What pools will offer FREE Swimming Lessons?
Locations for swimming lessons vary based upon instructor availability each season. The 2027 locations will be released after the hiring process June 2027.
What days are my Swimming Lessons?
Each session offers eight (8) weekday lessons. Days will be released after the hiring process June 2027
Preschool Lessons (Ages 4 - 5)
10:25 – 10:55 AM
Preschool lessons are designed for children who are not comfortable swimming independently in the water, but who are comfortable enough to get into the water with an instructor. Parents must remain outside of the pool area during swimming lessons. The goal of our Preschool classes is to introduce water skills including entering and exiting the water safely, blowing bubbles, back float, front and back glides (up to 2 body lengths), rolling over (back to front and front to back), recovery to a standing/vertical position, and combined leg and arm action on front. Please note: Preschool aged children must be at least 4 years old by the first class.
Learn-to-Swim Lessons (Ages 6 - 12)
9:45 – 10:15 AM
The American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program is designed to not only teach children water competency skills but to also begin developing lifelong water safety skills. Level 2 is the appropriate starting point for children ages 6-8 whereas children aged 9-12 might be best suited in level 3. Level 4 is best suited for children who can swim the length of the pool without touching the bottom of the pool or taking a break.
Fundamental Aquatic Skills – Level 2 (Ages 6-8)
In this course, students learn stepping/jumping into shoulder-deep water, fully submerging, bobbing, rotary breathing, treading water, floating on front and back for 15 seconds, rolling over, and changing direction of travel while swimming on front or back. Successful participants will be able to swim independently in shallow water. Our instructors reserve the right to move your child up to Level 3 if they demonstrate a readiness for that level.
Stroke Development – Level 3 (Ages 9-12)
In Learn-to-Swim Level 3, our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills and to build on previously learned skills. To be eligible for Stroke Development, your child should have already successfully completed Fundamental Aquatic Skills or must pass the skills tests required for entry. Our instructors reserve the right to move your child down to Level 2 if their skills set demonstrates that they are not currently ready for Level 3 (even if they passed Level 2 previously).
Your child learns to swim the front crawl and elementary backstroke at rudimentary levels for a distance of 25 yards, is introduced to the scissors and dolphin kicks, learns the survival float and increases the time duration for treading water to one minute. Your child also learns the rules for headfirst entries – and importantly to never dive headfirst in water less than 9 feet deep.
Stroke Improvement – Level 4 (Ages 9-12)
In Learn-to-Swim Level 4,
Our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills and to build on previously learned skills, improving the swimming stroke proficiency and swimming for longer distances. Each class is loaded with fun, engaging and challenging activities that motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim. To be eligible for Stroke Improvement, your child should have already successfully completed Stroke Development (Level 3) or must pass the skills tests required for entry. Our instructors reserve the right to move your child down to Level 3 if their skills set demonstrates that they are not currently ready for Level 4 (even if they passed Level 3 previously).
Your child learns to swim the front crawl and elementary backstroke at rudimentary levels for a distance of 25 yards, is introduced to the butterfly, sidestroke, and open turns.
How to Apply
Because class sizes are limited, online applications are required. Registrations for each session open at the dates and times listed at the top of this page. Each application is automatically time stamped upon submission. DCR receives hundreds of applications for swimming lessons each session. We will strive to fill classes in the order in which applications are received. On-site applications are not allowed. Registration links will only be available while registration is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know if my child/children have been accepted into the program?
If your child is selected for a class, you will receive an email confirmation one week after registration, with additional details. You will be required to bring this confirmation email with you to your first lesson. Due to the volume of applications we receive, most people who apply will not be selected.
My child/children were not accepted; can I place them on the waitlist?
Any child not accepted into the swim session will automatically be placed on a waitlist in the event someone drops out in advance.
Not all my children were accepted; can there be an acceptation?
Unfortunately, no. DCR strictly follows American Red Cross swim level Instructor-to-Student ratio for the safety of your child, other children, and our staff. Any children not enrolled will be placed on a waitlist.
Can I apply on-site at the swimming pool?
No, on-site applications are not allowed. Our administrative staff will verify the date/time of each application through our online system and then generate class rosters directly from the online database.
How many sessions may my child attend?
Children will be limited to one session per summer to maximize the number of families we are able to serve.
How do I know which days my child has swim lessons?
Swim lesson days will vary by location. A complete list of pool locations and days of lessons will become available June 9. Your confirmation email will outline the days and times of your swim lessons.
Can I pick which days my child has swim lessons?
No, swim lessons will vary by facility location.
Are your instructors certified?
Yes, all instructors are certified by the American Red Cross as Water Safety Instructors or Basic Swimming Instructors.
What is the class make-up policy?
No make-up classes will be offered for missed or cancelled classes (e.g. thunderstorm, water quality).
What is the class cancellation policy?
Classes will be canceled on site if there is thunder or lightning within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time of the class. Because swim classes are offered across the Commonwealth, it will not be possible for us to provide specific notice of individual class cancellations. We encourage you to remain alert of your local weather conditions. When in doubt, you can call the pool directly. However, if you can hear thunder or see lightning, classes will be cancelled. In the event of inclement weather arising during class, the class will end, and students will be advised to seek shelter.
Similarly, if there are any water quality concerns (e.g. fecal accident in the pool) the pool will also be closed so that we can make the necessary chemical adjustments. Classes will not be rescheduled.