Swimming Lessons in New Orleans
Swimming lessons are a necessity in our house; my kids have been in a pool since birth. We have done both group lessons and private lessons. For me, the importance of swimming lessons stemmed from two things. One, we are raising kids in New Orleans. You basically cannot walk 10 feet in South Louisiana without coming across a body of water. Second, I wanted to start swim lessons early so that my sons were comfortable and confident in the water. It is never too early for kids to learn the importance of safety near the water.
Knowing that your child can swim to the side should they fall in a pool is a tremendous relief and sense of assurance as a mom. Of course, I still worry like any mom, but I know that my kids are prepared in the event that they happen to fall into water.
There are many options to consider when determining where to take swim lessons in New Orleans. You can start with a Water Babies / “Mommy and Me” class where a parent accompanies the baby into the water for an easy adaptation. Alternatively, you can start from the beginning with official lessons whereby a parent is not in the water with the child.
I also suggest that parents consider whether they prefer swimming lessons in a facility or in a home setting, as well as whether group or private lessons are a better fit. There are many great swim lesson options around New Orleans that happen in more official facilities, but there are also many excellent swimming teachers who instruct from the pool in their backyard. As with anything childcare related, I’d always urge parents to “interview” the instructor to gauge their skill set, credentials and fit with your family. Finally, think through whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor pool.
Our friends at Little Fins offer some great tips on getting your kiddos started. It’s essential that your swimmer wants to be there and that it’s something the emerging swimmer looks forward to while building their skills and self-confidence.
A Guide to Swimming Lessons in New Orleans
Orleans Parish
Location: 5221 South Front Street, New Orleans
Phone: (504) 891-4662.
Ages: 6 months to adult
Facility: Indoor pool
Location: 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans
Phone: (504)454-3934
Ages: 3 year to adult
Facility: Indoor pool
Location: 5342 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans
Phone: (504)897-0143
Ages: 6 months and up
Facility: Outdoor pool
Location: 6363 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans
Phone: (504)864-7375
Ages: Infant to Adult
Facility: Indoor pool
Location: 31 McAlister Dr, New Orleans
Phone: (504)314-2860
Age: 3 and up
Facility: Indoor pool
Jefferson Parish
Location: 5728 Plauche St Suite B, Elmwood, LA 70123
Phone: (504) 416-0431
Ages: 6 months to adult
Facility: Indoor
Location: 2716 Winifred St., Metairie
Phone: (504)430-4201
Ages: 10 months to adult
Facility: Outdoor pool
Location: 3747 W. Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: (504)887-5158
Ages: 3 and up
Facility: Outdoor pool
Location: 4828 Utica St., Metairie
Phone: 504-256-6554
Ages: 16 months and up
Facility: Indoor pool
Note: They do also offer swim lessons in Hammond and New Orleans
Location: 4709 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001
Phone: (504)909-2220
Ages: 6 months to adult
Facility: Indoor pool
Location: 6691 Riverside Drive, Metairie, LA 70003
Phone: (504)888-9622
Ages: 6 months to 15
Facility: Outdoor pool
Note: Belle Chase YMCA and West St. Tammany YMCA also offer lessons
- St Martins Summer Camp (includes daily swim lessons)
Location: 225 Green Acres Rd, Metairie
Phone: (504)733-0353
Ages: 18 months to 14 years
Facility: Indoor pool
- Ms. Bubba
Location: 2002 Toledano St., Kenner
Phone: (504)400-6544
Ages: 6 months to adult
Facility: Outdoor pool
Note: Please text to schedule
Northshore
Location: Covington, Hammond, Slidell, New Orleans or YOUR HOME
Phone: (985)351-4812
Ages: 6 months to 6 years
Facility: Varies
Location: 690 Albert Street, Mandeville, LA
Phone: (985)626-9456
Ages: 6 months to adult
Facility: Outdoor pool
Location: 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville, LA
Phone: (985)792-0200
Ages: 6 months to adult
Facility: Outdoor pool
Location: 1170 Meadowbrook Blvd, Mandeville, LA
Phone: (985)626-3706
Ages: 6 months to adult
Facility: Indoor or outdoor pool
Residential Pool Instructors
Location: Covington, Hammond, Slidell, New Orleans or YOUR HOME
Phone: (985)351-4812
Ages: 6 months to 6 years
Location: Kenner or YOUR HOME
Phone: (504)427-6122
Ages: 6 months to adult
Facility: Outdoor pool
I just wanted to warn other moms about Harry’s Dive Shop. My 3 year old was enrolled there and participated in 3 lessons, on the 3rd lesson the instructor had them all paddle to the deep end of the pool and sit on the the side of the pool to take turns going into the water. While working with the first child my 3 year old slipped into the water on accident. The instructor did not notice. Luckily, my husband and I both saw it happen and ran from the shallow end to the deep end of the very large pool and my husband had to jump in and pull him out. The instructor did not notice until my husband made it into the water and a manager only noticed because I was screaming while we ran. I feel that if we did not have our eyes on him and the moment he slipped in this all would have had a very different outcome. I just want to make sure other parents know about this and that they are cautious about who they use for swimming lessons and vigilant about watching their children around pools.
My son goes to Jewels pool on Barataria Blvd. She has years of experience
Is there anyone out there that offers free lessons for 4 month olds?
We had a bad experience today at my 20 months old’s 2nd swim lesson. The instructor kept dunking him under the water even though he was hystetically screaming and clinging to her. He was terrified. Is this normal? I hope not. Any recommendations on facilities that do not teach this way?
Do any of these locations provide ISR lessons??