Programs
Learning to swim. Growing for life.
Our programs give children the skills and confidence to be safer and more comfortable in the water.
Lessons are held at Spalding Woods Swim Club
Free swim lessons
Quality instruction. Zero cost to families.
Our core program offers free swim lessons to children who face financial or other barriers to swim instruction. Every child starts where they are.
- Shallow end
Beginner
Getting comfortable in the water, floating, and breath control.
- Middle lanes
Intermediate
Building kicks, basic strokes, and the stamina to keep going.
- Deep end
Advanced
Refining technique and swimming longer with confidence.
What children learn
Skills that last a lifetime.
Depending on age and skill level, lessons may include:
- Comfort and confidence in the water
- Floating
- Breath control
- Kicking and moving through the water
- Basic swim strokes
- Getting in and out of the water safely
- Water-awareness skills
Swim lessons add a layer of protection. They never replace an adult watching children around water.
Who we serve
Built for kids who don’t usually get the chance.
- Children from underserved communities
- Families facing financial barriers
- Children with limited access to swim instruction
How it works
From first application to confident swimmer.
Apply
Families fill out our short application to tell us about their child and their swim-lesson needs.
Get matched
We place each child in a class based on age, ability, availability, and program capacity.
Learn
Children take free lessons with supportive instructors who help them build skills at their own pace.
Grow
As skills and confidence build, kids keep progressing toward stronger, safer swimming.
Keep swimming
We want every child to leave with new skills and one belief to carry with them. “I can do hard things.”
Who can participate?
Children ages 1 to 16 in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Our program is built for families who face financial or other barriers to swim lessons.
How much do lessons cost?
Nothing. Lessons are free for every child accepted into the program.
What ages do you serve?
Children ages 1 to 16.
Where are lessons held?
At Spalding Woods Swim Club.
When do lessons run?
Our season runs from May through September.
How long are the lessons?
Each lesson lasts about 25 minutes.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
No. We welcome children who are just starting out, as well as kids who already have some skills, within our age and enrollment guidelines.
What should my child bring?
A swimsuit, towel, goggles, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
How do I apply?
Fill out our online application. Spots are limited, and applying doesn’t guarantee a place. We’ll contact families who are selected.
How can I donate?
You can make a one-time or monthly gift on our donation page.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Send us a note through our contact form and tell us how you’d like to help.
Can my organization partner with you?
Absolutely. Visit our Get Involved page or contact us to talk about partnership opportunities.
Ready when you are
Ready to get your child in the water?
The application is short. Spots are limited, so we encourage families to apply early.