By Kate Cohen

At Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center (RAFC), we are proud to offer free swim lessons to families in our community.

Every day, we welcome swimmers in every phase of life.

From Olympic medalists setting new world records to infants learning invaluable water safety techniques, our pools host professional athletes and brand-new beginners.

We are dedicated to helping every child, adolescent, and adult become a confident, capable swimmer.

Regardless of age, income, or ability, there is a swim lesson at RAFC waiting just for your child – or you.

Before we dive in for a closer look at two of our incredible programs, which we’re proud to offer the Central Florida community, let’s explain why learning to swim is so incredibly important.

Why Do Swim Lessons Matter?

Florida’s warm, sunny weather makes our state a swimmer’s paradise. There’s nothing better than splashing in a pool for a refreshing pick-me-up on a hot day.

But knowing how to swim is about more than recreation; it can save a life in an unexpected moment.

Florida has over 30,000 lakes and more home pools than any other state. It also has the highest rate of unintentional child drownings in the country.

The number of tragically preventable deaths in recent years prompted the Florida Department of Health to collaborate with Red Cross. Together, they conducted a study that proved a child’s chance of surviving in water increases 88% with swim lessons.

These are just some of the statistics that prove the critical importance of accessible swim lessons for everyone in our community, especially children.

Let’s dive into the swimming lessons the RAFC offers.

Every Child a Swimmer

In 2021, the Every Child a Swimmer law was passed, requiring every school to provide parents of enrolled children with water safety information and the location of local swim school resources.

In partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, RAFC is proud to offer swim lessons through the Every Child a Swimmer organization.

These lessons are available in underserved communities for low-income families, ensuring that every child is able to receive quality swim instruction regardless of the ability to pay.

Families can apply for funding from Every Child a Swimmer to participate in group swim lessons at RAFC.

Group lessons are offered at our indoor facility year-round.

To learn more about Orange County’s Every Child A Swimmer program, please call 407-723-5004.

Step Into Swim

Step Into Swim, an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, has a mission to create more swimmers.

They believe that not only do lessons teach important safety skills, they also instill a love of water play and empower long-term participation in water activities.

At RAFC, our Step Into Swim Learn to Swim lessons are available to everyone, regardless of household income.

Scholarships are available for four lesson levels, including Preschool Level 1 & 2 and School Age Level 1 & 2. Any child between the ages of 6 months and 12 years can apply for free Step Into Swim lessons.

Request scholarship funding for your child’s participation here.

Other Lessons

In addition to our Step Into Swim and Every Child a Swimmer programming, RAFC also offers swim lessons for adolescents and adults.

Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or a total beginner, you are welcome to join our skilled instructors in the pool to hone your skills.

RAFC also offers private swim lessons for anyone looking for a one-on-one approach to learning to swim.

Our Pool

Swim lessons at RAFC are held in the Teaching Pool, which is kept at a warm and comfortable 86 degrees.

With seven designated lanes and a depth of 4 feet, it’s the ideal environment for lessons.

Spectators are welcome to watch lessons from an air-conditioned viewing room adjacent to the teaching pool. You’ll have peace of mind as you observe your child learning how to swim with our highly skilled and trained instructors.

Keep Your Child Safe with Swim Lessons at Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center

By enrolling your child in a swim lesson at RAFC, you provide them with life-saving skills and yourself with peace of mind.

We’ll make sure they not only learn how to be safe in and around water but also learn to love swimming and all the opportunities it holds.

While you don’t need to be an RAFC member to participate in programs like Every Child a Swimmer and Step Into Swim, membership certainly has its benefits.

Members have access to amenities like our Olympic-sized swimming pool, a fitness center equipped with cardio equipment, cable machines, and free weights, and a full lineup of fitness classes (both in and out of the water.)

If you have questions about our swim lessons, membership, or anything else RAFC-related, contact us here or by calling 407-996-3444.