Learning to Swim as an Adult: Your Questions
It is never too late to learn to swim. About 40 million U.S. adults can't swim. Where to find adult lessons, what to wear and which skills matter.
Is it too late to learn to swim as an adult?
No. Adults learn to swim every year, and programs are built for them. The American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) teaches adult swim in three levels, starting with the basics, and U.S. Masters Swimming (opens in a new tab) trains instructors in methods that work best for adult learners. You are not alone: about 40 million U.S. adults said they could not swim in 2023 (CDC (opens in a new tab)). Read learning to swim as an adult for a step-by-step start.
Sources: redcross.org (opens in a new tab), usms.org (opens in a new tab), cdc.gov (opens in a new tab)
Where can adults take beginner swim lessons?
Look in four places: your city's parks department, your local YMCA, a pool that teaches the Red Cross Adult Swim (opens in a new tab) program, and certified Adult Learn-to-Swim instructors, whom you can find by ZIP code with the U.S. Masters Swimming instructor search (opens in a new tab). Ask whether the class is for adult beginners, how many people are in it, and whether a lifeguard is on duty. The and how to find swim lessons can help.
Sources: redcross.org (opens in a new tab), usms.org (opens in a new tab)
Are there free adult swim lessons in NYC?
Yes. NYC Parks Learn to Swim (opens in a new tab) offers free classes for adults and seniors (62 and older), assigned by lottery each fall, winter and spring. Indoor classes need a recreation center membership, which costs $150 a year for adults 25 to 61 and $25 for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities, as of October 2026. Check the NYC Parks page for the next lottery dates. Our free swim lessons in NYC guide keeps the options in one place.
How do I get over my fear of water?
Choose a class built for nervous adult beginners and go at your own pace. The Red Cross Adult Swim (opens in a new tab) program starts with a level called Learning the Basics, and Adult Learn-to-Swim instructors (opens in a new tab) are trained in methods for adult learners. Tell the instructor about your fear on the first day so they can plan around it. Our gentle, step-by-step guide afraid of the water? walks through what the first lessons feel like.
Sources: redcross.org (opens in a new tab), usms.org (opens in a new tab)
What should I wear to my first swim lesson?
Wear swimwear you feel comfortable in and that your pool allows. If you dress modestly, ask the program before you sign up. A pediatrician writing for the AAP, Dr. Anisa Ibrahim, says swim attire that conflicts with modest dress is a common reason some Muslim families skip lessons, and that long-sleeved swimwear or leggings under shorts should be acceptable (AAP Voices (opens in a new tab), the author's own views). See swimming with modesty.
Source: aap.org (opens in a new tab)
Can I teach myself to swim?
It is much safer to learn from a certified instructor. The AAP (opens in a new tab) recommends instructors trained through a nationally recognized learn-to-swim curriculum, with lifeguards on duty. If you practice between lessons, never practice alone: the Red Cross (opens in a new tab) says nobody should ever swim alone, adults and teens included. Practice in shallow water where you can stand, near a lifeguard. See learning to swim as an adult.
Sources: healthychildren.org (opens in a new tab), redcross.org (opens in a new tab)
Are there women-only swim lessons or swim times?
Some pools offer them, so ask locally. In a 2019 AAP Voices (opens in a new tab) piece, pediatrician Anisa Ibrahim describes a 2006 Seattle pilot of women-only swim sessions with female lifeguards and window shades that was so popular slots often sold out. We could not find a current, official women-only schedule for New York City pools, so call your local pool or community center and ask. Read swimming with modesty for questions to ask.
Source: aap.org (opens in a new tab)
Can older adults learn to swim?
Yes, and it is worth it. Adults 65 and older are more likely than young adults to say they cannot swim (18.6% vs 12.4% of 18-29-year-olds in 2023), and they have the second-highest drowning death rate in the U.S. (CDC (opens in a new tab)). NYC Parks (opens in a new tab) runs free senior classes for ages 62 and up. The Army Corps of Engineers also reminds swimmers that swimming ability declines with age, so build skills now. See water safety for older adults.
Sources: cdc.gov (opens in a new tab), nycgovparks.org (opens in a new tab), dvidshub.net (opens in a new tab)
What swimming skills should every adult have?
The five water competency skills. The American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) lists them: enter water over your head and return to the surface; float or tread water for at least 1 minute; turn over and turn around; swim at least 25 yards; and exit the water. In a 2020 Red Cross survey, only 56% of Americans who said they could swim could do all five (Red Cross (opens in a new tab)). Check yourself with the and read water competency.
Sources: redcross.org (opens in a new tab), redcross.org (opens in a new tab)
How many adults in the U.S. can't swim?
About 40 million, or 15.4% of adults surveyed in 2023, said they do not know how to swim, and 54.7% had never taken a lesson (CDC (opens in a new tab)). The gaps are wide: 36.8% of Black adults and 25.8% of Hispanic adults said they could not swim, compared with 6.9% of White adults. CDC does not report a separate figure for South Asian Americans. See drowning disparities and water safety in desi communities.
Source: cdc.gov (opens in a new tab)
Is there a month for adult learn-to-swim?
Yes. U.S. Masters Swimming (opens in a new tab) runs April is Adult Learn-to-Swim Month, a national campaign to raise awareness of adult drowning and help people find quality lessons. It says many of its clubs and certified Adult Learn-to-Swim instructors offer low- or no-cost lessons in April. May is National Water Safety Month, which the Red Cross (opens in a new tab) uses to remind adults it is never too late to learn. See learning to swim as an adult.
Sources: usms.org (opens in a new tab), redcross.org (opens in a new tab)
Should adults who can't swim wear a life jacket?
Yes, around open water and on boats, and it is a smart choice at the pool too. The CDC (opens in a new tab) says weaker swimmers of all ages can use life jackets in and around natural water and pools. Choose a foam U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits: the Coast Guard (opens in a new tab) says inflatable life jackets are not appropriate for weak swimmers or non-swimmers. See how to choose a life jacket.
Sources: cdc.gov (opens in a new tab), uscgboating.org (opens in a new tab)
Do alcohol and medicines matter for adult swimmers?
Yes. The Red Cross (opens in a new tab) says not to use alcohol or drugs, including certain prescription medications, before or while swimming, diving or supervising swimmers. The CDC (opens in a new tab) adds that you should avoid swimming if you take medicines that affect your balance, coordination or judgment. Among teens and adults, alcohol is involved in up to 70% of deaths linked to water recreation. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. See alcohol and swimming.
Sources: redcross.org (opens in a new tab), cdc.gov (opens in a new tab), cdc.gov (opens in a new tab)
What can I do today to start learning?
Take one small step. Search the U.S. Masters Swimming instructor finder (opens in a new tab) with your ZIP code, or look up the next NYC Parks Learn to Swim (opens in a new tab) lottery if you live in the city. While you wait for a class, the American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) offers free online water safety courses of 30 minutes or less. Our and guide for nervous beginners help you prepare.
Sources: usms.org (opens in a new tab), nycgovparks.org (opens in a new tab), redcross.org (opens in a new tab)
Read the full guides: Swimming Lessons