Aquatic Sports: Finding Good Deals on Swim Lessons

By Michele Blandino

When it comes time to teach your child how to swim, it’s important that you find a fully qualified, American Red Cross certified instructor. Relying on yourself or an older sibling to teach your child the proper techniques for the various strokes and breathing techniques could have tragic results.

While it’s true that swim lessons can become expensive, it is possible to get your child the required instruction without spending a ton of money. There are a few ways to do this.

The best place to look believe it or not, are private swim clubs. Many clubs allow non-members on the premises to take private and semi-private lessons. While these lessons are offered at a premium price to non-members, there are still some deals to be had.

For example, one of the private swim clubs in my area offers semi-private swim lessons at a rate of $35 per 30 minute lesson (the rate for club members is $30 per 30 minute lesson). So, my daughter and two friends who are roughly at the same level of ability take their lessons together. The lessons wind up costing $11.67 per child and they receive more attention than they would during a group lesson which can have 6-8 children (which probably will cost $15 - $20 per child for each lesson).

Some swim clubs don’t have formal aquatics programs but do allow their lifeguards to conduct lessons when they are not on duty. While some more legwork is required to set up an arrangement like this, it will pay off financially since $10 per child for 30 minutes of instruction is typically the norm.

Finally, don’t forget to look in your own neighborhood. Perhaps your local high school or YMCA has a swim team. Many competitive swimmers are American Red Cross certified and would jump at the opportunity to make a few extra dollars by teaching your child how to swim. Call the school or YMCA and ask to speak with the swim coach. He or she will probably be happy to recommend one or two swimmers for the job. Again, expect to spend about $10 per child for 30 minutes of instruction.