Swim School – HealthSPORT

Available at Arcata and Eureka Pools

Safe. Confident. Strong in the Water.

At HealthSPORT Swim School, we teach kids to feel comfortable, capable, and safe in the water—from their very first splash to competitive-ready strokes. Our mission is simple: build real water confidence through proven safety skills and solid swimming technique.

We believe every child in Humboldt County deserves to enjoy our coastal waters with lifelong confidence. Whether your child is just getting comfortable with water on their face or refining advanced strokes, our expert instructors meet them where they are and guide them forward with patience, encouragement, and proven methods.

OUR PROGRAM

We offer three pathways designed to grow with your child from infancy through advanced swimming:

BABY & ME (Ages 6 Months – 2 Years)

A Gentle Introduction to Water

Baby & Me is a playful, parent-and-child class that builds early water comfort through bonding and exploration. In a warm, supportive environment, infants and toddlers experience splashing, kicking, simple back floats, and guided play—all while learning to trust the water.

The Goal: Build trust, comfort, and excitement about water—preparing your little one for a smooth transition into Swim School when they’re ready.

SWIM SCHOOL (Ages 2 – 10+ Years)

Building Skills, Confidence, and Independence

HealthSPORT Swim School takes children from their first fearful moments to confident, capable swimmers. Our four-level program makes progression clear and keeps kids motivated.

SWIM ACADEMY

Advanced Training for Lifelong Swimmers

After mastering Red Dolphin level, swimmers enter HealthSPORT Swim Academy—our next-stage program designed to develop powerful, confident, and technically skilled swimmers.

The Goal: Transform strong swimmers into polished, confident athletes ready for competitive swimming, lifeguarding, or simply enjoying a lifetime of water confidence and safety.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Frequently asked questions.

What age should my child start?

Baby & Me is perfect for infants as young as 6 months. Swim School begins at age 2, but we can assess readiness during enrollment.

How long does each level take?

Every child progresses at their own pace. Some move through a level in a few months, while others take longer—and that’s perfectly normal. Our instructors assess readiness and advance swimmers when they’ve mastered the skills.

What if my child is afraid of water?

Our instructors are experienced in working with fearful swimmers. We use gentle, playful techniques to build trust and confidence at each child’s own pace—no pressure, just progress.

Do I need to be a HealthSPORT member?

No! Swim School is open to everyone in the community, members and non-members alike.

What should my child bring?

Just a swimsuit, towel, and goggles (optional but helpful for older swimmers).

Can I watch the lessons?

Yes! Parents are welcome to watch from our viewing areas.

What if we need to miss a class?

Contact the pool desk to discuss make-up options or scheduling adjustments.

Join the Waitlist

All current sessions are full, but new classes are coming soon. Join the waitlist below and you’ll be the first to know when the next Move Through Menopause session opens at your preferred location.

Don’t wait to start feeling strong again.