How to Choose a Swim Lesson Program: Questions to Ask

A good swim program has instructors certified through a nationally recognized learn-to-swim curriculum, lifeguards on duty, small enough classes that swimmers practice most of the time, and a focus on water survival skills, not just strokes. The best way to check is to ask a few questions and watch a class before you sign up.

This guide explains what to ask and what the answers mean. The advice comes mainly from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guide to choosing swim lessons (opens in a new tab). We name the American Red Cross, the YMCA and USA Swimming as examples because they publish their programs openly. We don't endorse any provider.

What a good program teaches

The goal of lessons is water competency: the skills to get yourself out of trouble in the water. The AAP says to look for programs that teach water survival skills, not just strokes. All children should learn to:

1. Get back to the surface from underwater
2. Propel themselves at least 25 yards
3. Get out of the water

The Red Cross describes five water competency skills (opens in a new tab) and three parts of water competency: water smarts, swimming skills and helping others. See water competency: the five skills for the full list.

A strong program also teaches safety habits and realistic practice. The AAP says lessons should include:

• Safety habits, such as never swimming alone
• Training in realistic conditions, such as falling in and swimming in clothes
• What to do if a child ends up in the water unexpectedly

The YMCA's Safety Around Water program is one example. It teaches two skill sets for unexpected falls into water, "Jump, Push, Turn, Grab" and "Swim, Float, Swim," plus what to do if you see someone who needs help, according to YMCA of the USA (opens in a new tab).

Instructor training and certification

The AAP says swim instructors should be trained and certified through a nationally recognized learn-to-swim curriculum. Ask which curriculum the program teaches and what certification the instructors hold.

For example, the American Red Cross offers two instructor certifications (opens in a new tab):

• Water Safety Instructor (WSI). Trains instructors to teach every course in the Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program to all age groups, including Learn-to-Swim Levels 4-6 and Adult Swim.
• Basic Swim Instructor (BSI). Trains instructors to teach Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics and Learn-to-Swim Levels 1-3.

USA Swimming's Swim Lesson Provider Network (opens in a new tab) is made up of providers that use certified instructors and lifeguards and keep student-to-teacher ratios low.

Lifeguards are a separate job

Teaching and lifeguarding are different jobs. The AAP says there should also be lifeguards on duty who have current CPR and First Aid certification. Ask whether a lifeguard is watching the pool during lessons, separate from the instructors.

Class size and time in the water

The AAP doesn't set a number for class size, and we haven't found an official standard ratio to share. What matters is how much each swimmer practices and how closely the instructor can watch them. Ask:

• How many swimmers are in each class, and how many instructors?
• Does each child get time with the instructor in every class?
• Are children swimming most of the time, or waiting for their turn? The AAP suggests watching for long periods of inactivity.

Group or private?

Both can work.

• Group classes often cost less and let children learn alongside others.
• Private lessons give more one-on-one time, which may suit a very nervous beginner or a swimmer with special needs.

Whichever you choose, the same checks apply: certified instructors, lifeguards and active practice time.

For children under 4

The AAP lists extra things to look for in classes for young children:

• An age-appropriate, safe atmosphere
• Touch supervision: an adult within arm's reach
• Good water disinfection and proper chlorine levels
• Water heated to 87 to 94°F
• Parents encouraged to take part

See what age to start swim lessons for how to tell if your child is ready.

Children with special needs

The AAP says lessons can be adapted for children with special health needs and developmental disabilities. Ask whether the program offers adaptive classes, what training the instructors have, and whether you can talk with the instructor before the first lesson about your child's needs. Read adaptive swim lessons for more.

Watch a class before you sign up

The AAP suggests asking to watch a class first. While you watch, look for:

• Swimmers practicing most of the time, not waiting in line
• Instructors close enough to reach each swimmer
• A lifeguard watching the whole pool
• Safety skills being taught, such as floating, turning around and getting out at the wall
• Clear, patient teaching, with no pushing a scared swimmer into the water

Also ask how progress is checked. The AAP suggests a program with multiple sessions, steady progress and refreshers as needed. See how swim lesson levels work.

Red flags

Think twice about a program that:

• Promises to make your child "drown proof." The AAP is clear that lessons don't make kids drown proof (opens in a new tab).
• Can't tell you which curriculum it teaches or what certification its instructors hold
• Has no lifeguard on duty
• Won't let you watch a class
• Tells you that you don't need to supervise once your child has finished lessons. CDC says children who have had lessons still need close and constant supervision (opens in a new tab).

Finishing beginner lessons is a great step, but it isn't the finish line. Water Safety USA notes that young children who complete entry-level lessons may still not be water competent (opens in a new tab) and still need close supervision.

Printable questions to ask

Take this list with you when you call or visit:

What you can do today

1. Pick two programs from our swim lesson finder.
2. Call each one and ask which curriculum they teach, what certification the instructors hold, and whether a lifeguard is on duty.
3. Ask how many swimmers are in each class and whether you can watch one.
4. Ask about cost and financial help. See how much swim lessons cost.
5. Watch a class, then sign up for the one where swimmers are active, safe and learning water survival skills.