass a swim test or be within arms reach of a parent/guardian.
  • Hanging on the float lines is not permitted.
  • Persons with bandages, open cuts, and wounds are not allowed in the pool.
  • Please obey all requests by the lifeguard.
Lap Lane Reservation

Pool Rules

  • Swimming without a lifeguard present is prohibited.
  • Breath–holding activities are not permitted.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times.
  • Please walk at all times.
  • For the safety of all patrons, throwing objects (footballs, toys, goggles, etc.) is not permitted.
  • Food is not permitted on the pool deck. All drinks must have a closing lid.
  • Children under the age of 10 must pass a swim test or be within arms reach of a parent/guardian.
  • Hanging on the float lines is not permitted.
  • Persons with bandages, open cuts, and wounds are not allowed in the pool.
  • Please obey all requests by the lifeguard.
  •  
  • Swimming without a lifeguard present is prohibited.
  • Breath–holding activities are not permitted.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times.
  • Please walk at all times.
  • For the safety of all patrons, throwing objects (footballs, toys, goggles, etc.) is not permitted.
  • Food is not permitted on the pool deck. All drinks must have a closing lid.
  • Children under the age of 13 must pass a swim test or be within arms reach of a parent/guardian.
  • Hanging on the float lines is not permitted.
  • Persons with bandages, open cuts, and wounds are not allowed in the pool.
  • Please obey all requests by the lifeguard.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times. No t-shirts, cut offs, or gym shorts.
  • No open wounds.
  • All must shower before entering spa.
  • Do not use body lotions, oils, or suntan preparations before entering the spa.
  • Do not submerge to the bottom of the spa.
  • Children under 3 years of age are not permitted.
  • Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) in the spa at all times.
  • Maximum occupancy: 25 people
  • Please limit spa time to 15 minutes max.

Normal Slide Hours:

  • Fridays: 3:30pm-7:20pm
  • Saturdays: 2:00pm-5:20pm
  • Sundays: 2:00pm-4:20pm

Extended Holiday Waterslide Hours

December 26th- 12:00 PM–Close
December 27th- 12:00 PM–Close

December 29th & 30th- 12:00pm-4:00pm

January 2nd- 12:00pm-7:20pm

Slide Rules:

  • Only 1 person/child is allowed on the water slide.
  • Life jackets are not permitted on the water slide.
  • Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times. No t-shirts, cut-offs, or gym shorts.
  • Persons with bandages, open cuts, and wounds are not allowed down the slide.
  • Showers are mandatory before entering.
  • Please walk at all times.
  • Must be at least 48 inches tall or pass a swim test to ride the waterslide.
  • While the waterslide is running, no other patrons are allowed in the splashout pool.
  • Heart Conditions: Individuals with a heart condition should check with their physician prior to using the spa.
  • Pregnant Women: The American College of Obstetricians states that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy.
  • Children 5 and Under: It is highly discouraged and not recommended that children 5 years old and under use the spa.

LAP POOL DISTANCES

AQUATIC EXERCISE CLASSES

All of the Aquatic Exercise classes are free for Y-members! Come on in and enjoy the benefits of cardio, strength, flexibility, and balance within a low-impact environment.

Group X Schedule

Aqua Fitness is a shallow water moderate intensity workout, using water and equipment for resistance, toning muscles, and increasing endurance and flexibility.

Aqua Fitness is a shallow water moderate to high intensity workout, using water and equipment for resistance, toning muscles, and increasing endurance and flexibility.

Senior Splash provides a gentle, low impact workout that is challenging and effective, giving you the benefits of both aerobic exercise and strength training. The program is perfect for those who are older, overweight, or have medical concerns such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

Waterworks is a low-impact workout that is fun, challenging, and effective. It gives you the benefits of both aerobic exercise and strength training. This class utilizes dumbbells, kick boards, and is taught in the Exercise Pool.

Improve strength and muscle balance, work muscles in both directions without putting unnecessary stress on your joints. The Aqualogix Maximum Resistance Bells can produce over 60lbs in resistance when moved at a high speed.

Drag resistance equipment puts the user in control. The harder you push, the harder the workout! Our equipment can be used by everyone, no matter your age, level or goal.

Looking to try the newest and hottest trend? This aquatic exercise and barre fusion employs ballet-inspired movements and gentle resistance to strengthen arms, legs and especially the core. Experience isometric movements that will tone every muscle in the body, and enjoy long lever movements to lengthen, strengthen and improve your range of motion.

Using multiple pieces of equipment, this course is designed to move the body and have you use all your muscles from head to toe. This moderate intensity, all inclusive workout is a great introductory course to our Aquatic Fitness programs! 

Swim Bay City 2026

Swim Bay City’s goal is to increase student confidence in an aquatic environment to achieve an overall goal of swim competition, recreation, and safety. Our YMCA is dedicated to this goal by providing swim lessons for all ages and abilities. 

Swim Lesson Page
Request More Information

Scholarships

At the Y, we believe all children should have the chance to participate in sports camps, leagues, and programming. Learn more about our Jeff Buczek Memorial Scholarship and apply to register your child for any sport or YUSA swim programming, regardless of financial standing below.

Apply Here

Aquatic Personal Training

You will receive one-on-one aquatic conditioning with an instructor. From cardio to strength training, flexibility and stability to cross-training, we will help you reach your specific and overall fitness goals within an aquatic environment.

Some benefits of aquatic training over on-land training includes:

Water exercise is an effective method to train for mobility while protecting the joints using water’s natural buoyancy.

Water exercise is an effective method to train for mobility while protecting the joints using water’s natural buoyancy.

It can improve posture with a subjective feeling of support and lightness.

It provides greater freedom of movement and multidimensional resistance or buoyancy assistance.

It decreases swelling and offsets the tendency of blood pooling in the extremities.

It increases blood supply to the muscles significantly, which improves oxygen delivery to the muscles.

It allows for easy variation of load or weight-bearing levels. You may choose to completely unload (in deep water) or load up to 50% in shallow water.

It easily competes with, and can exceed, land training benefits if the same amount of effort is put into both programs. Many individuals experience greater and faster improvements with less pain and discomfort in the water.

Please note! Aquatic Personal Training focuses on overall fitness mainly from a standing (vertical) position. If you are interested in increasing your swimming ability such as training for a Triathlon, improving swim stroke(s), or practicing water safety techniques such as floating and rotary breathing, please check out our Individual Private Lessons page. 

30 Minute Aquatic Personal Training

# of SessionsY MemberCommunity MemberSenior Y MemberSenior Community Member
1$30$45$25$40
5$145220$120$195
10255405$215$440
20450750$340$640

60 Minute Aquatic Personal Training

# of SessionsY MemberCommunity MemberSenior Y MemberSenior Community Member
1$45$55$40$50
5$215$265$190$240
10$385$485$340$465
20$680$880$580$780
Interested? fill out a personal trainer request form

Bay-Arenac ISD Adaptive Swim Program

The Bay-Arenac ISD Adaptive Swim Program will allow severely multiply impaired (SMI) students at the Bay-Arenac ISD (children and young adults) opportunities to help increase their range of motion and locomotion with assistance in the pool by YMCA-certified swim instructors and BAISD staff. The warmth of the water and resistance aids in controlled conditioning to help improve participant cardiovascular function, decrease spasms, and promote relaxation. In addition, it is a key component of the program that it is administered at the YMCA so that those with severe disabilities and their caregivers can be out in the community as well. This program not only positively impacts physical health, but the students’ mental health as well.

The Adaptive Swim Program aligns with the United Way’s goal of a healthier community. For the SMI population, as most are wheelchair-bound or have severe physical disabilities, going outside of the Lifelong Learning Center is very difficult and costly. This grant provides the only funding for transportation of participants to be able visit the YMCA on a regular basis.

Siblings of the participant or other friends who are not under the spectrum or are not their caregiver will be asked to purchase a day pass or have an active membership.

Download the PDF
  • Reservations are for members only.

  • Reservations can be made up to 5 days in advance or until one hour before the class starts. If you wish to reserve a spot within one hour before class starts, please call the MEMBER SERVICE DESK.

  • Please be on time for your reservation. If you are late for your appointment, you will not get additional time. (e.g. your reserved lap swim time is 9am-9:45am, but you do not get in the pool until 9:20am, your reservation still ends at 9:45am.)

  • Reservations can also be made at the MEMBER SERVICE DESK or by calling us at 989.895.8596

  • There are daily/weekly limits on some classes/areas to give opportunities to other members. The system will let you know if your daily/weekly limit has been reached.

  • If you are unable to attend your reserved appointment, please cancel your appointment online or call the MEMBER SERVICE DESK.

Book Your Spot:

Reservation Reminders:

  • Reservations are for members only.

  • Reservations can be made up to 5 days in advance or until one hour before the class starts. If you wish to reserve a spot within one hour before class starts, please call the Member Service Desk.

  • Please be on time for your reservation. If you are late for your appointment, you will not get additional time. (e.g. your reserved lap swim time is 9am-9:45am, but you do not get in the pool until 9:20am, your reservation still ends at 9:45am.)

  • Reservations can also be made at the Member Service Desk or by calling us at 989.895.8596

  • There are daily/weekly limits on some classes/areas to give opportunities to other members. The system will let you know if your daily/weekly limit has been reached.

  • If you are unable to attend your reserved appointment, please cancel your appointment online or call the Member Service Desk.
Reminders
Instructions
  • Reservations are for members only.

  • Reservations can be made up to 5 days in advance or until one hour before the class starts. If you wish to reserve a spot within one hour before class starts, please call the Member Service Desk.

  • Please be on time for your reservation. If you are late for your appointment, you will not get additional time. (e.g. your reserved lap swim time is 9am-9:45am, but you do not get in the pool until 9:20am, your reservation still ends at 9:45am.)

  • Reservations can also be made at the Member Service Desk or by calling us at 989.895.8596

  • There are daily/weekly limits on some classes/areas to give opportunities to other members. The system will let you know if your daily/weekly limit has been reached.

  • If you are unable to attend your reserved appointment, please cancel your appointment online or call the Member Service Desk.

Financial AsSistance Programs

Individuals will not be turned away from participating in programs, activities, and/or membership due to their inability to pay. The Y maintains a generous financial assistance program for youth, adults, and families who demonstrate financial need. Funding for this program is provided by fundraising events at the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA and community-wide donors.

There is a reduced joining fee. $25 for Youth/Teen, $25 for Adult, and $50 for Household memberships.

Download Application