9 Places to Go for Swim Lessons: Columbia, SC

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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.

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

Baby swim lessons Columbia SC

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

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! 

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: *Based out of private residences’ pools 
Hours: TBD

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 am – 8 pm, Saturday 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm

Katie & Irwin Kahn Jewish Community Center

The Katie & Irwin Kahn Jewish Community Center has swim lessons available year-round! They offer private, semi-private, as well as group lessons.

Address: 306 Flora Dr, Columbia, SC 29223
Hours: Monday – Friday 6 am – 9 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5 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 am – 6 pm, Friday – Sunday (Closed)

Palmetto Athletic Center 

The Palmetto Athletic Center provides swim lessons to children aged 8 months to 12 years old. Each age group is divided by either age or skill level. Baby and Toddler is for kids 8 months – 2.5 years old. In this class, parents join their child for lessons in the center’s heated pool. The Beginner swim class is for ages 4 – 9 years, and the Intermediate swim class is the advanced level swim class also for 4 – 9 year olds. 

Address: 1193 N Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29072
Hours: Monday – Friday 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday (Closed)

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 – 9 years. 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 – 12 years. 

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

Waves Swim School

Waves Swim School offers private swimming lessons from various certified swim instructors. Instructors travel to private resident pools, neighborhood pools, or any other approved pools available for one-on-one swim lessons. 

Address: N/A
Hours: TBD

YMCA

The YMCA offers both private and group swim lessons at two of their Columbia-based locations, Jeep Rogers (Lake Carolina) and NorthWest (Irmo). 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) 
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5 am – 9 pm, Friday: 5 am – 8 pm, Saturday: 8 am – 6 pm, Sunday: 1 pm – 5:30 pm 

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! 

Looking for more for your kids?

Check out our huge guide to Columbia’s Classes and Activities for Kids.

Does your child take swim lessons?

About the Author
Kelly is a native of Hartsville, SC and lives in West Columbia with her husband, two-year-old daughter, and pets George and Gigi. She is now a stay-at-home mom after a long career in beverage sales at Republic National Distributing Company and Sazerac Company. Kelly is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and has a degree in print journalism. She’s passionate about her family, writing, shopping, and any and all crime dramas.

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