Dive In: The Best Lessons for Beginning Swimmers

Portland Parks and Recreation

All seven of Portland Parks and Recreation outdoor public pools and the five indoor pools will open on Tuesday, June 22 and swim lessons will begin! The number of classes that we are able to offer will be limited this summer so you’ll want to sign up as early as possible. All classes are 30 minutes long and offered Monday through Friday for one week. Lesson sessions will run run between June 28 and July 25, and July 26 and August 29. PP&R will implement elevated cleaning procedures in an effort to stay COVID-safe. All patrons over the age of 5 will be required to wear a mask when not in the swimming pool.

Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Children of the Sea 

At Children of the Sea you will find a creative water world where the pool is the classroom and learning is fun for everyone! They believe that every child can learn to love and respect the water. They use lots of stimulation, positive reinforcement, practice and patience, and hands on instruction to help kids master skills while having a blast. Their facility is open seven days a week and is appropriate for kids as young as 4 months. They offer small class sizes with certified instructors and classes take place once a week. Children of the Sea is located near Washington Square Mall and is welcoming of all families! If your child is ready to learn how to swim browse through their swim programs to find a class that is perfect for your little one. Please note: classes are offered to families who previously signed up first. There is a wait list for classes that are already full, 

10225 SW Park Way,
503-620-5970
Online: childrenofthesea.com

Swimbabes

Swimbabes is Oregon’s first swimming school offering classes to kids ages newborn to 6 years. At Swimbabes they believe the earlier a child is introduced to water the easier is it to teach them to swim. They have SynchroBabies™ class options for the tiniest of the babes. Infants and young babies are taught submersion, back floating, and breath control. For those a bit older there’s the SynchroTots™ and Basic Water Awareness classes. These classes are designed for babies 7 months old to 3 years old. This offering has a focus on water comfort, assisted back floating, breath holding, and teaching the parent how to assist their child in the water. 

10552 SE 52nd Ave., Milwaukie
503-786-6250
Online: swimbabes.net

Cascade Athletics Club

Cascade Athletics Club has two locations in the Portland area that are currently offering swim lessons: Gresham and Vancouver. They have been teaching swimming lessons for over 30 years and continue to provide small class sizes and individual attention. The Kids Aquatics Programs have excellent teacher to student ratios that allow instructors to give lots of personal feedback. For beginner levels the classes have a max of 5 kids in a class. As the levels increase class sizes can have up to 8 kids. If your child needs more individualized attention private sessions are also available though there may be a wait list at this time. Check the full schedule of classes here. You can find pricing options here.

Gresham: 19201 SE Division St., Gresham
503-665-4142
Vancouver: 16096 SE 15th St., Vancouver
360-597-1100
Online: cascadeac.com

Farber Swim School

This cool swim spot has two location in Portland. They offer Baby and Me classes as well as private and semi private classes for children three-years and older. The classes last approximately 30 minutes and occur at the same time, on the same day with the same teacher each week! These lessons are for children and adults of any background, experience, or ability level and customized to your child’s needs! For semi-private classes, you can bring up to three children or siblings to learn together. You’ll find a list of prices here. Note: while in the lobby areas children five and older will be required to wear masks.

9470 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy., Beaverton
(503) 292-1255
8785 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy., Portland
(503) 206-6317
Online: farberswimschool.com