HOUSTON – Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children 4 and younger. It's the second leading cause in children from 5 to 14 years old. That is why so many cities and communities offer free and low-cost swimming lessons for children this time of year.
Registration for many of the lessons started back in April, but there are still some openings.
Swim lessons are free at seven City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department pools this summer (Alief, Independence Heights, Judson Robinson Sr. Tuffly, Mason, Emancipation and Westbury Aquatic Centers). You have to register online. We found you'll be waitlisted for many of the classes; but if you see one that says "wish list," sign up. Those are classes the city may still open if there is enough interest.
Houston City Councilmember Greg Travis has partnered with the YMCA for free swim lessons at the Village Place Community Pool at 11315 Lakeside Place Drive in southwest Houston.
Each session runs two weeks Monday through Friday for 30 minutes a class.
Sessions are Monday through Friday from 1-1:30 p.m. or 1:45-2:15 p.m. on these dates:
Session 1: June 11-15
Session 2: June 18-22
Session 3: June 25-29
Session 4: July 2-6 (No class on July 4)
Session 5: July 9-13
Session 6: July 16-20
Session 7: July 23-27
Session 8: July 30-Aug. 3
Space is limited, so register today by calling DeAnna McDougal at 281-495-9100 or by email at DeAnna.McDougal@ymcahouston.org.
Harris County Precinct One commissioner Rodney Ellis' aquatics program offers free lessons. Session 1 is already full, but mark your calendars to sign up here by filling out this application on June 26th for Session 2.
Lessons run from July 2 to July 26. You must live in Harris County Precinct 1.
We found other lessons at discounted rates.
A four-day swim class is $80 in Bellaire.
In Conroe, a two-week class is $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents.
In Friendswood, a two-week class for kids from 2 to 12-years-old is $55.
Two-week swim lesson camps at the Sugar Land Municipal Pool cost $70 for residents and $85 for non-residents.
In Pearland, a six-week session is $93.75.
Fort Bend ISD is offering half-hour classes for $16.
Rice University offers kids' swimming lessons starting at $100 for 8 lessons.
Call the City of Stafford at (281) 261-3900 for pricing and availability of swim lessons for children.
