Free Swimming Lessons In MA: How To Sign Up

MASSACHUSETTS — The state is offering free swim lessons for kids in three two-week sessions this summer. The lessons are offered at Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) pools across Massachusetts through the Learn to Swim program.

“Swimming is an important life skill, and every Massachusetts resident should have access to swim lessons regardless of financial ability,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “Every year, the Learn to Swim program provides an opportunity for hundreds of kids to learn to swim across Massachusetts.”

Registration for the program, which provides free swim lessons to children ages 4 to 12, will open Friday at 7 a.m.

The program will provide 30-minute group swim lessons at 17 agency pools. The lessons will run weekday mornings before the pools open to the public.

DCR’s annual Learn to Swim classes are for beginner-level swimmers with a focus on water safety and learning basic swimming skills. Registration will close once classes at each facility are full. Registration is mandatory and done on a first come, first serve basis.

The schedule for this year’s Learn to Swim program is:·

• Session 1: July 10 to July 21 (registration begins Friday, June 30, at 7 a.m.)
• Session 2: July 24 to Aug. 4 (registration begins Monday, July 10, at 7 a.m.)
• Session 3: Aug. 7 to Aug. 18 (registration begins Monday, July 24, at 7 a.m.)

The following pools will offer free swim lessons:

• Gerald J. Mason Memorial Pool in Agawam
• Martin L. Olsen Memorial Pool in Hyde Park
• Reilly Memorial Pool in Brighton
• Lt. Colonel Edward J. Higgins Pool in Lawrence
• Melnea A. Cass Memorial Pool in Boston
• P. Eugene Casey Memorial Pool in Milford
• McCrehan Memorial Pool in Cambridge
• Latta Brothers Memorial Pool in Somerville
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pool in Chelsea
• John H. Thomas Memorial Swimming Pool in Springfield
• Sara Jane Sherman Memorial Pool in Chicopee
• Connors Memorial Pool in Waltham
• Philip J. Weihn Memorial Pool in Clinton
• Dealtry Memorial Pool in Watertown
• Veteran's Memorial Swimming Pool in Fall River
• Dennis F. Shine Memorial Pool in Worcester

The DCR opened 18 agency-managed pools last weekend. The agency is continuing to hire certified lifeguards and plans to open the remaining six agency-managed pools this week. DCR’s 21 spray decks throughout the state are open for the summer season.

Additionally, the Lowell Police Department, in partnership with DCR, the Sean A. Collier Memorial Foundation, and the Lowell Recreation Department, will provide free swimming lessons at DCR’s Raymond Lord Memorial Swimming Pool to children from Lowell who are between the ages of 6 to 16. For more information on dates for that program, contact lpdyouthservices@lowellma.gov.