Swimming and Water Safety

What it is

Learning to swim and be safe around water, at any age.

Why it helps you

It’s a life-saving skill, and it can become a real joy. Adult lessons are common and low-cost.

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Confidence and fun.

Where to get help

Lots of adults never learned to swim. About one in three US adults can’t safely swim the length of a pool. You are not behind. Adult classes are made for beginners, and many start with just standing in the shallow end.

Swim lessons are run by local pools, so prices change from place to place. The groups below help you find a class near you. When you call, always ask: “Do you offer financial assistance?”

Find adult swim lessons

YMCA — Find Your Y The Y has pools and swim lessons in many towns. It teaches adults as well as kids.

Cost: Set by each local Y. Many Ys offer financial help based on income.
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: Type your ZIP code to find the nearest Y. Call or visit and say: “I’d like adult beginner swim lessons. I don’t have much money. Do you have financial assistance?”
Good to know: Financial help may ask for proof of income. If you don’t have papers, explain your situation and ask what else they accept.

American Red Cross Adult Swim Lessons The Red Cross writes the lesson plans many pools use. Adult lessons go at your own pace. You master one skill before moving to the next.

Cost: Set by the local pool that teaches the class
Who can use it: Older teens and adults at any level
How to start: Go to the Learn-to-Swim Providers map and pick a pool near you. Call and ask about adult classes and cost.
Good to know: Lessons are taught by a certified Water Safety Instructor. The free Red Cross Swim app teaches water safety basics.

U.S. Masters Swimming — Adult Learn to Swim A national adult swimming group that trains instructors to teach adults. That includes adults who are scared of the water.

Cost: Set by each instructor or club
Who can use it: Adults who can’t swim or want to start over
How to start: Click “Find an Instructor” and search near you.
Good to know: If you had a scary experience in water, tell the instructor at the start. A good teacher will go slowly.

Stay safe in lakes, rivers, and the ocean

Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program Free life jackets you can borrow at more than 1,500 stations. They are at boat ramps, marinas, and parks around the country.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: On the page, click “See the map here” to find a station near you. Take a life jacket and bring it back when you’re done.
Good to know: Not every lake or beach has a station. Check the map before you go.

National Weather Service: How to survive a rip current A rip current is a strong stream of water that pulls away from the beach. This free government page tells you what to do if one pulls you.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: Read it before you go to an ocean or Great Lakes beach.
Good to know: The short version: Stay calm. Don’t swim straight back to shore. Swim along the shore until the pull stops. If you can’t get back, face the shore and wave or call for help.

If you only do one thing first

Find one pool near you and call it. You can say: “Do you have beginner swim lessons for adults? What do they cost? Do you have financial help?” You don’t have to sign up today. Just asking is a brave first step.

Watch out for

Teachers who push you. A good class never forces you into deep water or pushes your face under. If a teacher pushes, mocks, or rushes you, it’s okay to leave. Look for a teacher who works at a real pool and is certified, like by the Red Cross or the Y.
Lakes and rivers aren’t like pools. Pool skills don’t always work in open water. There can be drop-offs, cold water, and currents. Swim where a lifeguard is on duty, and wear a life jacket in open water.
Pool toys are not safety gear. Arm floaties, rings, and pool noodles can slip off or pop. A real life jacket says “U.S. Coast Guard approved” on it.
Jumping in to save someone. A person in trouble can pull you under. Call 911. Throw them something that floats, or hold out a long object from land.
Long gym contracts. Some private gyms make you sign a long contract to use the pool. Ask if you can pay one month or one class at a time.