Summer is on the way and, for many Fairfax County families, that means it’s time to get wet! With drowning being the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 5 years old, it is critically important that children of all ages are aware of the dangers of unsupervised waterplay and enjoy the benefits of learning to swim — including all the fun that goes along with being able to enjoy the water, safely!
Park Authority Rec Centers and swimming pools offer a variety of water safety and swim lessons classes for swimmers of all ages.
"My favorite thing about teaching is seeing a kid who is terrified to put their face in the water to becoming the best swimmer in the class and having fun!"
The Park Authority's award-winning Adapted Aquatics Program is an individualized swimming and water activity program for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities. Program offerings include learn-to-swim classes, aquatic exercise classes, and training for Special Olympics and Paralympic Swim team competition.
Adapted Programs Schedule
Adapted Aquatics Program Policies
Special Olympics Swimming – FAQ
IT'S ABOUT PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION
The very first child Beth Campbell taught to swim was a boy with autism who lived on a lake in Massachusetts when she was 15 years old. In the nearly 50 years since that summer, Beth has taught thousands of children how to be safe around the water and to swim “their” stroke.
Park Authority lifeguards are among the best in the business. With safety as our primary objective, an enriching swimming experience as our goal, and a commitment to excellence in our training, our lifeguards are prepared and dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming aquatic environment for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Every year, the Park Authority needs over 500 lifeguards to staff our swimming pools and award-winning waterpark (The Watermine) and spray ground (Our Special Harbor).
"Our competition is designed to mimic real life scenarios that include swimming, paddling, treading water and communication which are the essential skills needed to keep our swimmers safe,"
