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

Scroll to the bottom to pick a class.

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.

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!

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 lighting 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 guaranteed, however, there are a few days available for make-ups.

Do you have more questions? Email Amanda.

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

Swimmers supported through Swim Manatee

Free swim lessons given away

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!

**Sunshine Academy launching March 2025**

📖 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!

Registration is limited to one class per student. Sign up for the waitlist. If a second spot opens, you will receive an email to be offered the spot.