Swim Manatee – Free Learn-to-Swim Program

Four free swim lessons to teach kids essential water safety skills and swimming basics.

Registering

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What is

Swim Manate?

Swim Manatee is a free learn-to-swim program designed to provide swimmers in Manatee County with essential water safety skills and foundational swimming techniques in a fun, supportive group setting. We aim to help children build confidence in the water while learning life-saving skills that create a safer, more enjoyable summer.

This program is perfect for families looking to introduce their children to swimming at no cost. Join us and take the first step toward a lifetime of water confidence and safety!

Program Details:

  • 4 free 30-minute swim lessons
  • Focus on water safety and beginner swim skills
  • Taught by experienced instructors
  • Designed for beginners to gain confidence in the water

Each session includes four structured classes, during which your child will learn to enter and exit the water safely, float, submerge, and develop basic swimming skills.

How Swim Manatee Works

  1. Choose Your Class – Select the session that fits your schedule and swimmer age.
  2. Sign Up Online—Register your child for free. You must complete the waiver and media release to participate in the class. Registration is limited to one session per swimmer. You may sign up for the waitlist for other sessions. All available sessions are below.
  3. Show Up & Swim – Attend fun, engaging lessons and watch your child learn to swim.

Classes are held at GT Bray Recreation Center in Bradenton. The free group lessons are held over the summer, from May to July. Additional programs and classes may be added in the future. Stay tuned!

FAQs

Once you sign up for class, you will receive an email with more details about your class. If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to email me.

  • Who can join Swim Manatee? → Any beginner swimmer. Classes are designed for beginners. If you have an advanced swimmer, here are some great swim schools to help your child take thier swimming to the next level:

    The Swim School Tsumani

  • What does my child need to bring? → A swimsuit, towel, swim diaper (if needed) and excitement. SwimOutlet.com is a great place to find swim gear. Save 20% on SwimOutlet.com.
  • What if my child is scared of the water? → Our patient instructors will help them feel comfortable.
  • Weather Policy → Classes will be canceled for lightning within 10 miles of the pool. I like to use the Lightning app to track storms.

    • I rarely will cancel class the night before. If a storm pops up in the morning before class, I will email and text you ASAP.
    • Make-up classes are not alwasy guaranteed; however, this year the last week of July will be available for missed classes due to weather.

Do you have more questions? Email Amanda.

Grant Funded

Swim Manatee is generously supported by Step Into Swim. An amazing non-profit that provides grant funding for free swim lessons.

Since 2023

250+

Swimmers supported through Swim Manatee

500+

Free swim lessons given away

Take Your Learning Further

Your child will make amazing progress—why stop there? My step-by-step course gives you the tools to continue their swim journey at home! With lifetime access to easy-to-follow video lessons, you’ll learn how to teach your child to swim confidently and easily.

👉 Build on their new skills. Boost their confidence. Make swimming a lifelong adventure!

Download the free Skool app. Have a question? Ask me in the group

Amanda showing and reading Teach Your Child to Swim

📖 Teach Your Child to Swim

Prefer a book you can flip through? Teach Your Child to Swim is your step-by-step guide to helping your little one feel confident and safe in the water. With easy-to-follow instructions, fun activities, and must-know water safety tips, it’s the perfect way to keep the progress going at home!

Amanda, a swim instructor, sitting by the edge of a swimming pool, smiling warmly and looking approachable and friendly

Meet Amanda

Your Instructor

With over 14 years of experience teaching swim lessons, I’m passionate about helping kids build confidence in the water. I create a patient, supportive environment where every swimmer feels empowered. Let’s make this summer both fun and safe!

Serving Manatee County

Swim Manatee 2024

Last summer, we helped 150 swimmers take their first strokes toward water confidence! Swim Manatee is all about learning essential swim and safety skills in a fun, group setting—at no cost to families. Ready to make a splash this summer? Sign up today!

Start your swimming journey today

Safety & Confidence

From first-time floaters to future swimmers, every lesson is designed to help kids feel safe and confident in the water. Through patience, encouragement, and expert guidance, I’m here to support your child’s swim journey every step of the way!

Learn to Swim at Home

IN-HOME LESSONS

Can’t make it to group lessons? No problem! You can bring swim lessons to your own pool. Private lessons are available for $55 per 30 minutes or $90 per 60 minutes and can be held at your home or community pool. (Must be located in Manatee County.)

Amanda is incredible! Our 3yo had a lot of anxiety surrounding the pool & swimming and Amanda not only gave her confidence, security & tools for regulation in the water, but a newfound love for “mermaid lessons,” the beach & pool. So proud of our little fish & so thankful for an incredible instructor. Highest recommendations!

Lily

5

Trusted by Hundreds of Families

Book Your Class

SPRING BREAK: March 17, 18 & 19 2026

Spring Break 9am

3 & 4 Year Old Beginners

Spring Break 9:30am

5 & 6 Year Old Beginners

Spring Break 10:00am

Parent Child

Spring Break Session March 17, 18 & 19

Session 1: June 1, 3, 8 & 10

Session 2: June 15, 17, 22 & 24

Session 3: June 29, July 1, July 6 & July 8

Session 4: July 13, 15, 20, 22

Making Waves in Water Safety

Do you have questions or want to chat more about water safety? I’d love to help!

Send me a message or follow along on Instagram for more swim tips and safety advice.

Let’s make the water a safer place for every child!

Amanda standing outside smiling

Get on the Waitlist

You’ll be notified as soon as registration opens in February 2026

Spaces are limited, please only sign up for one session per student.

Fill out to be on the 2026 Waitlist

Registration opens March 2025. Get on the waitlist to be the first to know when registration opens.


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