You have an opportunity to get your child into a City-sponsored swim program (there is a lottery, you can call ahead to see how that limits your chances of getting in).

In Queens, the program is run at Roy Wilkins Park.  See the NYC Parks web site at: http://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/learn-to-swim

Check with them for further info.

Program description for Scout age kids (there are programs for younger kids and adults):
Child Classes: 6 – 17 Years Old

Level I: Children at this level learn basic aquatic skills. They’ll learn how to safely get into and leave the water, how to control their breath by blowing bubbles, how to float and kick on front and back and move through the water. They’ll also learn how to stay safe around the water and what to do in case of an emergency.

Level II: Children at this level learn to move their arms and legs together in a swimming motion. We’ll work on teaching children to swim without assistance, and improve on skills that they learned in Level I. They’ll be able to understand dangerous water conditions and how to assist a swimmer in a water emergency.

• Your child must be 6 years of age on the first day of class in order to participate in the children’s program. Please make sure to bring a birth certificate, passport, or photo identification with date of birth listed for the child on the day of the first class. Documents will be returned after verification is completed. There are classes available at two different times: on Saturdays, and afterschool from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• All 6-17 years old Saturday lottery winners must attend a water test on October 18 to determine class level.  Missing the water test will result in a first absence.
If a child misses the water test and the first day of class they will be dropped from the session. Participants who miss two consecutive classes will be dropped from the program.

PLEASE NOTE:  IN THE SUMMER, THE NYC PARKS DEPARTMENT OFFERS A LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM AT THEIR OUTDOOR POOLS LIKE THE ONES AT ASTORIA AND FORT TOTTEN.