Adult Swimming Lessons (in RI)?

June 12, 2015 11:51 AM

I don't know how to swim. I'm interested in learning how, but I'm a 30 year old man and I don't want to be the only adult in a pool full of children. How can I find adult-only basic-level swim classes in the Rhode Island area?
posted by JDHarper to Health & Fitness (10 answers total)

I don't live in Rhode Island, but here in L.A. my local community college offers specific adult-targeted "learn to swim" classes, both in groups and with one-on-one instruction.
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:59 AM on June 12, 2015

Most pools offer these, I think. I took some (not in Rhode Island) last year. They were good, but there are much fewer classes than with the kids, obviously. I found this a bit frustrating, as I enrolled in a beginner class and found there was a wide range of beginner. I wasn't afraid of the water, just bad at moving through it. About half the class wouldn't go in to water over their waist. I subsequently took an Intermediate class and again, the range of abilities made it difficult for the poor teacher to help everyone. There were a few people who probably should have been in the beginner class, and then others who really just needed a coach for stroke improvement, and people like me who were somewhere in the middle.

This is all to say that you might also want to consider looking into individual lessons, which many pools also offer.
posted by synecdoche at 12:03 PM on June 12, 2015

Is there a YMCA or parks+rec-center with a pool nearby ? They almost always offer swim lessons (group, semi-private, private).

A community pool might, but that's really hit/miss as opposed to a Y or rec center.
posted by k5.user at 12:03 PM on June 12, 2015

I just started my first swim lesson last Saturday at my local YMCA. I was there with the kiddies but they were in a completely separate area of the pool. Trust me, they don't want to be around us either. Give your local Y a call. Cheap rates, too.
posted by nubianinthedesert at 12:07 PM on June 12, 2015

Another vote for the Y. My husband just started lessons there last week, and it's just adults in the evenings after the kids' lessons are done. There's 2 instructors in his small class so they can help everyone from those who've never been in the water to those who want to learn lap strokes.
posted by that's how you get ants at 1:01 PM on June 12, 2015

The YMCA definitely offers lessons for adults. They will likely be private, one-on-one lessons, and perhaps more expensive than a group rate, but they will definitely be available.
posted by fancyoats at 1:53 PM on June 12, 2015

If not the Y, try the local Parks and Rec. they will likely have a list of adult classes, and if they have a public pool they will undoubtedly offer adult swim instruction.
posted by OHenryPacey at 3:23 PM on June 12, 2015

Most any pool that offers swim lessons should offer private lessons and should be able to recommend someone who is used to teaching adults. While it will be more expensive to go the private lesson route, it may also make you more comfortable.
posted by zachlipton at 4:08 PM on June 12, 2015

Full Disclosure: I work for a Rhode Island YMCA. I don't work in the aquatics dept.

I also recommend calling or emailing the aquatics dept at your Y. The YMCA websites look functional, but in my experience don't reflect true course/class offerings sometimes. Here's a link to contact info for most of the YMCAs in Rhode Island. There's also the Newport County YMCA if you live near Aquidneck Island.

The Newport Boys and Girls Club was advertising adult swim lessons earlier this year, and may still be offering them.

Good luck!
posted by Guess What at 4:03 AM on June 13, 2015

My local YMCA (when I was in the US) offered a specific adult swimming class called "Chicken of the Sea."

Have you tried any local Universities? Sometimes these also offer adult swimming classes too.
posted by Ms. Moonlight at 5:52 AM on June 13, 2015