Swimming and Water Safety

Big Easy Swim Easy: Swimming and Water Safety Campaign

The New Orleans Health Department encourages children and teens in the city of New Orleans to join our "Big Easy Swim Easy" Campaign by learning important water safety skills and exploring opportunities to become safer and more confident in and around the water.

FIND SUMMER SWIM LESSONS:

Local Swim Programs:

YMCA

The YMCA of Greater New Orleans provides programs and opportunities that help individuals and communities learn, grow, and thrive. Their swim lesson program serves people of all ages and skill levels, at multiple locations across the Greater New Orleans area, with lessons that incorporate water safety, survival skills, and character development. Lifeguard certification courses and financial scholarships are also available.

Jewish Community Center (JCC)

The JCC provides American Red Cross certified swim instruction, from infant "Bubble Babies" classes to adult and Masters Swimming, at both the Uptown and Metairie locations. Lessons are open to members and non-members alike.

Love Swimming Swim School

Love Swimming is a year-round, indoor swim school in Uptown New Orleans, offering lessons for ages 6 months through adult. With small class sizes, heated pools, and a fun, supportive atmosphere, Love Swimming helps swimmers build confidence, strengthen water safety skills, and feel more comfortable in the water.

Brown Girls Swim

Founded by former competitive swimmer Amani Khabeer, Brown Girls Swim offers affordable private and group lessons for ages 3 through adult. With a mission to help close the swimming participation gap in the African American community, Brown Girls Swim partners with pools across the city and welcomes swimmers of all genders.

NORD Commission

NORDC offers American Red Cross Progressive swim lessons at pools and recreation centers across New Orleans, with many programs available at no cost. Lessons are offered for all ages and skill levels, from parent-child and preschool aquatics to adult and competitive swim opportunities. NORDC also offers lifeguard certification and specialty aquatic programs, including junior lifeguard, pre-lifeguard training, water aerobics, and swim team.

18th Ward

The 18th Ward is a New Orleans youth development non-profit, offering sports programs including soccer, basketball, flag football, and swimming. They provide swim lessons for beginners, intermediate, stroke development, and adult swimmers, at pools throughout the city. Registration is available on a sliding-scale payment basis.

Pool inspections

As part of its swimming safety and drowning prevention initiative, the New Orleans Health Department, in coordination with the Office of Code Enforcement, is offering free swimming pool inspections to help keep pools safe and properly maintained. The purpose of this effort is drowning prevention, not punishment.

A well-maintained pool is not only a source of enjoyment, but also an important investment. These inspections are designed to identify potential safety concerns, such as improperly latched gates and other conditions that could put children and community members at risk.

Request an Inspection

Educational Materials

Explore our educational materials for more tips and tricks for staying safe in and around the water!

Swimming Safety Flyer

Swimming Safety Rack Card

Water Safety Education Flyer

Water safety education presentations

We offer free water safety education presentations for schools, summer camps and community organizations. Presentations are tailored by age group and designed to teach essential safety tips and life-saving skills.

To schedule a water safety presentation for your group or organization, email us at BigEasySwimEasy@nola.gov with your preferred date, group size and location.

Request a Presentation