School Age Certificates

Adult Lessons
The adult classes loosely follows the progression of the school-aged classes depending on the needs and desires of the class participants. The progression ensures the swimmers learn the skills necessary to become confident swimmers. We teach all swimmers proper and up-to-date stroke mechanics regardless of whether they aspire to join a competitive team or just want to flop around the pool over the summer.  The class swimmer to coach ratio is 5 to 1. Class length is 45 minutes.

About Our SwimAmerica Learn-to-Swim Program   
SwimAmerica is a not-for-profit program sponsored by the American Swimming Coaches Association. Our SwimAmerica program is located within the Amritraj Health and Racquet Club in Bay Shore. Please go to Location to see directions & a map. Lessons are provide in 3 shifts during the week( morning, early afternoon and after-school) as well as Saturday morning and afternoon.
Our Facility – Our pool at the Amritraj Health and Racquet Club is ideal for swimming lessons. Measuring 20’x40’ the pool ranges from 4’ deep near the step entrance to 5’ deep in the middle. Most swimmers over 5 years old can stand in the shallow end. For those that cannot stand, pre-schoolers and infant/toddlers, we have swim platforms that are placed strategically across the pool. Pool temperature is a comfortable 88 – 90 degrees F. Locker rooms are clean, pleasant and located immediately adjacent to the pool.
Changing Rooms - For Mothers with sons and Fathers with daughters, we have a separate changing area adjacent to the pool. Children 5 & over are not allowed in opposite sex locker rooms.
Parents Viewing Area –While parents are not allowed in the pool area during lessons due to space and distractions, we encourage parents to watch from the viewing area. The pool is enclosed by windows on two sides, and there are couches and benches so that you to sit and watch your child’s lesson comfortably.
Free SwimAmerica Swim Suit - Your first suit is provide free of charge when you register for lessons. All swimmers are required to wear their Speedo SwimAmerica swim suit during lessons. SwimAmerica swim suits are part of their technical equipment that we use to help your child learn to swim. The suits are designed to shed water. Many fashion suits or shorts are baggy and retain water, making it harder to learn. We also encourage swim caps & goggles. If for any reason you need a new or additional suit, they may be purchased at additional cost. See Equipment & Apparel.
*Parents are required to stay in the building during swimming lessons. 


Parent Feedback   
Learn what other parents have to say about the SwimAmerica Learn-to-swim program:

I have been very satisfied with the SwimAmerica program.
Mary G., Massapequa

I wanted to let you know what a great job Coach Kathy did with my son. He seems to have lost his fear of the water … he really enjoys it know. She has a wonderful way with children and I give her 100% of the credit for his new-found love of the water and happiness he gets from being in the pool. That is exactly what I wanted for him: not to be afraid and enjoy it. Please pass along my thanks and gratitude.
Maria D., Setauket

Love the program and special attention that each child receives. Very individualized and I have seen tremendous growth in a short time.
Karen D., Bay Shore

My child has been coming for about 1½ yrs and I am very happy with the program and her progress. I find the staff very professional and yet very personable. They are wonderful with the children. It is obvious they have good experience with the kid’s. The staff has been very considerate of working with my daughter who has a disability.
Carol C., Babylon

The program is excellent. Both Coach Kathy and Coach Jim provide individual attention and love. I was extremely impressed when Coach Kathy called me at home to discuss various methods to use with my 3yr old son. The success was phenomenal; my son went from clinging to swimming!
Joan D., Islip

We enjoy the lessons very much. My child loves to come to swimming and seems to be making progress. Small class size seems to work well. Coaches are excellent. Good combination of working well with small children and ability to teach proper swimming technique.
Auleen S., Bay Shore

The staff is knowledgeable and cautious. My son is learning very quickly as a result of your skills. I will be sure to sign up for next session.
Daniel R., Kings Park

The program has been very beneficial to both my daughters. The care the instructors show towards the children and the small size of the classes allows for personal, caring attention, which I believe makes the children want to learn. I have been involved in two other swim programs and although we have not been involved with SwimAmerica that long, I have seen an amazing amount of progress in their swimming. Coach Kathy and Coach Jim are very professional, but at the same time, are wonderful with the kids.
Michelle M., Bay Shore

SwimAmerica is a fantastic program. Coaches Jim and Kathy are the best. They work well with my son. They have gained his trust and taught him well!
Patrick M., Lindenhurst

We have been to other programs on L.I. as well as some friends. From personal experience and word of mouth, SwimAmerica has the best program available. The children advance more quickly than with other programs. What initially attracted us to this program was the fact that the children are taught to swim without water wings/tubes, etc. All the other programs on the Island encourage all of these tools, which I don’t approve of. Thanks for everything!
Angela T., East Islip

The program has been working for us. Our child has overcome his fear of the water and is also a much better swimmer. We appreciate Coach Jim’s patience with our child. Thanks for everything.
Mr. & Mrs. R., Central Islip

My son has been enrolled in SwimAmerica since Oct. I have been encouraged by the progress he is making. Everyone has been positive and supportive.
Laura F., Commack



FAQ
What is SwimAmerica?
SwimAmerica is a national learn to swim program operated by the American Swimming Coaches Association through over 500 Program Directors at over 900 sites across the USA. It's the state of the art learn to swim program in the world today. Brought to you by the same people who have brought you the most successful sport team on the planet... the USA Olympic Swimming Team. What we learn teaching people to set world records, we use to teach new swimmers to enjoy swimming with the best techniques in the world.  We learn from and teach the elite athlete AND the new child!
When should my child learn to swim?
As soon as your child is capable of independent motion, they are capable of getting into water and drowning. Therefore, swim lessons should begin as soon after 6 months of age as possible. Initially, they will not learn to swim per se. They will be learning: "ROLL OVER, FLOAT, YELL FOR HELP." Young children, because of the weight of their head and body proportions, can't readily "learn to swim." What you want, is to keep them SAFE. We do that by teaching them to surface when underwater, roll onto their backs, maintain themselves and breathe and YELL FOR HELP! History shows that this response SAVES LIVES because it "buys time" for the caregiver to realize that the child can float and yell. Tragedies occur when the child can't perform that skill. Once they have mastered ROLL OVER, FLOAT, YELL FOR HELP! Then we begin teaching "real swimming."
How do I know when my child knows how to swim?
In SwimAmerica, we use a high standard. We are in business to save lives. That means a person can maintain themselves indefinitely in the water. To do so, requires the ability to exhale used air and inhale new air. That's called Aerobic Swimming. (just like being able to talk while you jog!) Our standard is that a person should be able to swim 300 yards non-stop, and swim 6 different styles of swimming, to be considered a "swimmer." 300 yards is important. Scientists have found that humans can swim 200 yards without being able to breathe effectively. But without the ability to breathe effectively, eventually that person will get in trouble, and possibly endanger their life. We went 1/3 beyond that point to set our standard of 300 yards of non-stop swimming. That goal won't be quickly achieved. It takes time. But it can save your child's life. That's worth the investment of time. After all, learning to swim is a LIFETIME GIFT.
Why SwimAmerica for my child?
Lots of organizations and individuals teach swimming lessons. And you can pay less than you will pay at SwimAmerica. We don't teach lessons. We teach PEOPLE HOW TO SWIM. So what do you want to purchase? Swim lessons or having your child learn to swim? SwimAmerica Programs are all taught by members of the American Swimming Coaches Association who are certified in the teaching of swimming and experts in the proper development of stroke technique. We're the best in the world. Does your child deserve less than the best? You'll find two critically important features in SwimAmerica Learn to Swim... First, we're technique oriented. We teach your child to swim like a pro with expert technique from the very first day in the water. They'll start with learning how to exhale underwater... and progress through every skill that an Olympic Swimmer will learn when they learned to swim. Second, we're goal-directed. Our coaches (in-water instructors) focus on the critical skills to achieve to move your child through the teaching progression as rapidly as they can do so. All learning is individually based... your child will learn as fast as they are able to do so, no waiting for those "slower in development." That's crucial when your child's safety is at stake. SwimAmerica is run by the pros. And your child's progress will prove it. (Ask your Program Director how long it will take your child to reach any of our skill levels and they will tell you. Then go compare that answer to the same question to our competitors. Ask for details, for statistics on improvement... be an educated consumer!)
At what age should children begin swim lessons?
Many children begin swimming as infants and there is no doubt the water provides a very special experience for the young child. SwimAmerica programs typically begin offering lessons at 6-9 months of age.
How frequently should my child take swim lessons?
At SwimAmerica we recommend swim lessons once a week for the following reasons:
- Once a week swim lessons are easy on the family budget and schedule.
- Easy on the child
- Easy way to ensure your child learns to swim
Should my child take group or private lessons?
At SwimAmerica we favor group swim lessons for children who are ready to learn in a small group setting. Small groups of five children or less provide instruction, practice and the opportunity to watch other children perform the skill. However not all children learn best in group lessons. Parents must take into account their child's temperament and learning style. Private or semi-private lessons are also available at most SwimAmerica Swim Schools.
What about the cost of SwimAmerica swim lessons?
You will find SwimAmerica swim lessons are priced comparable to other outstanding children's lessons in your area. Swimming lessons are the most important lessons purchase you will ever make for your child.
What can my child expect the first day of SwimAmerica swim lessons?
At SwimAmerica you will find our swim coaches take a caring approach to teaching children to swim. Coaches are trained to help reluctant children to adapt to the learn to swim environment.