• Programs and classes

Swimming lessons near you

You can use our site to find after-school programs in swimming, from across the country. Find your city in the list below and browse swimming lessons and programs for kids, in your area.

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More than just lessons

If you love swimming, there are many different ways you can indulge in this passion. See related options below:

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What your child will learn in swimming lessons

There are different swimming programs and lessons targeted at kids of different ages. Here's an overview of how your child's swimming skills can improve no matter what their age. 

Lower-level classes for toddlers: Some swimming classes are offered for kids who are just starting out, or are still building their basic skills. For instance, there are classes for infants and toddlers (six months to three years). In these classes, your child will mostly learn to just get comfortable with the water. They’ll likely be accompanied by a parent or guardian, along with the instructor. They’ll learn to kick, move around, and dunk.  They may learn to tread water or "doggy paddle." 

Classes for pre-school and school age kids. Kids learn basic swimming strokes like the breaststroke, front crawl, and backstroke. Instructors educate students on how to position themselves properly in the pool, in order to safely move through the water. They learn to get in and out of the water by themselves. As they improve, they’ll begin to tread water and/or swim in the deep end by themselves. Through training and practice kids gain confidence in the pool and become increasingly adept at swimming. 

At this stage, they also learn hazard awareness. Kids are trained in how to look for potential hazards in and around the pool in order to preserve their own safety and that of others. 

Higher-level classes: Other swimming classes are offered for kids who are more advanced. Often, older children, aged 10 and up, will take these lessons. Sometimes teenagers and adults will take them as well. These swimming classes will build on certain skills. For instance, kids will continue to work on their swimming strokes. They also may work on more challenging skills, such as diving. Many kids, at this stage, also get involved in competitive swimming. Here, they’ll race kids in swim meets, or face them in diving competitions.

They're also taught lifesaving techniques and methods. First Aid awareness will be presented in advanced swimming lessons. They learn rescue methods such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other First Aid training.

What are the benefits of swimming lessons and classes?

Here's a look at what kids gain from swimming lessons beyond simply practical knowledge of how to swim. 

Physical fitness. In swimming lessons, children’s arms, legs, and core will be engaged at all times. As kids learn various swim strokes, learn how to tread water, and begin to swim regularly, they increase their endurance. Swimming is one of the best overall kinds of exercise, with little or no impact, using muscle groups throughout the body. As they grow to love swimming more, they get stronger.  

Increased confidence in the water. Class sizes are small and focused solely on swimming. Instructors work with kids one-on-one to help them master each skill necessary to proceed to the next level. As your child gets better at swimming, you’ll notice their increased confidence in the pool or lake. They can now swim in the deep end, jump off the diving board, etc., and as a result, they have more fun! 

Independence and responsibility. A large part of swimming classes at any age is focused on increasing awareness.  In classes for older kids, curriculum is focused on lifesaving skills and techniques. Learning these things, kids develop responsibility and leadership skills. The lifesaving skills taught open kids up to teen employment opportunities including camp counselling and lifeguarding.  

Stress relief. Being in a pool can be as relaxing as yoga or meditation. Having gained confidence in the pool, kids swim freely on their own. It relieves stress, anxiety, fear, and depression. 

Questions to ask swimming lessons and programs

As you review swimming lesson programs near you, here are some questions to ask, to compare responses they give you. 

1. How many instructors are certified lifeguards or certified in First Aid? What is the ratio of certified instructors to students, in each class?
2. How much experience do instructors have both with teaching and learning swimming?
3. Do students need to bring their own goggles, swimming caps, or other accessories?
4. Are parents able to observe their children during class?

Check out related camps and classes

Here’s a look at related camps and programs that can help you develop what you’ve learned from swimming lessons.:

First Aid courses near you teach older kids lifesaving techniques and rescue operations. These include Standard First Aid, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross training.

Sports camp helps kids develop the physicality they experience in swimming lessons. Basketball, soccer, and other sports can further challenge kids’ fitness levels and keep their adrenaline pumping.

Water sports camps are a great way for kids and teens to further explore their love of aquatics.  Other camps focus on activities as varied as diving, kayaking, and sailing training. 

Leadership camp is a worthwhile next step for swimmers who wish to pursue a lifeguard certification and move into roles like camp counselor or more advanced leadership roles in other areas in life. They learn responsibility and self-reliance, and to become empowered, assertive leaders.

Consult more information in the rest of our guide:

Sources and further reading

Benefits of swimming lessons." Hubbardswim.com