NEW YORK — The official start of the summer season is just around the corner, on June 21, and during this time the pool and the ocean are the favorite places of many. However, it is essential to learn to swim to avoid tragedies.
For this reason, the City of New York offers free swimming classes during the summer to prevent drowning and improve the physical health of the youngest. During this season the classes are aimed at young children, from 1 and a half to 5 years old, and a little older, from 6 to 17 years old.
Here we explain how you could register minors.
HOW CAN I REGISTER MY CHILDREN TO SWIM LESSONS?
The choice of students to take the free swim lessons is done through a lottery that is done with online registration and then in-person registration.
online registration
NOTE: Individuals have until Monday, June 26, 2023 to register online.
Winners are chosen at random. Applicants who are not successful will be placed on a waiting list. You must have a valid email address. You will be notified by email of the lottery results on Friday, June 30.
Online Registration Rules
- Parent or child may only register for one class per session. Entering more than once will not increase your chances of winning; will automatically disqualify you or your child from the lottery as a duplicate.
- If the parent or child has won a spot, they will have three days to confirm their spot via email or be placed on the waitlist.
- Parents must submit an application for each of their children. Lottery selections are not transferable. If her father or son has won a place, they cannot give it to someone else, even if it is another family member.
- If the parent or children are not selected in the online lottery, they will be placed on a waiting list for this program and will be emailed if space is available. They will not tell you your current place on the waiting list.
Here you find the list of classes by county so you can register.
HOW THE CLASSES WORK
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN FROM 1 1/2 to 5 years old
In this class the little ones are taught to get used to being in the water, with the help of aquatic specialists. Parents/guardians help their children become familiar with the water, comfortable floating on their front and back, and control their breathing by blowing bubbles or going underwater.
Your child must be 1 1/2 years old on the first day of school to participate. To remain enrolled in the class, they must bring proof of age with them on the first day of class.
Classes for young children are held on Saturdays. There must be a parent or guardian for each child at each session.
Classes for children from 6 months to 3 years: This class introduces basic skills for parents and children. Parents are instructed to work safely with their baby in the water, including how to properly support and hold their child in the water. Parents receive instructions on how to prepare and encourage their little ones to fully participate while learning skills presented by instructors and are introduced to: various water safety topics. Little ones are introduced to basic skills that lay the foundation to help them learn to swim. This class helps children develop comfort in, on, and around the water.
Classes for children from 4 to 5 years old: Children will learn to independently use the ladder, steps, or side to get at least 5 yards, dive up to their mouths and blow bubbles for at least 3 seconds, and then safely exit the water. Little ones will learn to glide on their fronts for at least 2 body lengths, then roll backwards, float on their backs for 3 seconds, then recover to an upright position.
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN FROM 6 YEARS TO 17 YEARS
These have different levels.
WHEN THE CLASES STARTS
- Session 1: July 10 – July 21
- Session 2: July 24 – August 4
- Session 3: August 7 – August 18
