While you’re all bundled up during the winter months, I know the last thing on your mind is swimming. But take it from a mom who’s learned the hard way — keeping your children’s swimming skills intact is important, particularly for those novice swimmers.
A few years ago, we shelled out lots of money for swim lessons, and by the end of the summer my daughter was swimming with ease. When the following summer began, we didn’t have to start all over, but it took some time for her to refamiliarize herself with the pool and her swimming skills. I learned how essential it is to keep children swimming, even during the cold months, so that when outdoor pool season hits, they can pick up exactly, or even ahead of, where they left off.
Whether you need to register for lessons this winter, or just want to keep your children familiar with the water, here are a few venues to check out:
Frank J. Thornton Aquatic Center
Located in Henrico’s East End, Frank J. Thornton Aquatic Center has a heated lap pool, zero-entry pool area, with a waterplay section – wet jets, and slides. Additional features include a basketball hoop (balls are provided).4″ and a twisty, tunnel slide. In order to use the slide, kids must pass a swim test that includes swimming 2 full laps and treading water.
This location is open to YMCA members; however you may also swim here for free as a Henrico County resident during specified times. In order to do so, you must register in advance using the YMCA App.
Goldfish Swim School – Richmond West End
Known for teaching swim lessons to ages 4 months to 12 years old, Goldfish Swim School – Richmond West End offers swim lessons for every level meeting your family where they are. Focusing on swimming as a life skill, instructors aim to make learning fun through perpetual lessons with free makeups. Take a dip in their 90-degree pool, take lessons with their lifeguard-trained instructors, and watch your kiddo thrive with their award-winning curriculum. Goldfish Swim School – Richmond West End also offers free trials.
SwimRVA
The SwimRVA Swim School is where confidence meets water safety in a fun, supportive environment. Designed for swimmers of all ages and abilities, this program uses small groups, experienced instructors, and a proven curriculum to help each child progress at their own pace. Swimmers build confidence, independence, and lifelong comfort in the water. Their station-based approach keeps kids engaged, active, and learning every minute they’re in the pool. At SwimRVA, they are not just teaching kids how to swim, they’re building safer, stronger, more confident swimmers for life.
Every lesson supports SwimRVA’s vision of a Drownproof Richmond; a community where every child has access to life-saving water skills. When a child learns to swim, we’re not just changing one life, we’re strengthening the safety, health, and future of our entire region.
Weinstein JCC
Not only are swim lessons offered at Weinstein JCC, but if you’re looking to add some family fun to your winter calendar try The Sternheimer Recreational Pool, at Weinstein JCC. This recreational saltwater pool is its own tiny water park. The Sternheimer Recreational Pool includes two waterslides, a lazy river, a sitting area with whirlpool-like jets, a mushroom waterfall, and lemon drop and wall sprays. Note: Any visitors coming to use our pools/facility must be accompanied by a JCC member as a guest or have received a guest pass issued by a JCC membership associate.
As you plod along in these endless winter days, be sure to plan for some time at the (indoor) pool, whether to get a total refresher or to simply revisit some basic skills. Once summer hits, your family will be prepared to visit any of these water parks!
