Sacramento has warm indoor pools that teach all year, so kids do not have to wait for summer to learn. Three SafeSplash schools and the Sacramento Central YMCA run weekly lessons from babies to advanced swimmers, and VIP Swim School comes to your home pool. Once kids can swim a full length, the Orangevale TigerSharks summer team is the next step, and teens 15 and up can train as lifeguards.
Year-round lessons
- SafeSplash in Land Park at City Sports in Crocker Village: parent-and-child through advanced, groups of up to 4, $114 a month.
- SafeSplash on Arden Way at In-Shape Family Fitness: from 4 months, Mondays through Thursdays 11 am to 7 pm, $104 to $312 a session plus a $35 annual fee. SwimJam is a one-week, 4-lesson jump-start.
- SafeSplash in Natomas: from 4 months, weekly classes at $130 a month plus a $50 annual fee.
- YMCA Swim Lessons at Sacramento Central YMCA: parent-and-child lessons for 6 months to 3 years, small groups of 3 to 6, and private lessons in 4- or 8-lesson packages. Check the Y for prices.
- VIP Swim School: private 30-minute lessons at your home pool or the instructor's, in 10- or 20-lesson packages.
Swim team and lifeguarding
- Orangevale TigerSharks Swim Team: a summer rec team for ages 4 to 18 who can swim one 25-yard length, $197. A team, not lessons. 2027 registration opens February 1, 2027.
- Lifeguard Training at North Natomas Aquatic Complex: American Red Cross lifeguarding, first aid and CPR for ages 15 and up, $245. It starts with two swim skills tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How young can kids start swim lessons in Sacramento?
At 4 months at SafeSplash on Arden Way and in Natomas, and at 6 months in YMCA parent-and-child lessons.
How much do swim lessons cost in Sacramento?
SafeSplash group lessons are $114 a month in Land Park and $130 a month in Natomas, plus an annual fee in Natomas and on Arden Way. Check the YMCA and VIP Swim School for their current prices.
Is there a swim team for kids in the Sacramento area?
Yes. The Orangevale TigerSharks are a summer recreational team for ages 4 to 18. Swimmers need to swim one 25-yard length to join.
How old do you have to be to take lifeguard training?
15. The North Natomas Aquatic Complex course is open to ages 15 and up and starts with two swim skills evaluations.