Adult Learn-to-Swim

Adult Learn to Swim Program

There are more than 18 million swimming pools and hot tubs in the USA. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 37% of American adults cannot swim the length of a pool. Every day, about 10 people die from drowning. The majority of unintentional drowning victims are adults. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States. The CDC identifies a variety of factors that can influence drowning risk, including the lack of swimming ability. Research also shows that the children of adults who don’t know how to swim are at a greater risk of not learning to swim, which increases their risk of drowning. The purpose of SSLF (Swimming Saves Lives Foundation) is to advocate and raise awareness, and to serve as a resource for programs providing adult learn-to-swim lessons.

Through the generous contributions of USMS members and other supporters, SSLF has awarded grants and resources to programs that are providing adult learn-to-swim opportunities. Thousands of adults have benefited from lessons taught by the program. Our hope is that once an adult learns to swim or improves their swimming skills, they will have the confidence and desire to continue swimming in a Masters Swimming program and experience the lifelong benefits of swimming.

How do you start?
You don't need much, just a swimsuit, towel and googles. Goggles can be purchased at the pool or we have some for your use.
Lane 1 (furthest lane from the entrance) is for new swimmers who are in the program and learning to swim. At the completion of the course you will be able to complete the five Red Cross basic water competencies:

Step or jump into the water over your head;
Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute;
Turn around in a full circle and find an exit;
Swim 25 yards to the exit;
Exit from the pool without using the ladder

You will also be taught the basics of breathing, freestyle and backstroke. A basic technique guide that we will follow can be found here.

Program Rules

The program will go for 6 weeks at a time. You are encouraged to attend every class during those 6 weeks as the group will progress and we don't want you to fall behind. You are welcome to stay on after your six weeks or come and start early, but we will begin with the basics for the new group.
Once you have mastered the 5 basic skills you may be asked to move up to lane 2.
At the end of 30 days, you must join as a QUAC member (includes USMS membership) to continue to swim with us in any lane.
You will be issued a pool pass that will be valid for lane 1. You will need to bring this to the front desk every time.

Any other questions about the program? Please email us at alts@quacquac.org.

To join the program please fill out the information to the right: