Your full guide on swimming lessons for kids in Beaufort County this summer: Cost, where to go
Summer is almost here, meaning beach days, summer sun and outdoor activities.
From beaches to pools, taking a quick dip often signifies the epitome of summer fun and offers a perfect way to beat the Southern heat and humidity.
But in an area like Beaufort County, where residents and visitors alike are surrounded by water, it’s important to know how to swim.
Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for South Carolina children between the ages of 1 and 14, according to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
From kids to adults, knowing how to swim and being comfortable in the water is a skill that serves both practical and life-saving purposes.
Here’s your guide to swim lessons in the Lowcountry and when it’s best to start getting comfortable in the water.
When should kids start swim lessons?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swim lessons as a layer of protection against drowning for children, starting as early as 1 year old.
When deciding the right time to put your child into lessons, the AAP notes that children develop at different rates, meaning that parents and guardians should keep their child’s emotional maturity, physical health, developmental abilities and comfort level in the water in mind.
By age 4, most children are ready to start beginner lessons where they learn to float, tread water and make it to an exit point. By age 5 or 6, most children can master a basic stroke used in freestyle swimming, according to the AAP.
Swimming lessons are the best way to prevent drowning or other water-related incidents, but even if your child is a proficient swimmer or enrolled in lessons, the AAP states it does not provide 100% protection from drowning.
It is always advised that adults supervise children while they are in the water.
What qualifications does a swim teacher need?
According to the American Red Cross, swim instructors must hold a swim instructor certification from either the American Red Cross or another organization.
There are two different types of swim instructors who are qualified to teach swimming lessons:
Basic Swim Instructor: These instructors can teach the fundamental learn-to-swim courses, including Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn-to-Swim Levels 1-3, and private swimming lessons.
Water Safety Instructor: These instructors can teach all courses to all age groups, plus Learn-to-Swim Levels 4-6 and Adult Swim. This certification provides the most comprehensive training for swim instructors.
Where to go & how much do lessons cost?
Beaufort County holds swimming lessons at a variety of locations across the area.
These classes introduce children to the water, start building swimming skills and reduce the risk of drowning. Here’s where you can take swimming lessons in Beaufort County:
Beaufort County Parks & Recreation
Beaufort County Parks & Recreation offers American Red Cross swim lessons year-round for kids ages 3 to 17.
To take part in their June sessions, registration is due May 26.
Locations: Battery Creek Pool & Beaufort Pool
Group Swim Lessons: Ages 3-5 and 6-13, $45 for eight sessions
Private Swim Lesson: Ages 14-17, currently a waitlist; $60 for the full session
Beaufort-Jasper YMCA
Beaufort-Jasper YMCA offers a variety of lessons ranging from water acclimation, movement, stamina, and swim strokes. They also offer parent and child lessons from ages 6 months to 3 years old and private lesson options.
Location: 1801 Richmond Avenue, Port Royal
Cost: Member: $60; Non-Member: $90
Financial assistance is offered for these swim programs. For more information, contact: p.flaherty@wardlefamilyymca.org
Island Recreation Center
The Hilton Head Island Recreation Center offers classes ranging from 6 months to 15 years old. They offer swim lessons from May through October.
To take part in their June sessions, registration is due May 30 at noon.
Location: 20 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head
Cost: Water Babies & Preschool: $75; Levels 1-4: $150; Level 5: $95
Scholarships are offered for these swim programs.
Adult lessons
It’s never too late to learn how to swim.
For adult swim lessons, you can visit these locations throughout the Lowcountry:
Beaufort County Parks & Recreation
Locations: Battery Creek Pool & Beaufort Pool
Group Swim Lessons: $45 for eight sessions
Must be 18 or older
Hilton Head Island Recreation Center
Location: 20 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head
Private lessons for 18+: Currently a waitlist
Contact: Ashlyn.Smith@IslandRecCenter.org for more information
Why is knowing how to swim important?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, but it can happen to anyone.
Knowing how to swim is a vital skill for anyone at any age.
Beaufort Memorial Hospital outlines these key reasons for the importance of learning how to swim:
Personal safety
Overcoming fear of water
Better health
Lifelong enjoyment
This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 8:06 AM.
