The Importance of Swim Lessons and Lesson Information

Bedford Department of Health and Human Services . Photo by Paul Stewart

Submitted by the Bedford Department of Health and Human Services

The Importance of Swim Lessons

Basic swimming and water safety skills training can reduce the risk for drowning. The best way to learn these skills is through formal swim lessons with a certified instructor.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1-4 years and one of the three leading causes of unintentional injury among people aged 5-24 years.

Drowning death rates have increased since 2019, particularly among children aged 1-4 years, persons aged 15-44 years, persons aged 65-75 years, and persons aged 85 years and older.

Swim Safety Tips

If you have a personal pool, install four-sided pool fencing at least 4 feet high. Most drowning deaths in children occur during non-swim times.

Provide close, attentive supervision to a child in or near a body of water.
Use well-fitted life jackets. “Floaties” or arm bands do not prevent drowning.
Swim in designated areas monitored by lifeguards.
Use the buddy system, in which each swimmer has a “buddy” to check in with while swimming.
Wear bright-colored bathing suits, preferably neon. Light-colored, blue, and green bathing suits can blend in with the water and debris, making it difficult to see the swimmer.

Free Swim Lessons Through DCR

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is offering free swim lessons through the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program. These two week long programs are offered to children 4-12 years old.

Session 1 runs July 1 through July 12(No swim lessons on July 4). Session 2 is July 15 to July 26, and Session 3 runs July 29 to August 9.

See https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-learn-to-swim-2024 for more information, pool locations, and to register. Registration is open for Session 1.

Local Swim Lessons for a Fee

There are programs that offer swim lessons in and near Bedford for a fee. Locations include:

Bedford Summer Adventures: recreation day program that offers swim lessons at Springs Brook Park (Bedford, MA)
Billerica Boys and Girls Club: offers lessons in an indoor heated pool, offers programs for babies as young as 6 months old (Billerica, MA)
Goldfish Swim School: offers lessons in an indoor heated pool, can purchase individual lessons (Burlington, MA)
Springs Brook Park: community swim facility operated by the Bedford Recreation Department (Bedford, MA)
Wedgewood Club: offers swim and dive lessons to members only (Bedford, MA)

References and Resources