Whether it’s your toddler’s first splash or your teen’s first swim meet, the Americana YMCA in Zachary is creating a welcoming and inclusive space for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

At the helm of this thriving aquatics program are two passionate leaders: District Aquatics Director Stacey Adams and longtime swim coach Julié Peveto. Together, they’re building more than just strong swimmers—they’re shaping confident kids, fostering community, and leading the way in water safety.

A Pool for Every Purpose

The Americana YMCA Aquatics Center is thoughtfully designed with families in mind. There’s a splash pad with a gentle depth of 1.5 feet, ideal for toddlers and preschoolers discovering the water. Just steps away is a six-lane, 25-yard pool that reaches a depth of 7 feet—perfect for everything from swim lessons to lap swimming and competitive training.

Safety is always top of mind. “We have trained lifeguards on deck at all times, and every swim instructor is YMCA USA-certified,” says Stacey, who has led aquatics programs across the Capital Area for nearly a decade. “Whether you’re just getting your feet wet or working toward competitive goals, you’re in good hands.”

Dive into Swim Lessons

Swim lessons at the YMCA start as early as six months old and continue through adulthood. “We meet swimmers where they are,” says Stacey. “Sometimes that means spending a whole week just getting comfortable with the water—and that’s okay.”

Each session includes eight 30-minute lessons over two weeks, with small group sizes (typically a 1:6 or 1:4 student-teacher ratio) based on age and ability. While YMCA members receive a discount, you don’t have to be a member to register—and enrollment is open through the summer.

For those who need more individualized support, private lessons with instructor Mikki Bertrand are available, especially helpful for children with water anxiety, special needs, or those who simply prefer a quieter setting.

Building Confidence—and Community—Through Competition

When swimmers are ready to take the plunge into competition, Coach Julié Peveto is there to guide the way. A Zachary High and LSU swim alum, Julié has been coaching since she was 15 and now leads both the YMCA team and the Zachary High swim team.

She heads up two programs out of the Americana YMCA:

• YBR Summer League: A five-week recreational team open to swimmers ages 4–18 who can swim at least one lap (25 yards). Teams across the Greater Baton Rouge Swim League compete in a high-energy citywide meet that’s as much about fun as it is about racing.

• AMYZ (Americana YMCA Zachary): A year-round competitive team for swimmers ages 9–18. Athletes train for local and regional meets through USA and Louisiana Swimming, honing their technique and building endurance while having fun.

“Swimmer placement depends on skill and endurance—not just age,” Julié explains. “We make sure every athlete is supported and challenged in the right way.”

Fitness That Fits Your Life

The YMCA’s aquatics offerings extend beyond kids. Water aerobics classes, held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30–9:30 a.m., are open to all ability levels. “It’s amazing for anyone recovering from knee or hip surgery, or who feels like traditional workouts aren’t an option anymore,” says Stacey. “The water supports you—it’s fitness that feels good.”

And thanks to extended pool hours—from 6 a.m. to noon, and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (with summer hours stretching to 8 p.m.)—families and working professionals alike can find time to swim.

More Than Swimming: A Commitment to Safety

At every stage, the YMCA emphasizes water safety as much as skill. “We’re leading the community in water safety,” Stacey says. “We do more than teach strokes—we teach survival.”

For Coach Julié, it’s about opening the pool deck to everyone. “From swim lessons to state-level competition, we meet swimmers where they are,” she says. “There’s truly a place for every swimmer at the Y.”

Ready to Make a Splash?

Whether your child is just learning to blow bubbles or dreaming of competitive swim meets, the Americana YMCA has a program to help them thrive. To get started, visit the YMCA in Zachary, email Coach Julié at [email protected], or reach out to the aquatics team to learn more.

All it takes is one lap to begin a lifelong love of swimming.

---

Let me know if you want this adapted into a newsletter or social post too!