Kids' Swim Lessons in Manhattan
Every level, every age—at Chelsea's first dedicated swim school.
About Chelsea Piers Swim
A clear path to water independence
Every child starts somewhere. Every child has a next step. Our program is built around both—with a defined level, a dedicated coach, and a badge that marks every skill along the way.
Water Discovery
Caregiver classes · Ages 3 months – 3 years · Songs, movement, and essential water safety skills — with gentle, supportive instruction.
Building Independence
Ages 2.5 – 7 · From swimming with a caregiver to swimming on their own. Every level builds on the last.
Stroke Development
Ages 5 and up · All four competitive strokes, built over time. Technique, endurance, and confidence in the water.
Independence for them. Peace of mind for you.
90º
heated pool, year round
3:1
starting class ratio
50+
certified water educators
15,000+
independent swimmers (and counting)
Water Discovery
Ages 3 months – 3 years · Caregiver in the water
Building Independence
Ages 2.5 – 7
Stroke Development
Ages 5 and up
Not sure which level is right for your child?
Contact usMore ways to swim
Intro to Swim
Private Lessons
Family Swim
What parents say
Trusted by thousands of families.
Before classes, I had a son who refused to get in a pool. Now it is a pure joy to watch.
My son Cameron excelled with Henry and is scooping, kicking, climbing out, jumping in, and going under in a matter of weeks.
Every week Meera really looks forward to the class. She remembers all her coaches and speaks of them fondly.
She can swim well. She learned it all here.
Jackson gained so much confidence in the water — including putting his head completely underwater.
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome swimmers from 3 months through the teenage years. Every level of our program—from caregiver-and-child classes in the water together, to advanced stroke development—is designed around where your child is developmentally, not just how old they are.
If you're not sure which program fits your child, our team is happy to help—or you can join us for a complimentary swim evaluation before classes begin.
Find your child's spot this fall. Classes start September 10.
Water independence for kids. Peace of mind for parents.
Coaches kids love
Career swim instructors — certified, experienced, and genuinely fun to learn from.
3:1 starting ratio
Fewer kids per coach means more reps, more practice, more attention.
Progress you can hold
Every swimmer earns a badge tracking their skills—so parents always know where their child stand.
A trusted program
Trusted by thousands of families in Brooklyn and Connecticut. Backed by 30 years of Chelsea Piers youth sports excellence.
Water Discovery
Starfish
Ages 3–30 months · Caregiver in the water Songs, games, and guided movement in the water. Caregivers learn how to hold and support their child safely while little ones build comfort and essential water safety skills from their very first class.
Intro to Sea Pups
Ages 24–36 months · Transitional The bridge from caregiver classes to independent swimming. Caregivers start in the water, then transition out as coaches take over. Children graduate as independent swimmers.
Building Independence
Sea Pups
Ages 2.5–6 years · First independent class. The first fully independent class. Swimmers build water safety fundamentals — floating, treading, and returning to the wall safely — alongside their first freestyle and backstroke movements.
Sea Lions
Ages 3.5–7 years. Freestyle and backstroke technique deepens. Swimmers master side breathing — the foundational skill that separates a child who moves through the water from one who fights it.
Stroke Development
Stroke Development Prep
Ages 5–7. For swimmers who are strong in the water but not quite ready for the full Stroke Development environment. Introduces the pace, expectations, and technical language of SD1 so nothing feels unfamiliar when they step up.
Stroke Development 1 & 2
Ages 6-9. All four competitive strokes introduced and refined. Endurance builds across freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Wall work, streamlines, and breathing technique throughout.
Stroke Development 3
Ages 7–11+. Endurance and technique across all four strokes at increasing intensity. Flip turns, open turns, racing starts. Our most advanced swim school class — for swimmers who are serious about the water.
Questions? We’re here to help.
Contact us and our team will be in touch.
Why Chelsea Piers Swim
Find your child's spot this fall. Classes begin September 10.
Sign up now