LEWISTON — YWCA swim classes begin the week of Nov. 17.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause for kids under the age of 14. Stay safe and sign up for swim lessons today. Details of times and levels (1-6) may be found at www.ywcamaine.org or by calling the YWCA at 795-4050.

Parent & Child Level A (ages 6 month to 3 years): This class is designed for children who have either no water experience or one previous session of water adjustment lessons.

Parent & Child Level B (ages 18 months to 3 years): Parents participate with children to learn water adjustment and safety skills. This class is designed for children who have had two or more previous sessions of water adjustment lessons or who swim independently with flotation.

Parent & Child Level C (ages 3-7): This class is designed for children who have no water experience or are fearful of entering the water without a parent.

Preschool Swim (ages 3-5): Preschool Level 1, 2 and 3 swim lessons, which focus on the developmental skills of preschool aged children. No parent in the water.

Beginner Swim (ages 6 and up): Beginner Level 1 and 2 swim lessons, which focus on the developmental skills of a non-swimmer and or a swimmer with little to no prior swim lessons. A combination of both levels will be taught for this lesson.

Advanced Beginner Swim (ages 6 and up Level 3): Completion of Level 2 or the student must be able to float on their front and back independently for five seconds and swim unassisted for five body lengths.

Intermediate Swim (ages 6 and up Level 4, 5 and 6): Completion of Level 3 or the student must be able to enter water head first and jump into deep water, swim 15 yards front crawl with rhythmic breathing, tread or float for 30 seconds and swim 15 yards elementary backstroke.

Synchronized Swimming (ages 5-14 years): This class is designed as an introduction to synchronized swimming, focusing on the skills needed for recreational or team participation.

Swimming is for everyone: A recreational swimming pool experience for children and teens with special needs. Trained Water Safety Instructors work with participants. One parent must go in water with the child or teen.

Adult Swim Lesson (ages 15 and older): Designed for non-swimmers who will learn basic water skills including water adjustment, floating and basic safety precautions, as well as swimmers who have mastered floating, prone glide beginning crawl stroke, back float and basic backstroke.

Private swim lessons are also available by appointment.

There is still time to sign up for the YWCA Tiger Sharks swim team. The team is now a member of USA Swimming and Maine Swimming. This is a great opportunity for boys and girls ages 7 to 14 that love to swim and are interested in a more competitive environment. Swimmers will learn the basic fundamentals of competitive strokes and being part of a team in a positive and encouraging environment.

Join Coach Linda Sherman and Coach Rachel Hanley for a supportive and fun team experience. Focus will be on stroke development, increasing endurance, nutrition and dry land conditioning. In order to build team spirit, all members will practice at the same time.

To enhance learning and promote safety, swimmers will be placed in lanes with others of the same ability and speed. Practices will be offered four times a week, Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Participating in three practices a week is recommended.

To join, youth must be able to swim one length (25 yards) of the pool without stopping on front and back.

The team will participate in one USA/Maine Swimming Meet per month at locations around the state. The YWCA will host its first Tiger Sharks Swim meet on Nov. 23.