Child Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons: Child

PARENT AND CHILD SWIM LESSONS

American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics are designed to familiarize children with water and teach swimming readiness. In addition, these courses provide safety information for parents/caregivers and teach techniques they can use to help orient their children to the water.

A caregiver (at least 16 years of age) responsible for the learner in appropriate swimming attire must be in the water to assist and support the entire lesson.

Bubblers 1 (Parent and Child Aquatics Level 1)
Build a healthy relationship with the water, your child, and other families in this protected culture of learners! This level familiarizes parents and children with the water and teaches swimming readiness skills such as becoming comfortable in the water, support techniques and beginning breath control. This level also provides safety information for parents and teaches techniques parents can use to orient their children to the water. A caregiver (at least 16 years of age) responsible for the learner in appropriate swimming attire must be in the water to assist and support the entire lesson.
Note: Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Bubblers 2 (Parent and Child Aquatics Level 2)
Increase aquatic skill development, and self-confidence, and make fitness fun with your family! This level builds on skills learned in Bubblers 1. Parents/caregivers and young children will continue to work on basic skills including water adjustment, support techniques, and breath control. Skills such as floating and kicking on front and back are explored. A caregiver (at least 16 years of age) responsible for the learner in appropriate swimming attire must be in the water to assist and support for the entire lesson. If a child who successfully completes this level are at least 3 years old, they may be ready to enroll in Bobbers (Preschool Aquatics Level 1)
Note: Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level or until they are old enough for Bobbers.

PRESCHOOL SWIM LESSONS

Bobbers (Preschool Aquatics Level 1)
Swimmers are familiarized to the aquatic environment and helps them acquire basic aquatic skills such as water entry and exit; breath control and submerging; floating/gliding on the front and back; and treading in chest-deep water. Arm and leg actions are also introduced at this level. Swimmers begin to develop positive attitudes and safe practices around water. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Bobbers Exit Skills Assessment:

All Bobbers exit skills can be performed with support.

1. Enter independently, using either the ramp, steps or side, travel at least 5 yards, submerge to mouth and blow bubbles for at least 3 seconds, then safely exit the water. (Children can walk, move along the gutter or “swim.”)

2. While in shallow water, glide on front for at least 2 body lengths, then roll to back and float on back for 3 seconds, then recover to a vertical position.

Floaters (Preschool Aquatics Level 2)
Swimmers build on basic swimming skills learned in the Bobbers Series including breath control and submerging; swimming using combined arm and leg actions on the front and back; and treading in shoulder-deep water. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Floaters Exit Skills Assessment:

All Floaters exit skills can be performed with assistance.

1. 1. Glide on front for at least 2 body lengths, roll to back, float on back for 15 seconds, then recover to a vertical position.

1. 1. Glide on back for at least 2 body lengths, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position.

1. 1. Swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 3 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue swimming on front for at least 3 body lengths.

Strokers 1 (Preschool Aquatics Level 3)
Swimmers build on the skills learned in the Bobbers and Floaters levels, with a greater emphasis on swimming on the front and back without assistance and for longer distances. Treading in shoulder-deep water for longer periods of time will also be explored. Water safety concepts are reinforced in this level. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Strokers 1 Exit Skills Assessment:

All Strokers 1 exit skills are done independently (defined as no adult contact, intervention or use of flotation devices).

1. 1. Step from the side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom, move into a treading or floating position for 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths, then exit the water.

1. 1. Move into a back float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position.

1. 1. Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue swimming for 5 body lengths.

Strokers 2 (Learn-to-Swim Level 3)
Swimmers will focus on stroke development including front crawl and elementary backstroke. Swimmers will be introduced to the scissors and dolphin kicks and will build on the fundamentals of treading water. Diving skills may also be introduced. Participants may also learn rules for headfirst entries and begin to learn to enter the water headfirst from a seated position at the poolside (if the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught). Participants who successfully complete this level and who meet the appropriate age requirement may register for Youth 4. This course may be repeated until the child is old enough for Youth Level 4.

Strokers 2 Exit Skills Assessment:

1. 1. Jump into deep water from the side, recover to the surface, maintain position by treading or floating for 1 minute, rotate one full turn then turn as necessary to orient to the exit point, level off, swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards, then exit the water.

1. 1. Push off in a streamlined position, then swim front crawl for 15 yards, change position and direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards, then exit the water.

STROKE AND TURN LESSONS

Lessons focus on building endurance, stroke, and turn refinement. Participants in this course will be expected to swim longer distances using front crawl, back crawl, butterfly, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke. Participants will also learn to utilize equipment such as pull buoys, fins, paddles, and/or a pace clock. Using swimming as part of personal water fitness will also be discussed. To improve strength and endurance, this course may be repeated.

Prerequisite

• • Successful completion of the Youth/Adult lesson 5.

YOUTH AND TEEN SWIM LESSONS

Youth lessons are for ages 6 to 12 years and Teen lessons are for ages 13 to 17.

Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills

Adapt to the aquatic environment while developing a positive attitude and safe practices around water. Gain basic aquatic skills such as water entry and exit; breath control and submerging; arm and leg actions; floating and gliding on the front and back; and treading in chest-deep water. Learn-to-Swim Level 1 skills overlap with the Preschool Bobbers and Floaters skills. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Exit Skills Assessment:
When children complete Learn-to-Swim Level 1, they should be comfortable getting in and moving through the water and be willing to put their face in the water. Children should also be able to use arm and leg movements with assistance.

1. 1. Enter independently, using either the ramp, steps or side; travel at least 5 yards; bob 5 times; then safely exit the water. (Participants can walk, move along the gutter or “swim.”)

1. 1. Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 5 seconds and recover to a vertical position. (This part of the assessment can be performed with assistance.)

Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills

Build on the fundamental aquatic skills learned in Level 1. This level marks the beginning of true locomotion skills. Participants learn to glide and float without support and recover to a vertical position. Participants further develop simultaneous and alternating arm and leg actions on the front and back, laying the foundation for future strokes. New water safety topics are introduced and previously acquired water safety knowledge and skills are reinforced. Many of the skills taught in this level are the same skills taught in Preschool Strokers 1. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 2, they should be increasingly confident in the water. Participants are starting to swim independently using arm and leg movements, but may still need assistance when taking a breath. All Learn-to-Swim Level 2 exit skills are performed independently:

1. 1. Step from side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom, move into a treading or floating position for at least 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths, then exit the water.

1. 1. Move into a back float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position.

1. 1. Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue swimming for at least 5 body lengths.

Level 3: Stroke Development

Swimmers must successfully complete Level 2 as a prerequisite. Focus on expanding the proficiency of previously learned skills by providing additional guided practice. Participants learn and practice survival floating and learn to swim front crawl and elementary backstroke at rudimentary proficiency levels. You introduce the scissors and dolphin kicks and extend the time duration for treading water. Participants also learn rules for headfirst entries and begin to learn to enter the water headfirst from a seated position at poolside (if the water is 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught). As in all levels, new and previously addressed, water safety topics are included. Participants who successfully complete Level 3 have achieved basic water competency in a pool environment. Many of the skills taught in this level are the same skills taught in Preschool Strokers 2. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 3, they have achieved basic water competency in a pool environment. They are starting to show stroke proficiency in the front crawl and elementary backstroke. They have begun learning the breaststroke and the scissors kicks and can tread water for 1 minute. They demonstrate comfort in deep water and maybe able to enter the water headfirst from both the sitting and the kneeling positions (If the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught).

1. 1. Jump into deep water from the side, recover to the surface, maintain position by treading or floating for 1 minute, rotate one full turn then turn as necessary to orient to the exit point, level off, swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards, then exit the water.

1. 1. Push off in a streamlined position then swim front crawl for 15 yards, change position and direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards, then exit the water.

Level 4: Stroke Improvement

Swimmers must successfully complete Level 3 as a prerequisite. Focus on improvement of aquatic skills and increase endurance by swimming the strokes learned in Level 3 (i.e., front crawl, elementary backstroke) for greater distances and with more advanced proficiency. Participants add arm actions to the previously learned scissors kick and breaststroke kick to perform the rudimentary sidestroke and to learn the breaststroke. Participants also begin to learn the back crawl and butterfly, as well as the basics of performing a simple open turn at a wall. Explore diving skills. Participants learn to enter the water headfirst from a compact and stride position at poolside (if the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught). Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 4, they are starting to demonstrate effective and efficient strokes in the front crawl and elementary backstroke. They are starting to show stroke proficiency in the breaststroke, back crawl, butterfly and sidestroke. They can enter the water headfirst from both compact and stride positions (If the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught).

1. 1. Perform a feetfirst entry into deep water, swim front crawl for 25 yards, change direction and position as necessary and swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards.

1. 1. Swim breaststroke for 15 yards, change direction and position as necessary, and swim back crawl for 15 yards.

1. 1. Submerge and swim a distance of 3 to 5 body lengths underwater without hyperventilating, return to the surface, then exit the water.

Level 5: Stroke Refinement

Swimmers must successfully complete Level 4 as a prerequisite. Focus on stroke refinement and increase the distance that they will swim for all six strokes: front crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, back crawl, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke. Participants will work on surface dives, flip turns and explore diving skills (if the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught). Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 5, they are starting to demonstrate effectiveness and efficiency in all strokes. They are starting to work on endurance through longer swims that require using open and flip turns. They can enter the water using the shallow-angle dive (if the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught) and can then continue swimming.

1. 1. Perform a shallow-angle dive into water at least 9 feet deep (If the pool is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught)., swim front crawl for 50 yards, then swim elementary backstroke for 50 yards using appropriate and efficient turning styles throughout.

1. 1. Swim breaststroke for 25 yards, change direction of travel as necessary, then swim back crawl for 25 yards using appropriate and efficient turning styles throughout.

Level 6: Swimming and Skills Proficiency-Personal Water Safety

Swimmers must successfully complete Level 5 as a prerequisite. Focus on stroke refinement to develop greater efficiency, power and smoothness for longer distances. Refine the front crawl, back crawl, butterfly, elementary backstroke, breaststroke and sidestroke. There will also be extensive work on turns and water safety skills. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 6, they are able to swim all strokes effectively and efficiently. They are able to swim continuously while using the appropriate turns for the stroke. They also have a solid understanding about how to be safe in, on and around the water.

1. 1. Swim 500 yards continuously using any 3 strokes, swimming at least 50 yards of each stroke.

1. 1. Jump into deep water, perform a survival float for 5 minutes, roll onto back and perform a back float for 5 minutes.

1. 1. Perform a feetfirst surface dive, retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool at a depth of 7 to 10 feet, return to the surface, then back to starting point.

Adult Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons: Adult

ADULT SWIM LESSONS

Adult lessons are for ages 18 and older and follow the American Red Cross curriculum as outlined below.

Adult Beginner (Learn-to-Swim Level 1 – Introduction to Water Skills)

Adapt to the aquatic environment while developing a positive attitude and safe practices around water. Gain basic aquatic skills such as water entry and exit; breath control and submerging; arm and leg actions; floating and gliding on the front and back; and treading in chest-deep water. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Prerequisites:

• • None

Adult Intermediate (Adult Swim – Learning the Basics)

Build on fundamental aquatic skills and swimming strokes such as water entry and exit; breath control and submerging; floating and gliding on the front and back; and treading in chest-deep water. Front crawl, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke are introduced at this level. Learn the skills and concepts to stay safe in and around water and how to help during an aquatic emergency. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Prerequisites

• • Successful completion of the Adult Beginner Level or participants must be able comfortable in chest-deep water

• • Able to submerge face in the water and able to perform front crawl for 15 yards

Adult Advance (Adult Swim – Improving Skills & Swimming Strokes)

Build endurance and refine your front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke stroke, and turns. Butterfly and flip turns are introduced at this level. Learn the skills and concepts to stay safe in and around water and how to help during an aquatic emergency. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Prerequisites

• • Successful completion of the Adult Intermediate Level or participants must be able comfortable in deep water

• • Able to put face in the water

• • Able to perform strokes that can be recognized as front crawl, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke, each for 15 yards

Adult Stroke and Turn (Adult Swim – Swimming for Fitness)

Refine the six strokes, turns, and build endurance. Learn the skills and concepts to stay safe in and around water and how to help during an aquatic emergency. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

Prerequisites

• • Successful completion of the Adult Advance Level or participants must be able to swim the following strokes:

    • • Back crawl – 25 yards
    • • Breaststroke – 50 yards
    • • Butterfly – 25 yards
    • • Elementary Backstroke – 50 yards
    • • Front crawl – 50 yards
    • • Sidestroke – 25 yards

Adult & Senior Water Fitness

WATER FITNESS

The Department offers a variety of low and high-impact water fitness options for adults and seniors. Shallow and deep-water course options are available.

Some examples of the water fitness courses offered include:

Water Aerobics

Shallow Water Aerobics
A fast-paced and energy-packed exercise class aimed to improve cardiovascular function! You’ll get the added benefits of feeling refreshed, having a lighter mood, increased range of motion, sustained vitality, and building relationships with fellow exercise enthusiasts who love the water.

Deep Water Aerobics
Deep water is nature’s aquatic fitness machine making you feel pounds lighter and allowing you to achieve your health goals through a balanced workout routine. This class is perfect for those hoping to relieve stress on their joints. We’ll tone abs, thighs, glutes, and the upper body. Flotation belts may be used.

Aqua Spinning
Beat the temptation to be a couch potato with this challenging, aerobic, and anaerobic workout utilizing stationary bikes in the water with tension settings that allow you to work at your fitness level. This heart-healthy exercise strengthens and tones your hamstrings, buttocks, and inner thighs. Join our team-like, non-judgmental culture of diverse spinners while having fun moving to great tunes.

Aqua Zumba
This Latin-inspired aerobic workout is a fun, calorie-burning dance workout but done in low-impact water at the shallow end of the pool.

Aqua Fusion
Stir up your water routine by adding a mix of various aerobic fitness styles! Increase your strength level and bolster your mood through a blend of Water Aerobics, Aqua Sculpt, Aqua Tabata, and Boot Camp rolled into one class. In addition, you will use equipment designed to build your stamina and achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Aqua Arthritis
Enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle with increased flexibility, muscle strength, better posture, and balance. Whether arthritis, muscle fatigue, chronic pain, or surgery rehabilitation, you can join us for slow-moving, bounce-free exercise with lower impact on joints.

Aqua Boot Camp
Make a splash in this boot camp style approach to interval training that includes using water as a resistance tool while performing different exercises.

Aqua Sculpt
Use cardio and toning exercises to sculpt your body in a high-intensity, bounce-free workout. Held in the shallow end of the pool, there will be little to no impact on your joints using power and suspension moves for quick toning. Gain the self-confidence to look and feel your best!

Abs and Glutes
Splash your way to stronger abs and glutes! Discover how these muscle groups, when exercised properly, help you look your best while supporting your spine. You will use powerful techniques to tone and sculpt away inches. You will feel stronger, more self-confident, and be on your way to increased flexibility.

Hydro Pilates
This active course will take the pressure off your joints through the natural buoyancy of water. Build stamina as you tone and strengthen all your muscle groups. Enjoy a good, cardio workout and bond with others excited about maintaining great health.

**Please note:  not all water fitness class types are offered at all the aquatic facilities. Please click here for specific course offerings, locations, and schedules.

Therapeutic Recreation

Swim Lessons: Therapeutic Recreation

Accessibility & Adapted Aquatics

Accessibility

The Department of Parks & Recreation is dedicated to providing quality services and recreation programs that are inclusive and accessible to all patrons.  Our aquatics facilities offer patrons access in the forms of pool lifts, water wheelchairs, water walkers, handrails, sloped entries, and adult changing tables.  Please note that all pools will not have the same accessible amenities, please contact the facility of your choice for more information.

Program Access & Inclusion Services

Reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities are offered in our general recreation programs. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.  For more information about accommodations and modifications, email: Program.Access@pgparks.com

Adapted Aquatics Programs

Take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of the water with our expanded program offerings. Are you seeking to learn new skills, , recover, relax, or just have fun? Adapted Aquatic programs allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live more, play more with the use of adaptive equipment and specialized instruction.  For more information about any of the below programs, email: AdaptedAquatics@pgparks.com

Adapted Aquatics: AquaTone

Join us for an exciting, low-impact workout with lots of music. Exercising in water helps to improve your flexibility, lessen your joint stiffness and pain, and improve your heart health. Relieve stress with gentle movements and breathing techniques. This program is designed specifically for adults, 18+, with disabilities who reside in Prince George’s County. Individuals must be able to participate independently with minimal assistance or bring their own aide/companion. All abilities welcome! For more information, visit pgparksdirect.com and search activity code: 25414.

Offered at the following facilities, on a seasonal basis:

• • Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex (SAARC)
    Brandywine, MD

• • Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center
    Fort Washington, MD

• • Allentown Splash, Tennis & Fitness Park
    Allentown, MD

Adapted Aquatics: AquaFit

Looking for a class that combines low-impact fitness with the therapeutic benefits of the water? This small-group fitness class includes cardiovascular, flexibility, and strengthening exercises for a total-body workout and is designed for adults, 18+, with disabilities who reside in Prince George’s County. Instructor teaches from the water and provides hands-on support and guidance. Flotation devices, adapted equipment, and modified exercises accommodate various skill levels. Class is held in chest-deep water. Individuals must be able to participate independently with minimal assistance or bring their own aide/companion. All abilities welcome! For more information, visit pgparksdirect.com and search activity code: 25420.

Offered at the following facilities, on a seasonal basis:

• • Fairland Sports & Aquatics Complex
    Laurel, MD

Adapted Aquatics: Learn-to-Swim Lessons

Want to learn how to swim, but had no success in group lessons? Adapted Aquatics Learn-to-Swim lessons are designed for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, aged 4+, who reside in Prince George’s County. Register today and gain self-confidence and comfort in the water with swimming basics such as water entry and exit, breath control, submerging, and floating/gliding.  Treading in chest-deep water and arm/leg actions will be introduced. Lessons take place once weekly for 40 minutes, for 6 or 8 weeks. There will be a 1:1 instructor/student ratio.  For more information, visit pgparksdirect.com and search activity code: 25627.

Offered at the following facilities, on a seasonal basis:

• • James E Duckworth Special Center
    Beltsville, MD

• • Ellen E. Linson Splash Park
    College Park, MD

• • Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex
    Landover, MD

• • Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex (SAARC)
    Brandywine, MD

• • Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center
    Fort Washington, MD

Swim Lessons Incentive Program

Swim Lesson Incentive Program

Promoting water competency and encouraging long term swimming and water safety through our American Red Cross Centennial Campaign Swim Lesson incentive program that will begin in March. Learners must start the program in Youth Level 1 or Preschool Bobbers. Credits are processed on a quarterly basis.

For more information, email pg-aquatics@pgparks.com.

Youth (ages 6-12 years) Level 1, 2, and 3 Details

• • The goal of the program is to have your learner successfully become water competent by successfully completing youth swim lesson Levels 1, 2, and 3.

• • If you agree during the registration process and your learner successfully completes Youth Level 1 and is registered for Youth Level 2, you may be eligible for a one-time 50% credit of course fees paid to your Parks Direct account for Level 1 course. Once they complete Youth Level 2 and register for Youth Level 3, you may be eligible for a one-time 75% credit of course fees paid to your Parks Direct account for this course. Once they complete Youth Level 3, you may be eligible for a one-time 100% credit of course fees paid to your Parks Direct account for this course.

• • Credits will not be issued for multiple courses of the same level if a participant must retake the course to successfully complete it.

• • Only the one course that is successfully completed will be eligible for a credit to your Parks Direct account. This program will be extended up to Youth Level 3 as funds allow.

Pre-School (ages 3-5 years) Bobbers, Floater and Strokers 1 & 2 Details

• • The goal of the program is to have your learner successfully become water competent by successfully completing pre-school swim lesson levels Bobbers, Floaters, and Strokers 1 & 2.

• • If you agree during the registration process and your learner successfully completes Bobbers and is registered for the Floaters, you may be eligible for a one-time 50% credit of course fees paid to your Parks Direct account for this course. Once they complete Floaters and register for Strokers 1, you may be eligible for a one-time 75% credit of course fees paid to your Parks Direct account for this course. Once they complete Strokers 1 and register for Strokers 2, you may be eligible for a one-time 75% credit of course fees paid to your Parks Direct account for this course. Once they complete Strokers 2, you may be eligible for a one-time 100% credit of course fees paid to your Parks Direct account for this course.

• • Credits will not be issued for multiple courses of the same level if a participant must retake the course to successfully complete it.

• • Only the one course that is successfully completed will be eligible for a credit to your Parks Direct account. This program will be extended up to Strokers 2 as funds allow.

Swim Team

Swim Team Sign Up

The Prince George’s Parks and Recreation (PGPR) Sharks Swim Team is an official USA Swimming Team (PGPR-PV) within the Potomac Valley Swimming LSC. The Club Season begins in the Fall and continues throughout the Winter and Spring. The Summer Season Team competes in the Prince-Mont Swim League.  Club and Summer Season swim meet competitions locations will vary across the DMV area.

 Aquatics For All Swim Scholarship Application

AQUATICS FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Did you know African Americans are 1.5 times more likely to die from drowning than Whites? Did you know despite improvements in diversity efforts, African Americans still comprise less than 5% of competitive swimmers?

Legendary Marathon swimmer William “Bill” Shipp stepped up this year to raise funding, to ensure that Prince George’s County minorities learn how to swim and the barriers to competitive swimming are reduced.

A triple crown-winning swimmer, Bill has completed numerous open water swims. As a resident of Prince George’s County and advocate of competitive swimming for all, Mr. Shipp decided to dedicate his June 16th 20-mile DC Marathon Swim in the Potomac, from the Key Bridge to Mt. Vernon, to raising funds to support the Aquatics for All swim programs within the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County.

Learn more about Bill Shipp.

Swim Team Scholarship

This scholarship is geared toward improving the accessibility of competitive swim for African American and Hispanic/Latino swimmers.

This is a one-year need based scholarship to assist swimmers with team fees for Prince George’s Parks & Recreation (PGPR) Sharks swim team and is not guaranteed each year. Once completed applications are submitted, they will be reviewed, scholarship awards will be determined and families will be contacted regarding application status. All applicants must agree to fulfill all of the scholarship recipient expectations as listed below. This scholarship is available for PGPR Sharks school year and summer swim seasons as funding allows. Applicants must designate season(s) they are applying for when submitting application. This scholarship is not eligible for meet fees and equipment. Those already registered for the 2023-2024 season are still able to apply for this scholarship.

• • We are no longer accepting scholarship applications

Make A Splash

The Make a Splash Program, a partnership between M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation and Prince George’s County Public Schools, provides free water safety classes to elementary school children. Focused on teaching swimming basics and water hazards, the program addresses the needs of the diverse population in Prince George’s County, where over 80% of residents are minorities.