17 Places to Go for Swim Lessons: Columbia, SC

Have you been searching for swim lessons? Columbia, SC has several great options when it comes to swimming lessons. So, if you don’t know where to start, or you’re on the fence and don’t know if your child is too young for swim lessons, you’ve come to the right spot.

Fortunately, we’ve done all the research so you don’t have to! From age, to type and level, to location, we have you covered when it comes to swimming lessons in Columbia, SC.

Best age for swim lessons

If you think your child is too young for swim lessons, think again! According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “All children and adults should learn to swim. Children can benefit from swimming lessons as young as age 1, but parents should gauge their child’s maturity, health concerns, water exposure and readiness to determine at what age to start swimming lessons.” American Academy of Pediatrics 

Are there different types of swim lessons?

Yes! There are 3 classifications: private, semi-private and group swim lessons. Private lessons consist of a one-on-one lesson between only one child and the swim instructor. Semi-private swim lessons typically consist of only two children and one instructor. Group swim lessons are comprised of a small or large group of children and one, sometimes multiple, swim instructors. 

In addition to type, there are also several different swim lesson skill levels. Infant Swim Rescue (ISR) is the first. ISR is survival swimming lessons for infants and young children. “ISR’s unique results are achieved through fully customized, safe and effective, one-on-one lessons with only your child and the Instructor in the water.”

What your child will learn, and the way he or she will learn it, is what makes ISR so different from traditional swimming lessons. Always putting safety first, ISR emphasizes competence, which leads to confidence, and provides the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment in and around the water.” Infant Swim Resources

Six Levels of Swim Skills

Additionally, there are six different levels of swim lesson skills. According to the American Red Cross the levels consist of the following:

“Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills: Students will learn how to feel comfortable in the water and safely enjoy it.

Level 2: Fundamentals of Aquatic Skills: Children will learn basic swimming skills.

Level 3: Stroke Development: Additional guided practice will help students improve their skills.

Level 4: Stroke Improvement: Kids will gain confidence during swim lessons, improve their stroke and gain additional aquatic skills.

Level 5: Stroke Refinement: Guidance allows kids to refine their strokes and become more efficient swimmers.

Level 6: Swimming and Skill Proficiency: Students will learn to swim with ease and efficiency, and gain the ability to swim smoothly over greater distances. Swimmers will also have the option to participate in more advanced courses.” American Red Cross – Swim Classes & Water Safety/Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons: Columbia, SC

Who offers swim lessons in the Midlands? Below is a comprehensive list of where you can find swim lessons near you! 

Goldfish Swim School

Goldfish Swim School’s program offers indoor, year-round swim instruction to children ages 4 months to 12 years-old in a safe, fun and family-friendly setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes and shiver-free 90-degree pools. Highlights include flexible class times, free make-up lessons and a proven, confidence-building curriculum.

AquaMobile Swim School

AquaMobile Swim School is a private swim lesson school that offers lessons at individuals’ home/condominium pool at their own convenience. 

Address: *Private residences
Hours: TBD

British Swim School

The British Swim School offers various programs for swimmers aged 3 months to adults. The British Swim School has been teaching swim and survival skills for over 40 years! Their Columbia location is at OneLife Fitness in Forest Acres!

Address: OneLife Fitness – Forest Acres 4114 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206
Hours: Monday 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Carolina Blue Waves

Carolina Blue Waves offers private, semi-private, and group swim lessons. They also have a competitive swim team, along with camps during school breaks and summer break.

Address: Based in Columbia, SC
Hours: TBD

Cola Swim School- Lexington

Cola Swim School, owned and operated by Meredith Mowles, offers swim lessons in Lexington, SC. Lessons are 25 minutes long and run Monday – Thursday. All lessons are catered to each swimmer’s specific needs and skill level.

Address: Based in Lexington, SC
Hours: TBD

Drew Wellness Center

The Drew Wellness Center offers swimming lessons year-round to members from age 6 months to adult. Youth (7 years – 15 years old) and adult lessons (16 years old  and up) are $35 for eight, 30 minute lessons over two weeks. Water Baby (6 months – 6 years old) lessons are $35 for four, 30 minute lessons over two weeks. *Please note a parent or someone familiar with the child must be present and able to get in the water with the child.

Address: 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia, SC 29204
Hours: Click here for swim schedule

Flutter Kicks Swim Lessons

Flutter Kicks Swim Lessons offers both private and semi-private swim lessons to both children (aged 8 months +) and adults. Lessons also include underwater photos of each swimmer!

Address: *Private residences/Neighborhood pools
Hours: Monday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm

Harbison Community Center

The Harbison Community Center offers swim lessons from 6 months – adult. Classes are available on weekdays and weekends. 

Address: 106 Hillpine Road, Columbia, SC 29212
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Little Loggerheads Swim School

Little Loggerheads Swim School is an aquatic survival swim school and has classes available for children aged 8 months old – 4 years+. 

Address: *Based in West Columbia, SC
Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday – Sunday (Closed)

Midlands Swim Lessons

Midlands Swim Lessons, with over 10 years of experience, offers swim lessons to children aged 15 months and older. Sessions are 4 days (Monday – Thursday) and 25 minutes long. 

Address: *Private residence
Hours: TBD

Palmetto Athletic Center 

The Palmetto Athletic Center provides swim lessons to children aged 18 months to 9 years old. Each age group is divided by age and skill level. Ages 18 – 36 months will be joined by a parent. There are prerequisites for the intermediate level.

Address: 1193 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072
Hours: Times vary. See website for more details.

SWIM Columbia 

SWIM Columbia offers private and semi-private swim lessons to children of all ages. Lessons are adapted to fit each child’s learning style, skill level, and individual needs. Lessons are done at a private residential pool. 

Address: *Private residence 
Hours: TBD

Swim Lessons Company 

The Swim Lessons Company provides a large variety of private, semi-private and group swim classes for children 12 months – adults. They offer a Parent & Tot class for ages 12 months – 36 months, as well as four other levels of skill-based classes for ages 3 – Adult. 

Address: 9554 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223
Hours: TBD

Swimming with Eniko

Swim instructor, Eniko Balazs, has over 20 years of swimming lesson teaching experience. Trained by Ellis & Associates, Eniko herself, has trained hundreds of lifeguards. Eniko offers both a 20 minute parent/child class for ages 1 – 3 years old, as well as a 30 minute class for ages 3 – Adult. Sessions for both age groups are 5 days (Saturday is a weather make-up day). Classes are tailored to each swimmer’s experience. She also offers lessons to those with sensory issues or special needs.

Address: *Will travel to clients with pool availability
Hours: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (Monday – Friday)

YMCA

The YMCA offers both private and group swim lessons at several of their Columbia-based locations, Jeep Rogers (Lake Carolina), Northwest (Irmo), and Orangeburg. Swim lessons are available weekdays and Saturdays for ages 3 months – Adult. 

Address: 900 Lake Carolina Dr, Columbia, SC 29229 (Jeep Rogers location),1501 Kennerly Rd Irmo, SC 29063 (Northwest location), 2550 St. Matthews Road NE, Orangeburg, SC 29118
Hours: Swim times vary based on day and location. See website for details.

There are a multitude of swim lessons throughout the Midlands, each offering something different to cater to every family or individual’s needs. Whether you’re in search of private lessons for your infant or group lessons for your school-aged child, this list will help you narrow down exactly what’s right for you and your family! 

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