While you’re wrapping gifts and listening to holiday music, 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, has options to fit a family’s busy schedule, from purchasing an annual membership to Goldfish Swim School Family Swim. Focusing on swimming as a life skill, instructors aim to make learning fun. If you’re looking for a refresher course, try Jump Start Clinics. These lessons vary from teaching water safety to brushing up on strokes and turns. Jump Start Clinics are four or five consecutive days of 30-minute lessons.
SwimRVA
Through station-based lessons, SwimRVA coaches teach lessons for ages 6 months to adults, in your choice of a private or group setting. Whether you’re hoping your child will win the Gold, or you just want a healthy outlet – SwimRVA has you covered with their 3 options: swim for safety, swim for health, or swim for sport.
SwimRVA’s mission is to elevate aquatics across the Richmond region. Two programs that make swimming inclusive are: Autism Swims and Drownproof Richmond. Autism Swims is a one-on-one class designed to meet individuals with autism where they are, through carefully designed courses led by SwimRVA coaches. Drownproof Richmond aims to eliminate barriers so that every person in Richmond has access to aquatic-based programming, and does so through various programs including working with children through their elementary schools. Learn more about Drownproof Richmond, and see if your child’s school will be served by SwimRVA.
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 think ahead to 2024, 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!
Swim lessons make a great gift, and it’s not too late to #givefunnotstuff!
