Adult Swim Lesson Guide

Adult lessons are made for beginners. About 40 million U.S. adults say they can't swim, and more than half have never had a lesson (CDC, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).

Find a class, then ask

• Anywhere: the U.S. Masters Swimming adult instructor search, the Red Cross providers map, or a YMCA.
• New York City: free NYC Parks adult and senior classes, by lottery each fall, winter and spring (indoor classes need a recreation center membership).
• Ask: is the instructor certified? Is a lifeguard on duty? Is there a class for complete beginners?
• Ask: what swimwear is allowed? Are there adult-only or women-only sessions? What does it cost?

Your goals: the five water competency skills

• Enter water over your head, then come back to the surface.
• Float or tread water for at least 1 minute.
• Turn over and turn around in the water.
• Swim at least 25 yards, then get out of the water.

Until then, and after: never swim alone, swim where a lifeguard is on duty, wear a life jacket on boats, and don't drink around water.

What you can do today: call one pool and tell them you're a beginner. Read learning to swim as an adult and, if you're nervous, how adults overcome a fear of water.