Summer is practically here, which means Philadelphians are gearing up to head to their neighborhood pool or down the shore for a beach day. While swimming is one of the activities most synonymous with summer, not everyone can participate. According to the CDC, more than half of American adults have never taken a swimming lesson, putting themselves at higher risk of drowning. It’s not just adults in danger; drowning is the number one cause of death for children under the age of four.
Ready to get in the water? Here’s where you can learn to swim in and near the city.
Fitness Alive
Aspiring swimmers of all ages have the option of visiting either of Fitness Alive’s locations in Center City or South Philly. Parents can join their baby or toddler in the pool for the Baby + Toddler Bubbles class and practice their skills during open swim. Young swimmers above the age of three can participate in weekly private and group swim lessons. During the summer, kids between the ages of six and 12 can attend a learn-to-swim summer camp. Adults can take classes such as Foundations in Water Confidence and Essential Water Skills + Safety.
The facility also offers drop-in swim lessons for those who cannot commit to multiple weeks of classes.
The Greater Philadelphia YMCA
The Y has been teaching people how to swim for over a century. Lessons are broken down by age group, with each group gaining access to more swim stages as their proficiency advances. Students can learn how to control their movements, manage stamina while swimming, and develop stroke technique. Swim programs are split into seasons, with registration for summer programming opening tomorrow. Find your local Y here.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center
The Kroc Center’s sprawling Northwest Philly campus offers an abundance of recreational programming, and swimming is no exception. Adult beginner lessons are offered at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Click here to view classes by age group and skill level.
British Swim School
Learn to swim at Friend Select School’s pool in Center City, or visit its partner gym facilities in Bala Cynwyd. Lessons are offered for all age groups. The adult program is divided into three levels: water acclimation, water survival, and stroke development. You can take a swim assessment to help decide which level is best for you.
FitLife Fitness & Aquatics
This Mt. Airy facility focuses on fitness and physical therapy in its heated, indoor swimming pool. Swim lessons are offered as an additional service for members and their children. Contact FitLife for swim lessons and membership rates.
KIDS FIRST Swim Schools
If you live in the suburbs, or are willing to make the trip out there, KIDS FIRST has schools in Aston, Broomall, Exton, Jenkintown, Limerick, and Plymouth Meeting. Don’t be fooled by the name; both children and adults alike can take group and private lessons.
SNUGS at Penn
Special Needs Undergraduate Swim Lessons (SNUGS) partners with student volunteers at colleges and universities across the country to offer free one-on-one swimming lessons to low-income families with children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The University of Pennsylvania operates a chapter in the city. Check back in during the fall semester for registration and class schedules.
We Can Swim!
This volunteer-run group teaches free swimming lessons to underserved communities, with a particular focus on elementary school-aged children in West Philly. The program operates out of Penn’s Pottruck Gym. Students are split into four skill levels. Sign up for the email list to get notified when registration opens.
🚣 Looking for more things to do this summer? Here’s where you can boat or learn to fish in Philly.
