Learning to swim is an incredibly beneficial skill, enhancing both your physical health and personal safety around water. Recognizing the importance of water safety for all residents, New York City offers free swimming lessons across its recreation centers. Through the I Learn Nyc initiative, accessing quality swim instruction has never been easier. Don’t miss this opportunity to register for the NYC Parks Learn to Swim lottery and start your aquatic journey today!
Who Can Benefit from I Learn NYC Swim Programs?
The beauty of the I Learn NYC program is its inclusivity. Swim classes are designed to cater to a wide range of age groups and skill levels. Whether you are introducing your toddler to the water for the first time or an adult looking to conquer your fear of swimming, there’s a class for you. Programs are available for:
- Tots (Ages 1 ½ – 5): Early water familiarization for the youngest learners.
- Children (Ages 6 – 17): Skill-based lessons for kids and teens of all swimming abilities.
- Adults: Beginner to intermediate classes for adult learners.
- Seniors (Ages 62 and Over): Gentle and effective swim instruction tailored for seniors.
No matter your age or background, I Learn NYC welcomes you to explore the world of swimming.
What Will You Master with I Learn NYC?
The curriculum of I Learn NYC is structured to provide age-appropriate and skill-level based instruction. You’ll gain valuable skills and confidence in the water. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect to learn:
-
For Tots: Classes focus on building water comfort and basic skills. Your little ones will become acquainted with the aquatic environment, learn to enjoy being in the water, and may learn to float and hold their breath comfortably.
-
For Adults and Seniors: These classes are designed to build a strong foundation in swimming and water safety. You will learn essential techniques such as breath control, floating, effective arm strokes, and crucial water safety practices.
-
For Children: I Learn NYC offers a progressive learning path for children. From fundamental swimming skills for beginners to advanced techniques for experienced young swimmers, there are classes to help every child improve and excel.
Check the detailed schedule at your local NYC Parks recreation center to find the perfect I Learn NYC swim class that aligns with your or your child’s needs and goals.
Explore More Aquatic Opportunities with I Learn NYC Partners
The I Learn NYC initiative is your gateway to a range of free and affordable swim programs offered by NYC Parks and its partners. Beyond the core Learn to Swim classes, be sure to investigate these additional aquatic programs to further enhance your skills and enjoyment in the water:
- Adaptive Aquatics: Specialized swim programs designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals with disabilities.
- Water Exercise Classes: Low-impact, high-benefit water exercise classes tailored for adults and seniors looking to improve fitness and mobility.
- Swim Teams: For youth swimmers who have progressed beyond basic lessons, competitive swim teams offer advanced training and opportunities to compete.
Visit the NYC Parks aquatics page to discover the full spectrum of swim programs available through I Learn NYC and its collaborators.
How to Register for I Learn NYC Free Swim Lessons
To ensure equitable access to these sought-after free swim lessons, I Learn NYC utilizes a lottery-based registration system. Follow these key steps to participate in the Learn to Swim lottery:
-
Choose Only One Class Per Person: To maximize participation, each individual should register for only one class within a session. Multiple registrations do not increase your chances of selection.
-
Register Each Child Individually: If you have multiple children who wish to participate in I Learn NYC, remember to submit a separate registration for each child.
-
Applications are Non-Transferable: Lottery selections are personal and cannot be transferred to another individual, even within the same family.
Need assistance with the lottery process? Visit the NYC Parks Managing Your Account page for guidance on creating an account, or visit your nearest recreation center where staff can provide in-person support.
What to Expect If You Are Selected for I Learn NYC
Congratulations on being selected! Here’s what you need to do next to secure your spot in the I Learn NYC Learn to Swim program:
-
Register Within Three Days: You will have a 3-day window after the lottery closes to confirm your enrollment online. Act promptly to secure your place.
-
Mandatory Water Test for Children (Saturday Classes): Children selected for Saturday classes must attend a mandatory water test before the first class. This assessment ensures proper class placement. Missing the water test and the first class will result in being dropped from the session and replaced from the waitlist.
-
Consistent Attendance is Key: To remain active in the I Learn NYC program, avoid missing two consecutive classes. Swimmers absent for two classes in a row will be dropped to allow those on the waitlist to participate.
What Happens If You Are Not Initially Selected for I Learn NYC?
Don’t be discouraged if you are not selected in the initial lottery. There are still opportunities to participate in I Learn NYC:
-
Join the Waiting List: If you do not receive an email confirming your lottery selection, you will automatically be placed on a waiting list. While your position on the waitlist cannot be provided, spots often become available.
-
Re-apply for Future Sessions: I Learn NYC runs sessions throughout the year. If you are not selected this time, we strongly encourage you to re-apply for the next session. Demand is high, but NYC Parks is committed to giving everyone a chance to learn to swim through I Learn NYC.
I Learn NYC Program and Registration Timeline
I Learn NYC Learn to Swim classes are offered in three sessions annually: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Lottery registration opens before each session. Summer lessons are also available at outdoor pools.
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. Visit a recreation center to add your name to the in-person waitlist. Walk-in waitlists are utilized after the online waitlist is exhausted.
Special Programs at Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center:
The Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center offers unique I Learn NYC programs with slightly different dates. Check their specific schedule for details, including:
- 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.
I Learn NYC: Free Access with Recreation Center Membership
The I Learn NYC Learn to Swim program is offered completely FREE of charge! The only requirement is a recreation center membership. This membership grants you access to not only free swim lessons but also a wide range of recreational facilities and programs throughout NYC Parks.
Membership Requirement: All participants in I Learn NYC, including children, adults, and parents of tots, must hold a valid recreation center membership.
Discover more about the benefits of membership and how to become a recreation center member today. Join I Learn NYC and dive into a world of free learning and aquatic fun!
