St. Paul to provide free swimming lessons for kids

The City of St. Paul is offering free swimming lessons to children on a first-come, first-serve basis this summer.

Registration opens starting April 1 on the city's website . Residents can also call 651-642-0650 or visit the Great River Water Park in person starting at 9 a.m. the same day.

The decision follows the city's initiative to remove fees from youth sports programs . In 2022, the city waived all sports fees for kids ages 9-18 through 2025.

“In the land of 10,000 lakes, cost should never be a barrier to water safety skills,” St. Paul Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez said.

The lessons will be offered at Como Regional Park Pool and Highland Park Aquatic Center. A water safety and swimming course will also be offered at Lake Phalen Beach this summer, according to the city.

St. Paul also offers other free and affordable aquatics programs that include:

• Women's Swim Night : Swim time providing equitable access to aquatics facilities for women and girls who may otherwise not be utilizing these spaces due to religious beliefs or cultural practices.
• Sensory Friendly Swim Time : Swim time for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
• Rondo Community Free Open Swim Sundays : Free open swim time with water safety education.
• Teen Aquatic Fitness : Free swim time with water safety and lifeguard skills training, mentorship program, service projects and aquatic fitness for ages 14 to 18.
• Senior Aquatics Memberships : Free and reduced rate aquatics memberships for St. Paul residents age 62 and up with a financial need.
• St. Paul Sunnies Developmental Swim Team : Developmental swim team with a mission to reach youth ages 10 to 14 who have historically experienced barriers to traditional swim teams.

More information on specific programs can be found here .