Knowing how to swim is more than just a fun pastime; it’s a crucial life skill that boosts your overall health, fitness, and, most importantly, your safety around water. NYC Parks is committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have the opportunity to become confident swimmers. That’s why we offer free Learn To Swim lessons at our recreation centers across the city. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity – register for the NYC Parks Learn to Swim lottery today and take the plunge towards becoming a swimmer!
Free Learn to Swim Programs for Every Age Group
One of the best things about our learn to swim program is that it’s designed for everyone! Whether you’re just starting to explore the water or looking to refine your strokes, we have a class for you. Our program caters to a wide range of age groups, ensuring a comfortable and effective learning environment for all:
- Tots (Ages 1 ½ to 5): Introduce your little ones to the joy of water early! Our tot classes focus on water familiarization, helping them become comfortable with floating and breath control in a playful setting.
- Children (Ages 6-17): From beginners to advanced swimmers, our children’s classes cover everything from basic water safety to advanced swimming techniques, building confidence and skills at every level.
- Adults: It’s never too late to learn to swim! Our adult classes are perfect for those who are new to swimming or want to improve their skills. We focus on basic swimming and safety techniques, including breath control, floating, and fundamental strokes.
- Seniors (Ages 62 and Over): Swimming is a fantastic low-impact exercise for seniors. Our senior classes offer a supportive environment to learn basic swimming and water safety skills, promoting health and well-being.
What You Will Learn in Our Free Swim Classes
Our curriculum is carefully structured to provide age-appropriate and skill-based instruction. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect to learn in our learn to swim classes:
- For Tots: Classes are designed to gently introduce toddlers to the aquatic environment. They’ll learn to enjoy being in the water, get comfortable with putting their faces in, practice floating with support, and develop basic breath-holding skills through fun activities and games.
- For Children: Our program for children is progressive, starting with fundamental water safety and basic strokes. As they advance, children will learn different swimming strokes, improve their technique, and build endurance in the water. We offer various levels to match their abilities, from beginner to advanced.
- For Adults and Seniors: Adult and senior classes concentrate on building a solid foundation in swimming. You’ll learn essential skills like breath control, floating techniques, and basic arm and leg strokes. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the fundamentals, helping you gain confidence and proficiency in the water.
Explore More Free Aquatic Programs at NYC Parks
Beyond our core learn to swim program, NYC Parks offers a variety of free aquatic programs to cater to diverse interests and needs. We encourage you to explore these opportunities to further enhance your aquatic journey:
- Adaptive Aquatics: We believe everyone should have access to the water. Our adaptive aquatics program provides specialized swim instruction and water activities for people with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Water Exercise Classes: Looking for a fun and effective workout? Join our water exercise classes designed for adults and seniors. These classes offer a low-impact way to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility.
- Swim Team: For advanced youth swimmers who are passionate about competitive swimming, our swim team offers a chance to hone their skills, compete, and be part of a team.
You can find more details about these and other aquatic programs on our swim programs page.
How to Register for Free Learn to Swim Lessons
To ensure fair access to our popular learn to swim program, registration is conducted through a lottery system. Here’s what you need to know to register:
Registration Steps:
- Choose Only One Class: Each person can register for only one class per session. Multiple registrations will not increase your chances of selection.
- Register Each Child Separately: If you are registering multiple children, ensure each child is registered individually.
- Applications Are Non-Transferable: Lottery selections cannot be transferred to another person.
Need Help with Lottery Registration?
If you need assistance with the lottery process, our Managing Your Account page provides guidance on creating an account. You can also visit your nearest recreation center, and our friendly staff at the front desk will be happy to assist you! Find your local center here.
If You Are Selected in the Lottery:
- Register Within Three Days: If you or your child is selected, you will have 3 days from the lottery closing date to confirm your spot and complete registration.
- Mandatory Water Test for Children (Saturday Classes): Children selected for Saturday classes must attend a mandatory water test before the first class. Failure to attend the water test and the first class will result in being dropped from the session.
- Class Attendance Policy: To remain enrolled, please do not miss two consecutive classes. Swimmers absent for two classes in a row will be dropped to accommodate those on the waitlist.
If You Are Not Selected:
- Join the Waitlist: If you are not initially selected, you will automatically be placed on a waiting list. While we cannot provide waitlist position updates, spots may become available.
- Re-apply for Future Sessions: We encourage you to try again in future sessions! Our learn to swim program is highly sought-after, and we want to give everyone a chance to participate.
Important Dates and Registration Windows
Our learn to swim program runs in three sessions throughout the year: Fall, Winter, and Spring, with summer classes at outdoor pools. Lottery registration opens before each session.
Key Registration Dates:
- Winter Lottery Registration Dates: Monday, December 16 – Monday, January 6
- Saturday Children Learn to Swim Mandatory Water Test: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Walk-in Waitlist Registration: Saturday, January 18, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. You can add your name to the waitlist in person at a recreation center.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center Special Dates:
- Flushing Meadows Pool Children Learn to Swim Mandatory Water Test: January 13 – January 16, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and Saturday, January 18, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Cost: Free with Recreation Center Membership
Our learn to swim classes are offered completely FREE of charge! However, participation requires a recreation center membership for all participants, including adults, children, and parents of tots.
Become a recreation center member today and unlock access to free learn to swim lessons and a wide range of other programs and facilities! Learn more about recreation center membership.
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to learn to swim for free with NYC Parks! Register for the lottery today and embark on your swimming journey.
