Aquatics

At the Y, we believe the ability to swim is a critical life skill. When you learn to swim, you gain confidence, acquire safety/rescue skills and experience water activities you can enjoy for a lifetime. Throughout all stages, we teach students how to be safer and more comfortable in the water. All age groups are taught the same skills, but divided according to their developmental milestones.

Rays Swim Team

The structure of the Rays Swim Team is a plan to develop not only great swimmers, but establish a plan for the development of the athlete as a whole person – physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.  Participation in sports should be designed to develop a sense of enjoyment, inclusion, and mastery in whatever sports the child chooses. It is the focus of the YMCA swimming program to not merely be a place for children to experience the great sport of swimming but also to develop their technical expertise.

The mission of the YMCA of Upper Palmetto Rays is to build strong spirits, minds, and bodies while achieving excellence in swimming and in life.

If you’re interested in more information from the Rays please go to click here or contact the following: [email protected] | 803-547-8516
CSD Community YMCA
Katie Wright – [email protected] | 803-831-9622
Rock Hill Aquatics Center
Jonathan Mengering – [email protected] | 803-547-8516
Gregory Family YMCA
Anne Small – [email protected] | 803-313-7016
Fort Mill YMCA at the Complex
Jonathan Mengering – [email protected] | 803-547-8516
 
For General Inquiries and information about the program please contact Tim Conley!
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Become a Lifeguard

Learn how to save lives in the water. Become a YMCA lifeguard or swim lesson instructor. Upon successful completion of the Y’s lifeguard and swim instructor training programs, each participant will be certified. Participants must be at least 16 years old by the end of the training. This course instructs participants in both lifeguarding and CPR for the professional rescuer. Successful completion will gain the participant certification by the American Red Cross, with the exception of the Junior Lifeguarding course.

Angie Smith

Angie Smith, is a gifted writer, encourager and loving mother of four. Together with her husband, former NFL player Steve Smith, they established The Steve Smith Family Foundation, which is dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to those in need while advancing causes  close to the family’s heart – Promoting family health & wellness as well as the awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

In 2022, The Steve Smith Foundation and Mecklenburg County partnered to create Charlotte’s first behavioral health urgent care, a 24/7, 365 urgent care facility dedicated to mental health and substance abuse needs.

Angie’s commitment to her family, transparency and unselfishness, by putting other’s needs before her own, is an inspiration to all of us!

Alan Tyson

Alan Tyson is the President Architech Sports and Physical Therapy. He was the former Vice President of Sports Performance and Rehabilitation for OrthoCarolina. He is a physical therapist board certified as a sports clinical specialist, a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He has worked with the Charlotte Knights (AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) and continues to serve as a consultant to the team. Alan is also a consultant with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Eagles.

Alan has spoken regionally and nationally on various training topics including the foot and ankle, spine care, hip and knee rehabilitation, and he has developed two continuing education courses on the shoulder. He has written 3 books and developed specific training programs for the female athlete, the baseball pitcher, and for football players preparing for the NFL combines. Alan is also an associate editor of the National Strength and Conditioning Journal. He co-hosted a weekly radio show “Health Headlines” on 1110AM WBT with Stacey Sims and Dr. Russ Greenfield for 3 years.

Antoinette Johnson

Meet Antoinette Johnson, the inspiring culinary star of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation” Hailing from Lexington, KY, she transforms simple, humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes, all while championing the use of fresh, locally-sourced produce. Through her triumph on “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” Antoinette’s unwavering perseverance catapulted her career, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible. With a heart dedicated to community and a love for supporting local farmers, Antoinette’s journey is a testament to embracing change, fostering growth, and inspiring others to follow their culinary dreams.

Beyond her culinary triumphs, Antoinette is a firm believer in the power of evolution and perseverance. She stands as a shining example of how one can constantly evolve, change, and grow on their journey to success. Antoinette’s story is one of resilience and determination, inspiring others to follow their passions despite any challenges they may encounter.

Now, with a cookbook deal and cash grand prize, Antoinette is forging ahead on her culinary adventure, driven by the desire to prove herself and inspire her daughter.