Photo by Kim Cripps
Hoover Rec Center Pool
Young swimmers can learn the basics of swimming and water safety at The Hoover Recreation Center.
Swim season is here! For many children, this means trips with family or friends to neighborhood pools, local lakes or coastal sugary sand beaches. Of course, they will be prepared with more than enough sunscreen, a rash guard to protect from UV rays, a properly fitting flotation device, water to stay hydrated, and healthy snacks for nourishment. But what is the absolute best way to get ready for a summer of splashing? Sign up for local swim lessons.
Here are four outstanding swim schools, conveniently located throughout Hoover. Plus, there’s even a swimming and water therapy option for your family pet.
Aqua-Tots Swim School in Centre at Riverchase Shopping Center
Aqua-Tots Swim School offers year-round swim instruction in a warm, indoor environment (read: 90-degree water!). Their structured curriculum is designed for children of all ages and skill levels, from Parent and Tot classes to advanced lessons. Lessons are taught as groups of 4, semi-private or private. An adaptive program is available for swimmers who need lessons tailored to their special needs and abilities.
All lessons focus heavily on water safety, confidence-building, and consistent skill progression in a safe, familiar environment.
Goldfish Swim School in The Grove Shopping Center
Goldfish Swim School specializes in swim lessons for children ages 4 months to 12 years. Coaches use a play-based learning approach in a warm, shiver-free, 90-degree pool. Their small class sizes and engaging curriculum are designed to build water-safety skills, confidence, and a love of swimming in a fun, kid-friendly environment. Advanced swimmers can join their year-round swim team, Swim Force, and participate in quarterly meets.
Hoover Recreation Center near Hoover Public Library
The Hoover Recreation Center (Hoover Rec) offers seasonal swim lessons that provide a convenient and affordable option for local families. Currently, group lessons are offered for preschool-aged children and focus on water basics, water safety, and improving coordination and control for swimming. Private lessons are available for all ages. All swimmers can look forward to learning in an indoor, perfectly heated 85-degree pool!
YMCA in Greystone and Hoover
A community and fitness staple in the Birmingham area, the YMCA has several options for swim lessons right here in Hoover. Programs include group, semi-private and private lessons - all available in an outdoor pool. Swimmers can begin learning at any age, from 6 months with ‘caregiver and child’ lessons to adults. Children may also enjoy the Y’s competitive year-round, summer and developmental swim teams!
Swim lessons are open to all, with discounted rates available for members.
And
Photo by Sassy Swimmer
Sassy Swimmer
Sassy Swimmers offers year-round lessons for dogs of all ages.
for our four-legged friends…
Sassy Swimmers in Bluff Park
Seven years ago, Sherri Griffin found that swimming provided her dog, Sassy, with an incredible amount of relief from challenging health issues. Sherri’s discovery has since grown into year-round lessons and aqua therapy for dogs of all ages and abilities. Whether in Sassy Swimmers’ outdoor or heated indoor pool, swimming promotes general fitness and well-being, helps with surgery recovery, and can improve the quality of life for dogs with long-term illnesses.