10 of the Best Spots for Swimming Lessons in Bergen County, NJ

Know what’d be really nice this summer? If you didn’t have to get a head rush blowing up your kids arm floaties every day before they get in the pool. And wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to stare longingly from the baby pool at your friends who are actually using the pool lounge chairs for their intended purpose (lounging)? So, what are you waiting for? Sign your kiddo(s) up for swimming lessons and they’ll be paddling around like pros by Memorial Day. Here are 10 of the Best Spots for Swimming Lessons in Bergen County.

YWCA Bergen County

The YWCA offers American Red Cross Swim Lessons for children ages 6 months and up. Children two years and under swim with a parent in the Aqua Babies program. After that, children are taught in small classes. Semi-private and private lessons are available for all ages, including adults and individuals with special needs. Sessions 1 - 5 of Englewood Swim Classes take place at the Crowne Plaza Englewood. Session 6 at Mackay Park Pool. The YWCA also offers a water polo program and lifeguard training at Clifton Sports & Fitness Club, and the Tiger Shark Swim Team at the Garfield YMCA Aquatics Center. Classes start at $136 per session. Membership with the YWCA is required for enrollment. 

Wyckoff Family YMCA

Babies as young as 6 months can start to earn their flippers in the popular parent-child classes. Older children are evaluated before being assigned to a class to ensure they maximize their time in the water. Small group classes, semi-private, private lessons, adult and special needs lessons are available. Independent swimmers can take advantage of the swim team or classes that will help them improve their strokes. Teens can take lifeguard training or participate in the intramural water polo program. Classes start at $115 per 8-week session and membership with the Y is required. Register before March 22 and receive $10 off each Session IV class. 

Kaplen JCC on the Palisades

With something for every swimmer under one roof, the Kaplen JCC offers parent/toddler classes, Red Cross group swim lessons, private/semi-private and adult lessons. Swimmers can join the swim team starting at 5 years old and can train to be a lifeguard starting at 15 years old. Please check their website for pricing.

Goldfish Swimming School

What could be better than learning to swim in a comfortable 90-degree pool? How about a low student-to-teacher ratio, evening and weekend classes, ongoing enrollment so your child can start swimming at any time, and a non-competitive swim team that allows kids to improve their strokes in a supportive, friendly environment. Casual one time lessons, jump start clinics and parties are also available. Add to that a traveling water safety program that, through presentations at schools, organizations or events, teaches kids about water safety and how to handle water crisis situations, and you can be sure your child will be a confident, knowledgeable swimmer in no time. And now, there are two convenient locations to choose from, as the school recently expanded to Closter. Classes start at $102 per month for group lessons.

Safe Splash Swim School

Your child will learn to swim in an 84-degree pool with top-notch, certified instructors. Ongoing registration for small group classes, semi-private and private lessons means your child can begin to learn to swim on your schedule and with no long-term commitments - the flexibility of this program can’t be beat. More advanced swimmers will love the Wave Program. Coached like a swim team, this program was developed to help kids improve their strokes and build their confidence. Adult classes and special needs classes are also available. Membership at 24-Hour Fitness is not required for enrollment. Classes start at $115 per month. Sign up before March 19th and get 20% off your first month. Mention SPRING20 to receive your discount.

Elite Gymnastics

Beginning swimmers will find this small, shallow pool to be just the right size to build confidence and inspire courage. Classes are offered for children aged 4 months to 9 years and can be combined with gymnastics classes. Night swim classes are also offered twice a week for 3-week sessions and swimming lessons are offered as part of the summer camp program. Classes start at $150 for 7 classes with a yearly $35 registration fee. Private lessons are available for $45 per 30 minutes and are available only to kids who are also registered for a swim class. 

New York Sports Club

Membership is not required for these popular swim classes that will get your child started on the road to swim proficiency. Children 6 months and up can learn to swim in small group lessons. Older kids are evaluated before being placed in a group. Or make the most of their time in the water with semi-private or private lessons. Check the website for more information and pricing. Birthday parties also available.

American Woman

Perfect for kids ages 6 months and older, this program is about customizing a swim school program that will work for you. Private, semi-private and group lessons are offered for children as well as adults. Register your child by season (average seasons are 15 weeks long) or join anytime as long as there are openings in the class of your choice. Classes start at $28/lesson for 30 minute classes.

Lifetime Fitness

This club is members-only but if you live in the area, you might want to check it out. Parent and me classes start at 4 months old and go to 3 years. Group, semi-private and private lessons are available for the 3- to 12-year old crowd. Ongoing enrollment allows your child to join a class at any time and an 87-degree pool makes taking the plunge just a little warmer. For more experienced swimmers, a developmental swim team will help move them to the next level. Call for membership information and pricing.

Valley Health LifeStyles

Members of all ages can take advantage of the three pools available at this health and fitness center, plus a warm-water therapy pool coming soon. Kids as young as 6 months old to adults gain valuable skills through the Learn-to-Swim program, which lets you set your own pace for advancing to a new level. Classes include basic water safety, emergency training and stroke development. Private and group lessons are available. Call for membership and pricing information.