Free Swimming Lessons In MA From DCR: Registration Starts Monday

MASSACHUSETTS — Parents can sign up children for a state swimming lessons program beginning Monday, with classes set to take place at Department of Conservation and Recreation pools across Massachusetts.

The DCR Learn to Swim program is open to kids ages 4 to 12. The free swimming lesson swill be held across three, two-week sessions in July and August, according to DCR.

The swimming lessons are an effort by the state to curb drownings, which are a leading cause of death for children under age 14. The state saw 57 drowning deaths in 2022 alone, and nine of those were among children — and seven of the deaths were children under age 9.

“Ensuring that everyone knows how to swim and that we have a full contingent of qualified lifeguards to work throughout the season are critical to promoting water safety and providing access to these important recreational spaces," DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo said in a news release Friday.

Parents can begin signing up for DCR swimming lessons at 7 a.m. Monday. The first session begins July 1.

The state has also emphasized increasing the number of lifeguards at state beaches and pools following a spike in drownings in 2020 and 2021. DCR said Friday lifeguards will now be present for a full seven days a week at 32 guarded beaches and pools.