Learn To Swim in Nature
Learning to swim at Hale is different. Attentive lifeguards keep a watchful eye on the waterfront, and friendly instructors make learning fun as little kids wade into water and older ones dive from the dock.
Lesson Types
Our American Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructors teach six levels of lessons every day so students can continually build on progress. Most swimmers advance one level per summer.
These lessons cater to ages 3+ and progress through six levels of American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim classes in which students build confidence, increase stamina, and refine strokes. Our highly trained instructors foster fun, friendship, and learning.
These lessons are available for ages 3+ and are tailored to each swimmer’s age, ability, and learning style. They’re perfect for children who may need personal instruction to advance to the next level. Adults are welcome to take private lessons as well—it’s never too late to learn to swim, and extra guidance can make strokes more efficient. Please contact our team to arrange private lessons.
Authorized by the American Red Cross
Hale is a Red Cross Learn-to-Swim provider, and our Family & Community Program at South Beach is regularly recognized as a Boston Parents Paper Family Favorite.
Lesson Levels
As an official American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program provider, our lessons follow its curriculum. Learn more about each level here.
This is an ideal place to begin for ages 3 and up. Lessons in shallow water help swimmers acclimate to water and get comfortable with flotation and movement through a variety of aquatic activities. Level 1 lessons are 30 minutes long. Level 2 lessons are 45 minutes long.
These lessons take place in deeper water and are usually frequented by children in elementary school. Levels 3 and 4 lay the stroke foundations that swimmers need later as they move through the program. Lessons for Levels 3–4 are 45 minutes long.
These upper levels are for stroke refinement, efficiency, and endurance. Drills increase speed and teach children how to swim for fitness. Level 5+ swimmers are generally comfortable swimming 50 yards freestyle and 25 yards elementary backstroke. Lessons for Levels 5–6 are 45 minutes long.
Dates & Rates
Session Dates
Hale offers lessons in four 2-week sessions to sustain instruction and support your swimmer’s progress. Stack sessions to maintain momentum, or mix and match sessions to fill time between camps, vacations, and other commitments.
Types, Levels, Times, and Tuition
Group lessons are available in two-week sessions that include daily half-hour classes, Monday through Friday. Each level is offered twice per day. One adult (18+) is required to remain on site while minors participate in lessons—this is included in the price of the lesson; additional family members may purchase South Beach Day Passes if they would like to enjoy the beach while a child’s or sibling’s lesson is underway. Open swim is available whenever the beach is open and lifeguards are on duty.
Family and Community Program season passes offer more access, more activities, and a 25% discount on swimming lessons.
| TypeS, Levels, TIMES | Tuition | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Group Lessons Level 1 (30 minutes) | $255 FCP Passholder: $192 | Enroll SOON |
| Group Lessons Levels 2–6 (45 minutes) | $435 FCP Passholder: $325 | Enroll SOON |
| Private Lessons Level 1 (30 minutes) | $515 FCP Passholder: $388 | Contact Us |
| Private Lessons Levels 2–6 (45 minutes) | $860 FCP Passholder: $646 | Contact Us |
New This Year
Youth Swim Club
Hale’s Youth Swim Club at South Beach invites swimmers who are confident in deep water to join friends in refining strokes, building endurance, learning team dynamics, and developing lifelong fitness habits.
Who It’s For
Level 5+ swimmers who want the benefits of group swimming without the competition of a swim team
What It Includes
Endurance swimming, stroke refinement, and friendly water games focused on fun
Schedule
Semiweekly meets are held from 3–4 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays for eight weeks (16 meets per summer)
Coaches
Certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors trained to improve technique and fitness
Youth Swim Club season dues are $200. As with Swimming Lessons, Family & Community Program passholders enjoy a 25% discount on these dues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swimmers can learn similar skills in a variety of environments, but how they learn can be very different. Noanet Pond offers a shallow grade of depth, so young swimmers are more comfortable wading into it. Our water—which is balanced by tree tannins, not bleached by chlorine—is less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Natural sunlight boosts vitamin D. South Beach’s fresh air, social atmosphere, and waterfront amenities invite children to think about swimming as one of many outdoor activities they can enjoy, rather than something they need to learn or pass.
American Red Cross swimming lesson levels begin at level 1 (beginner) and progress to level 6 (advanced). At Hale, we evaluate each swimmer during their first lesson to ensure they are starting at the appropriate level. If you have questions, or would like more information or assistance as you select a level, please don’t hesitate to email our team or speak with one of our Red Cross-certified Water Safety Instructors.
Only if another adult (18+) from your household stays at the beach. At least one caregiver is required to remain on site while their child’s lesson is underway. You do not need to purchase a South Beach Day Pass to meet this requirement—please enjoy the beach on us! If other family members would like to hang out too, we recommend considering a Family and Community Program season pass.
Lessons focus on teaching newer swimmers; the club focuses on building camaraderie among established swimmers. Club participants fine-tune strokes and practice starts and turns, tackle endurance challenges and conditioning (such as 500-yard swims, interval training, and a swim across the pond), enjoy team relays and games, and showcase their aquatic know-how in an end-of-season showcase event for families. The club emphasizes fitness, safety, and fun in a non-competitive environment.
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