Affordable Swim Lessons Roll Out Across Pima County As Summer Begins

TUCSON, AZ — Swim lessons in Pima County are getting a lot more affordable this summer, and spots are already filling up.

A new partnership between Pima County Parks & Recreation, the Pima County Health Department, Tucson Medical Center and TMC Health Foundation will offer 2,000 reduced-cost swim lessons across the county this summer — dropping the price from $20 to $5 per class. Each class includes eight lessons over two weeks.

And there's a bonus: every participant will receive a free U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest at the end of their lessons, while supplies last.

"Every child deserves the chance to enjoy water safely, and swim lessons make that possible," said Jessica Mitchell, TMC program outreach manager.

The lessons are available at eight county pools: Ajo, Catalina, Flowing Wells Junior High School, Kino, Los Niños, Manzanita, Picture Rocks and Wade McLean.

The reduced pricing does not apply at Thad Terry Aquatic Center, where swim lessons are offered separately through the YMCA, officials said.

County health officials framed the program bluntly as a matter of life and death.

"Tragically, we hear every year about a child or adult drowning in a backyard or community pool," said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Pima County Health Department director. "These deaths are 100% preventable. Please, enroll your children in these reduced-cost classes so they can start their summer safely."

Spaces are limited and registration is first-come, first-served. Sign-ups for June lessons are open now. Registration for July lessons opens June 16.

Families can register online at pima.gov/pools or call 520-724-5171.