Swim Schools

Swim schools provide swimming lessons as well as first aid and lifesaving classes, swim teams, clinics and aquatic exercise classes. Some swim schools have their own facility and others operate at sports and recreation centers or public pools. Programs with access to indoor swimming pools offer programs year-round.
  1. Swim Lessons

    • Swim instruction can be modified to suit swimmers of any age. Some programs teach infants as young as 4 weeks old. Classes for children this age require the presence of a parent in the water with the child at all times and the objective is to have positive, enjoyable experiences in the water together. As children age, they learn rollover breathing, bubble blowing, basic kicking and water play. As swimmers move up through the levels, more swimming skills are added. Lessons can be private, small groups or larger classes.

    First Aid and Lifesaving

    • Being prepared for a water emergency is important, especially for adults whose children spend time in and around the water. Certified instructors teach prevention and emergency preparation as well as emergency response techniques and rescue breathing. Sometimes these skills are offered as part of lifeguard training.

    Swim Team

    • Swim team is an opportunity for children and teens to get experience, instruction about the mechanics of their stroke and participate in competitions. Repetitive lap swimming builds strength and endurance and being part of a team gives kids the chance to learn sportsmanship and build social skills. Children are grouped according to age and ability during swim meets.

    Aquatic Fitness Classes

    • Aquatic fitness classes have many names---water aerobics, adaptive aquatics, stroke clinics, synchronized swim and aquatic exercise. The focus of each class differs. Some provide cardiovascular workout in the water, which is gentler on the joints than on-land cardiovascular exercise. Others provide instruction on swim strokes and proper breathing techniques. Some classes provide gentle stretching in warm water.