Children’s Swim @ Barnard College

At a fraction of the price of most NYC swim classes, The Barnard College Children’s Swim Program is phenomenal. The program follows the Red Cross method where children are encouraged, but not forced, to complete tasks to move to the next level. Class size is small with multiple teachers per section. The progress made in only seven classes per semester is amazing. There are five levels not including Parent and Child Aquatics class – the previous level is a prerequisite for the next though they tend to be flexible in adjusting classes after signup. The downside is that no classes are offered over the summer, the pool is a little chilly and you must actually wait in line to signup for classes. The independent swim classes are really good for ages three and up; however, the parent-child class is pretty much the same as all other toddler swim classes with songs and circle time.

Below are levels and descriptions:

1. Level I – Water Exploration
   Children learn elementary aquatic skills unaided by their parents. Skills include: submerging, supported floating, entering the water, and blowing bubbles.
   Age: 4-year minimum
2. Level II – Primary Skills
   Children will review their Level I skills and begin to swim more independently. Skills include: unsupported floats, kicking, bob, unassisted turning over from front to back and unsupported combined swimming movements.
   Age: Need to complete all skills in level I
3. Level III – Stroke Readiness
   Children will learn to coordinate front crawl with an emphasis on rhythmic breathing, back crawl, elementary backstroke, treading water, retrieving objects, and entering deep water.
   Age: Complete level II
4. Level IV – Stroke Development
   Children will be doing the front crawl, the back crawl, and elementary backstrokes for longer distances. Breaststroke and sidestroke will be introduced.
   Age: Complete level III and feel comfortable in deep water
5. Level V – Stroke Refinement
   This course builds endurance and introduces lap swimming while refining previous skills. The entire breaststroke and sidestroke is taught. Dolphin kicks, open turns and rescue skills are introduced.
   Age: Complete level IV

Keep in mind that classes do fill up, so get there early and expect to wait. In addition, early priority signup is given to existing registrants from previous session though they do reserve some spots for new registrants. If you are registering for the first time, please keep in mind that you will need to provide a note from your pediatrician that states that your child is in good health.

Contact: Luci Rosalia – Aquatics Director
Phone: 212-854-6940
Location: 3009 Broadway (between 116 and 118 streets)
Age(s): minimum 3 years old
Cost: $130 (at Fall enrollment)
Rules: No refunds and no make-up classes
Length: 30 minutes
Times: Sat 9:40-10:10 AM 10:20-10:50 AM, 11:40-12:10 PM
Sun 9:00-9:30 AM, 9:40-10:10 AM, 10:20-10:50 AM & 11:00-11:30 AM
Registration: Website

Next Session Signup: Wednesday September 15th for existing applicants and Sunday September 19th for new applicants.

Good luck and have fun!