Swim Lessons

The YMCA of Greenville offers classes and activities for children throughout the year at locations in downtown Greenville, Taylors, Simpsonville, West Greenville, and Travelers Rest. Classes and sports leagues are available to members and non-members.

YMCA of Greenville Youth Programs Offered:

Basketball: Did you know that basketball was invented at the YMCA? The love for basketball remains at the Y where each player is met at their skill level. Children ages 4–14 can sign up for summer and winter basketball leagues or try it out for a week in one of our Summer Day Camps. (Ages 4–14)

Soccer: Soccer’s simple rules are a great way to introduce children to sports. The YMCA of Greenville offers spring and fall soccer leagues or kids can try it out for a week in one of our Summer Day Camps. (Ages 3–14)

Swim: The YMCA of Greenville offers swim lessons for anyone six months or older. Classes are progressive and build off each individual’s skills and are available throughout the day. For more advanced swimmers, the YMCA has Swim Academy, a specialized program that teaches the basics of swim team and competitive swimming. (Ages 6 months and up)

T-Ball: The YMCA of Greenville’s T-ball program is designed to be a developmental league for the youngest players. Children ages 3–7 will learn the necessary skills they need to master before moving on to play coach’s pitch, travel baseball, or travel softball. (Ages 3–7)

Cross Country: Participants will build confidence and endurance each time they complete the running trail. (Ages 5–14 | Prisma Health Family YMCA, Simpsonville only)

Flag Football: Spring and Fall Flag Football is open to children ages 4–14. Participants learn football fundamentals such as footwork, ball control, passing, and teamwork. The Y also offers an all-girls Flag Football option! (Ages 4–14)

Volleyball: Did you know that volleyball was also invented at the YMCA? This popular indoor sport is offered twice a year at select branches. Kids can also try it out for a week in one of our Summer Day Camps. (Ages 8–16)

Dance: Seasonal dance classes are offered at the Prisma Health Family YMCA in Simpsonville and throughout the year via Carolina Dance Collaborative at several other YMCA of Greenville locations.

Adventure Guides and Trailblazers: Parent/child pairs are grouped into circles with others in their surrounding community. Circles meet on their own for different events and activities, and the program as a whole offers events open to all circles throughout the season — including two weekend camps at YMCA Camp Greenville, a Pinewood Derby race, a chili cook-off, and a father-daughter semi-formal Valentine’s Dance.

Both of my daughters have learned to swim thanks to the YMCA. The instructors are attentive and the class sizes weren’t too big, so they were always in the water moving their bodies. The Stroke Development swim classes really helped my oldest get ready for swim team this summer. We have also done soccer when our oldest was 3 and 4 and the coaches were helpful and pushed the kids just enough to help them learn, while also making it fun.

— Sam G.

YMCA of Greenville Website: ymcagreenville.org
Phone: 864.412.0288

Goldfish Swim School in Greenville was created by parents, for parents, with the goal of helping kids build essential swim skills to keep them safer in and around the water. Their proven, confidence-building curriculum was developed by a 17-time Collegiate All-American swimmer with a degree in Early Childhood Development.

Small class sizes, weekly feedback, quarterly progress reports, and free make-up lessons ensure every child gets the attention they deserve and a platform to build life skills that help them make waves in life! 

Programs Offered:

• F.L.O.A.T. Lessons (ages 12 months–4 years): 10-min 1:1 water safety sessions focused on self-rescue skills and floating. 
• Group Lessons (ages 4 months–12 years): 30-min weekly classes at a 4:1 ratio, progressing through Mini, Junior, Glider, and Pro skill levels.
• Independent Baby (ages 24–35 months): Smaller 3:1 group classes for confident water babies; no parent in the water required.
• Semi-Private Lessons (ages 3–12): 2:1 instruction; great for siblings or friends learning together.
• Private Lessons (ages 3–12): 30-min 1:1 instruction.
• Swim Force (ages 5–12): Weekly 1-hour competitive swim team covering all four major strokes. 

Top Questions Parents Ask:

Can I start lessons with my infant? Yes, Group (Mini) classes begin at 4 months with a parent in the water.
What’s included in the $25 annual membership? A Goldfish t-shirt, reusable swim bag, designated family swim times, monthly celebration events, and sibling discounts.
Required at registration and renewed annually.

Goldfish Swim School Greenville Website: https://goldfishswimschool.com/greenville/
Location: 607 Haywood Rd, Greenville, SC 

An award-winning and local, private swim school, Swim Lessons with Mary has been delivering exceptional, 1-1 swim instruction for the past 14 years. Their lessons are designed to build confidence and mastery in the water for swimmers of all ages and abilities, from self-rescue to stroke and technique. The program is rooted in the belief that 1-1 instruction is key to effective learning, providing personalized attention that helps each swimmer progress at their own pace, build self-confidence, and develop skills tailored to their unique needs and goals.

Top Questions Parents Ask About Swim Lessons with Mary:

• Are lessons truly private? Yes, Swim Lessons with Mary only teaches 1-on-1 lessons, so every session is completely private and personalized to your swimmer’s individual goals and learning style.
• How are instructors selected? Every instructor undergoes a comprehensive background check and completes extensive onboarding,  including an average of 60 hours of in-water training and 20 hours of out-of-water preparation, before ever teaching a solo lesson.
• When can we start? Year-round! Lessons are weekly recurring, on the same day and time each week. After school and weekday morning slots are available.

Swim Lessons with Mary Website: swimlessonswithmary.com

I’ll admit I was hesitant at first,  finding the right swim program can be tough,  but I am now a completely loyal customer. We’ve had lessons with 3 different instructors and each one has been kind, skilled, and so encouraging. Her instructor has such a calm, focused energy, and he knows exactly how to challenge her while still making her feel confident and safe. The progress she’s made is incredible. If you’re on the fence, go for it. You’ll be so glad you did!

— C.S.

At acac, families discover more than just activities for children; they discover opportunities for growth, confidence, and lifelong wellness. Through two standout youth programs, Dolphin Swim School and Youth Tennis, we’re helping young athletes build skills, stay active, and develop a love for movement in a fun, supportive environment.

Dolphin Swim School provides a safe, confidence-building learn-to-swim experience for all ages and skill levels, led by certified instructors and built around the trusted Starfish Aquatic International curriculum. On the courts, Youth Tennis delivers dynamic instruction, developing stroke mechanics, footwork, court awareness, and match-play strategy in a positive, energetic setting.

Top Questions Parents Ask About acac:

• What is Dolphin Swim School? Four progressive 30-minute levels covering floating, kicking, rhythmic breathing, and foundational strokes, all built around the Starfish Aquatic International curriculum.
• Is tennis for beginners? Yes, the Youth Tennis program is designed for everyone from first-time players to competitive young athletes.
• Do we need a membership? Membership is not required for most youth programs, though members do enjoy lower rates.

Whether learning to swim, rallying on the courts, or discovering a new passion, children at acac are empowered to grow, move, and thrive through programs intentionally designed to support healthy, active lifestyles all year long.

Emler’s week-long Swim Clinics are offered all summer long and are a great way to help kids become safer, more confident swimmers before summer is in full swing. Each clinic includes five consecutive days of 30-minute swim lessons designed to accelerate progress in a short amount of time. Our experienced instructors work with swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning foundational water safety skills to more advanced swimmers refining stroke technique and endurance. Swim Clinics can be used as a stand-alone camp experience or as an added boost alongside weekly lessons.

Questions parents have about Emler Swim School:

What types of lessons does Emler offer? Four options are available. Group Swim Lessons (milestone-based, builds level by level), Private Lessons (1-on-1, 20 or 30 minutes, tailored to your child’s specific needs), Adult Swim Lessons (beginner through technique refinement), and Weekly Swim Clinics (five consecutive days designed to achieve five weeks of progress).
How does the curriculum work? The SwimSure™ curriculum is milestone-based, where each level builds on the last, ensuring clear progression, consistent skill development, and confidence-building at every stage.

Emler Swim School Website: emlerswimschool.com/programs/swim-clinics
Phone: 855.232.2006

SafeSplash Swim School in Simpsonville makes learning to swim fun, safe, and confidence-building for kids starting as young as 4 months old. With a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio, a warm 92° indoor pool, and a proven skill-based curriculum, kids progress at their own pace while flexible scheduling and makeup lessons keep it easy for busy families. Whether it’s your child’s first splash or their next stroke, SafeSplash creates a safe, encouraging environment where swimmers thrive. 

Questions Parents Ask Before Signing Up:

How fast will my child progress? The S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise provides a clear path to mastering 10 essential swim-safety skills, and if your child needs more time, they guarantee up to 2 months of free lessons.
Are instructors good with anxious or special-needs swimmers? Yes! Instructors are known for their warm, patient, confidence-building approach. Staff are experienced in accommodating children with autism, sensory challenges, and water anxiety.

Location: Simpsonville (Five Forks)
SafeSplash Swim School Website: safesplashswimlabs.com

Offers: Offers an incredibly wide variety of camps and events all summer long and rec classes throughout the year at multiple Greenville locations. Visit website for full details and to explore the many options.

Fall youth sports options include football, tennis (lessons and tournaments), ice hockey (with a variety of experience levels), ice skating, and whole lot more!

Offers: Greenville Rec’s indoor swim facility offers programs for youth, adults, and seniors.

We offer a full scale swim lesson experience from Parent and Kiddo class all the way to swim team and triathalon training. We start at 4 months old.

Kroc Greenville offers a wide variety of youth and community based programs in the heart of downtown Greenville. Programs are available to both members and non-members.  Scholarships are also available upon request.

Goldfish Swim School offers year-round swim lessons for children, featuring small classes, expert instruction, flexible make-ups, progress tracking, and a fun, confidence-building learning environment.