Castle Downs Family YMCA — Attraction in Castle Downs

My daughter has been attending preschool swimming lessons since the spring. They would have random instructors join half way through the lesson which disrupts the flow of the class and my young toddler is not willing to let a stranger help her learn to swim causing more anxiety. For preschool 1, on the last day the usual instructor was not there and the report was no were to be found so the sub instructor had to scramble to write one up. It's very disorganized. I see kids coming consistently let being allowed to come in the lesson which disrupts the flow.

Their style is to let parents know 3 lessons left about their child's progress. I was told she can move on to preschool level 2 with no concerns.

My dgt started level 2 last Wednesday and the instructor told my husband if my dgt doesn't jump into the water by herself and dunk her head under water than she has to go back to level 1. So we practiced every evening with her. Yesterday was her second class and I came this time and told the instructor we had practiced. Immediately the instructor came across dismissive and said it's up to her evaluation. She was the only one in the class. I explained before that this is new and the instructor is new to her. She cuts me off and says she saw me last week and it's fine. My dgt temperament is it takes time to learn a new skill and change is hard initially. But it didn't matter.

At the end of the lesson, the instructor told me yes she has improved since the first class but she has 2 other kids in the class that will do better and she cannot spend more time with my daughter to help her since it will take away time from the other kids. So this shows me she already made up her mind my dgt is not worth the time. I come to every lesson and ask if there is anything I can do to help my dgt fears to practice and I will. I don't expect extra time but give her a chance to learn. All kids come with different skills but she always comes on time ready to try. So this instructor said the option is to go back to level 1 or get private lessons. Not everyone has the finances for private lessons. Also level 1 is too easy for her. So we will have the same "issues" when she passes and go to level 2. My dgt and every child needs a "just right" challenge and an instructor that will give her a chance not be biased and focus their effort on those that will do better. Like how do you know she won't improve by lesson 3 or 4 and I would be okay if she had to repeat preschool level 2. But let her try. She listens and doesn't disrupts the class like other kids.

This didn't sit well with me. I immediately cancelled the memebrship and signed her back up with the city swimming lessons and their instructors are so amazing with kids. They understand child development and what to expect for preschool aged kids. Never...

Took my 8-year-old son here to swim on Saturday, and the experience was incredibly frustrating and disappointing. We've been YMCA members for over 2 years and have always supported the facility — even donating when we could. But after this weekend, I had no choice but to cancel our membership.

When we arrived, there were kids in swim lessons, which was fine. A lifeguard kindly told us my son couldn't do his swim test yet but to check back around 11:55–12pm. In the meantime, she let him swim in an open lane with a life vest and gave him a yellow bracelet.

At noon, when the lessons ended, my son took his swim test, passed, and got his green bracelet — he was so excited to finally use the slide. But right after, a different lifeguard told him he couldn't use the slide area because that lane was still for swim lessons until 3pm — even though no one was using it. He was told to go to another lane. A few minutes later, he was told that lane was for adults 18+ only.

It honestly felt like the staff were making up rules on the spot. My son was disappointed and confused, and the experience just completely ruined his day. I went to the front desk to speak with a supervisor, and the staff member had no idea what the actual rules were — or if a supervisor was even there. That’s unacceptable.

To be honest, we’ve already put up with quite a bit over the past two years — including groups of loud teens in the locker room using foul language, with no staff addressing it. But this situation was the breaking point.

I hope management seriously re-evaluates how their staff is trained and ensures someone responsible is always available. What happened may not seem major to them, but it turned a fun day into a really disappointing one for an 8-year-old — and...

As a Canadian family seeking a community-centered space, the YMCA has been an absolute gem that we've had the pleasure of being a part of. The experience has been nothing short of outstanding, and I can't emphasize enough how much it has positively impacted our lives.

My son's journey with the YMCA's swimming lessons has been a transformative experience. The instructors' dedication and expertise have not only honed his swimming skills but have also nurtured his love for the water. It's heartwarming to see him eagerly looking forward to each lesson, showcasing his newfound confidence.

The facilities at the YMCA are, without a doubt, top-notch. The variety of options available caters to every age group, making it a hub for families like ours. The well-maintained gym equipment, diverse range of classes, and inviting communal areas truly set a high standard for recreational centers.

What sets the YMCA apart is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity. In a beautifully diverse country like Canada, the YMCA serves as a beacon of unity, embracing individuals from all backgrounds. The sense of belonging and acceptance fostered here is truly commendable.

In summary, our experience with the YMCA has been exceptional. The warmth, inclusivity, and dedication to community resonate deeply with the Canadian values we hold dear. We're immensely grateful for being a part of such an incredible establishment that goes above and beyond to create a space where every member feels valued...