It's summer!
It's finally hot!
It's time to be in the water!
But... if your family is in my boat, your young kids can't swim yet. I realized this year we needed to work on that, so after listening to friends' experiences we found the perfect spot for us. I'm grateful for the better peace of mind we'll all have when we're on the water this year!
How about you? Whether you've already mapped out your summer completely, or are still looking for options for the kids, you can still get in on swim lessons around the county this summer and throughout the year.
Check out these local spots for awesome swim lessons.
236 Robert Rose Dr. Murfreesboro. 615-962-9500.
The privately-owned indoor water facility is a mecca for hydro activity, from the endless swimming training lanes to water treadmills to recreational pools. All ages will appreciate the warm-water indoor pools and the certified instructors. Sign up for group classes (as they come available) or schedule private lessons any time for any age, including Mommy and Me baby classes. Cost: varies
2001 Motlow College Blvd. Smyrna. 615-220-9622
Eep! They've already closed their classes for the summer, but youth and adult group and private swim lessons are offered throughout the year. Keep checking back with this standard of safe and effective swim instruction.
3. Patterson Park Community Center
521 Mercury Blvd. Murfreesboro. 615-893-7439
The link will take you to Excel Aquatic's website; they're the group who actually leads the swim lessons at Patterson Park. You'll need to click on "location" in order to selection Murfreesboro spots-- Patterson Park, as well as SportsCom and MTSU. Slots remain open for novice (kids must e at least 3 years old) and intermediate swim lessons in July, with registration opening this week (so look quickly!) Sessions run three weeks, with a 20-minute class twice a week. Private lessons are also available. The website also features year-round options for swim training. Cost: $80
4. Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center
100 Sam Ridley Pkwy E. Smyrna. 615-459-9710.
If you're not already signed up with Community Pass, go ahead and take the time to do it. You (and the kids) with then be all ready to register for any public programs offered any time throughout the year! You'll register yourself and add your kids at CommunityPass and select "Smyrna, Town of" for your community of choice. Once you've set up your account you'll want to select "Summer classes and Pool Memberships 2021" to see what swim classes apply to your kids' age groups. They're filling up fast, but later July and August sessions are currently available. Call and chat with SOAC staff for questions or help. Cost: One-week sessions of four lessons start at $50.
2310 Memorial Blvd. Murfreesboro. 615-895--5040.
Like Patterson Park, Excel Aquatics heads up the swim lessons at SportsCom. On the site, you'll need to click on "location" in order to select Murfreesboro spots-- SportsCom, Patterson Park, and MTSU. Slots remain open for novice (kids must be at least 3 years old) and intermediate swim lessons in July, with registration opening this week (so look quickly!) Sessions run three weeks, with a twenty-minute class twice a week. Private lessons are also available. The website also features year-round options for swim training. Cost: $80
7857 S. Lama Rd. Smyrna. 615-459-5124.
Open annually only for the summer, this local swim school offers a fun and firm introduction to swimming for babies and preschoolers and a great place to grow and learn for teens. It's set on a beautiful farm in Smyrn aso guests can take walks and bring picnics on the grounds between classes. Students enjoy a heated outdoor pool and award-winning instruction from Sue Opincar and her attentive staff. Sessions last one hour a day for five days. Cost: $70
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama and Murfreesboro native who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram. Got a column idea? Email her at laurabethpayne@gmail.com.