Swim Lesson Policies, Make Up Policies and Frequently Asked Questions

Missed classes:

You are registering for a semester of classes. Unfortunately if you miss a day we cannot reschedule that lesson or offer a make-up class.

Withdrawals and refunds:

After signing up for a class at the DCC, if you decide to withdraw prior to the start of the class you may receive a refund for the class fee minus $100. Class fees are not refundable after the second class. Written requests must be made to cancel a class registration by email to mona@manhattanyouth.org

Switching Classes Mid-Semester:

We will try our best to be accommodating if your child has a scheduling conflict. A permanent class switch may be requested once per semester without a fee. Please note that we can only switch your child to a different class based on availability. For any additional class switch requests we charge a fee of $20.

Be Prepared:

Please send your child with a swim suit, towel, and pair of goggles to each swimming session.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many children will be in my child's swim class?

Our goal is to offer your child high-quality swim instruction. Therefore, we strive to keep our swim classes small so that each swimmer receives personal attention from their instructor. For children younger than Kindergarten, classes will have a maximum of 3-4 children per instructor. School-aged children will have 3-6 children per instructor, depending on skill-level. Please note that Swim Team practices or advanced classes for older children may have more than 6 children per class due to their training-like structure.

Do I have to be a member to sign up for Swim Lessons at the Downtown Community Center?

No. While Members of the Community Center receive 10% off swim class fees, you do not have to have a membership to enroll your child in swim lessons. Since swim classes meet only once per week, we do encourage you to consider a Family Membership so that you can help your child reinforce their new skills during our Family Swim on the weekdays or weekends.
Exceptions to this are our Bubble Babies class (included in Membership) and Private Swim Lessons, which are offered only to Members.

Can I book a pool party at the Downtown Community Center?

Yes! Please contact parties@downtowncommunitycenter.org or 212-766-1104 x 247 for rates and additional information.

Can I request a specific teacher for my child?

We will do our best to accommodate all instructor requests but cannot guarantee which teacher your child will be placed with. We also may find it necessary to move a child to a different class mid-semester, or to change the teacher for a class mid-semester.

Will a class be cancelled if my child's instructor is out for the day?

No, the class will still take place as usual. An appropriate substitute teacher will be staffed for the day.

Can I register my child for a class after the semester has started?

Yes, based on availability. You will be charged a pro-rated amount for the remainder of the semester.