Swim Lesson Recommendations for 8 year old
We're new to Berkeley and we're looking for beginner level swimming lessons for our 8 year old. All local programs seem to be full through mid-November including YMCA, Berkeley Rec, and Albany swim lessons. We're interested in an after school time slot; 4pm weekdays or anytime on the weekend. Open to a semi-private or private swim instructor as well.
As another option, I'm also open to after school "family swim" recommendations where I can swim with my son and give him swim instruction myself. We like swimming all year round including outdoors.
Any recommendations are appreciated, although preferably less than a 30 minute drive from Central Berkeley.
Thank you.
Sep 19, 2022
Parent Replies
We swim at American swim academy. They have several locations but I think the closest would be Walnut creek. They have individual swim classes 7 days a week, year round in their indoor pool. They usually have plenty of openings.
Hi Mike!
We have been taking private lessons from Jeff Daitsman. He'll come to a pool near you and do one-on-one lessons with your kid and he's very inexpensive and great with kids of all ages. His website has lots of info about him and ways to contact him or schedule. https://jeff-daitsman.square.site/about
Best of luck!
My son learned at Ohana in Oakland hills: https://www.ohanaaquatics.com/swim-lessons. They have after school time slots. In the winter they put up a tent over the heated pool. I also liked the diverse staff. Recommend!
We gave up on finding swim classes because they were always full, or at times we couldn't make it because of our jobs, or we didn't see much result so it wasn't worth the time and $$$. We taught our own kids mostly at King Pool and West Campus Pool, offered by City of Berkeley. You can visit with kids during Family Swim or Independent Exercise hours.
Outdoors though!