Bring Your Kids to Learn to Swim at City Pools

PHOTO BY RICHARD COOK

The first day of summer was June 21, and it has hit the ground running. With high temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s next week, pool season is officially upon us.

To help ensure families can stay cool — and safe — CitiParks’ Aquatics Team is offering free swimming lessons for youth between 6-15 years old at neighborhood pools citywide. The Learn to Swim program offers youth basic swimming skills, knowledge of water safety and important water safety practices. 

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim and feel confident in the water,” CitiParks director Eric Sloan says in a statement. “Through our free Learn to Swim program, we’re helping young swimmers develop important water safety skills while creating positive summer experiences at our neighborhood pools.”

Sloan adds that CitiParks encourages families to take advantage of the opportunity and to sign up while spaces remain available.

The two-week program runs daily Monday to Friday starting June 29 through July 10 at all city pools. Most classes are held from 11 to 11:45 a.m., except for Highland Pool, which runs from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and Schenley Pool, which runs from 12 to 12:45 p.m. 

The Learn to Swim program is not currently scheduled at Homewood pool but will be offered there following its re-opening later this summer. 

According to the United States Swim School Association, drowning is the No. 1 cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 4 and a leading cause for young people up to 14 years old. Enrolling children in formal swimming lessons can help reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%.

“We are excited to bring back the free Learn to Swim program for our local kids,” Mayor Corey O’Connor says in a statement. “Learning to swim is a great way to build confidence so that families can be outside, enjoy our pools and have a fun summer together.” 

Parents or guardians can sign up youth in person at their local neighborhood pool with a valid ID to verify city residency. The program is offered at no cost to families and participants do not need annual pool tags to enroll.  

For more information, contact the CitiParks Aquatics Office at 412-323-7928 or aquatics@pittsburghpa.gov.