Guide to Cowtown Swim Lessons

It’s that time of year when ice is plastered to your deck, yet the swimsuit sections are loaded with must-haves and barely there bottoms. (Have bathing suit designers ever heard of the word flattering? But that is another post for another time.)

Swimsuits make you think of summer. Summer makes you think of hot weather. Hot temps make you think of pools and the beach. Pools and the beach make you think about swimming.

And.then.you.panic.about.swim.lessons.

Fret no more, dear friend. In this post, you’ll find a wide array of swim lesson options . . . just in the nick of time. Because you know registration for summer activites (heck, fall preschool even) is happening now.

In alphabetical order . . . drum roll, please.

AquaKids

From swim team to group and private lessons to stroke instruction, AquaKids of Keller has a lot to offer. Staff use the AquaSteps teaching method, which was developed by AquaKids’ lead instructors (who have more than 25 year’s swimming experience) that focuses on positive re-enforcement in every class, including positive praise and caring jesters rather than treat-based rewards or theme-based teaching. Class offerings range from beginners (as young as six months old) to advanced swim instruction, including competitive swim. The facilities are indoor, allowing for year-round water opportunities; they even host birthday parties.

Emler Swim School

Perhaps one of the most well-known and lauded swim instruction facilities, Emler Swim School’s Southlake location provides Tarrant County swimmers multiple class options 12 months per year, including Waterbabies, a session with parent participation. The school uses its award-winning (yes, award-winning) SwimScript curriculum for every age and stage. Emler also gives free swimming assessments and trial classes so you can determine your child’s swimming skills and needs and try out the program before you commit.

Fort Worth Family Swim School

A family-owned business, Fort Worth Family Swim (FWFSS) offers private eight-day lessons, private four-day lessons (for stroke improvement), semi-private sessions, and Mom/Dad ‘N Me lessons for kiddos ages three months to 24 months. Children with special needs can attend classes with trained staff who provide individualized care and instruction. And if the wee ones aren’t the only ones in need of swim school, FWFSS offers classes for adults. Online registration.

Katelyn’s Fish & Fins Swimming School

If you’re in the market for private swim lessons, Katelyn’s Fish & Fin Swimming School may just be the ticket. Katelyn Green is certified by the American Red Cross and emphasizes water safety and survival education–even for infants. While private lessons are the bulk of her business, Mommy-and-me programs and group sessions are available too. With reasonable pricing and quality, one-on-one instruction, Fish & Fins is certainly worth a look. Visit the school’s blog and Facebook page for more info. (Katelyn regularly posts swimming tips and product reviews.)

Ridglea Swimming Pool Association

If you want to score swimming lessons AND a pool to visit any time your heart desires (well, during scheduled hours), then the Ridglea Swimming Pool Association is the spot for you. With membership, children ages three and up can attend group swimming lessons. For kids ages 5-17, swim team participation is available for members and non-members. Of course, members receive registration and pricing perks. (Private lessons are available through a third-party vendor and do not require membership.) For more information, visit the pool’s Facebook page, email [email protected], or call 817/738-0266.

TCU Swimming Camps

Pull out your purple goggles and sign up for one of the many swimming camps and classes offered through TCU. From beginner instruction (starting at age 3) to advanced and competitive training, the TCU Swimming Camps utilize the strength of its athletic departments and facilities to provide state-of-the-art swimming and safety education. Before you know it, your youngin’ will be swimming like a frog.

YMCA

With multiple locations in Fort Worth and other Tarrant County cities, the YMCA holds swim classes for children beginning at age six months through 18 years as well as classes and water aerobics for adults. Some YMCAs offer year-round swimming, including free swim times, while others only provide such during the summer months. Sessions for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and even school-age kids who are fearful in the water are high points in the YMCA roster (especially for worried mamas!). Not only does the YMCA extend excellent instruction, but the “Y” also enhances a sense of community.

Where has your little one taken swim lessons?