News Flash

The city will accept sign-ups for free swim lessons at city pools starting May 14 under a revised registration system that will go into effect this year. 

Under the new system, parents and guardians can request lessons at up to three pools, ranked in order of preference. A lottery system will be used to fill the slots at the first-choice pools, says Heather Candelora, the city’s aquatics program supervisor.

“We’re trying something new to see if we can make better use of our capacity to provide lessons,” Candelora said. “Every year, the lessons fill up in no time at some pools while hardly anyone has signed up at others. This system will allow us to serve more people by offering them swim lessons at their second- or third-choice pool.”

Families are not required to list three preferences; they can list only one or two. “But that could reduce their chance of getting into a class,” Candelora said.

As in previous years, the city will offer three sessions of swim lessons this summer. Registrations for the first session will be accepted May 14 through June 1 for lessons to be held June 13 - 30. Registrations for the first session will be accepted online and at any city recreation center. Phone registrations will not be accepted.  

Registration for the second session will be June 13 – 24 for lessons to be held July 5 - 22.  Registration for the third session will be July 5 – 15 for lessons to be held July 25 – Aug. 12.

Complete information about the aquatics program, including pool calendars and hours is available on the city's website. For more information call CityLink 311.