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. This program offers FREE swimming lessons and water safety education across the city.
Free Swimming Lessons
Registration isn't open just yet - but stay tuned!
The New Orleans Health Department is excited to partner with 18th Ward to offer FREE swimming lessons for children and teens throughout the city.
Who's eligible?
- Kids and teens ages 5-18 years
- Orleans Parish residents
Want to be the first to know when sign-ups go live?
Email us at BigEasySwimEasy@nola.gov to join our email list and get updates as soon as registration opens.
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Pool locations
Our partner organization, 18th Ward, will be providing swimming lessons at the following locations:
- Newman Pool: 1903 Jefferson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115
- Univeristy of New Orleans Aquatic Center: 6801 Franklin Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122
- Jewish Community Center (JCC): 5342 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
- Dryades YMCA: 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd C, New Orleans, LA 70113
- Loyola University: 6363 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
We're actively working on expanding pool locations and bringing swimming locations to even more locations around the city - stay tuned for updates!
Water Locations and Transportation Routes:
Check back here soon for information on additional pool locations, open water locations, and accessible transportation routes.
Sign up for a 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

Drowning Prevention: Layers of Protection
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) recommend FIVE LAYERS of drowning prevention:
- Pool and spa barriers and alarms
- Supervision
- Water competency: water education and swimming lessons
- Life jackets
- Emergency preparation
Educational Resources
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
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are swimming lessons available for adults?
- While our free swimming lessons are only for ages 5-18, the 18th Ward does offer adult swimming lessons on a sliding-scale payment plan. Everyone deserves a chance to learn - no matter your age!
- Are lessons available for infants?
- Unfortunately, we are not able to accomodate infants at this time.
- Do you offer lessons for intermediate or advanced swimmers?
- The free swimming lessons are for beginner swimmers, with a focus on teaching as many people to swim as possible.
- The 18th Ward does offer intermediate swimming lessons on a sliding-scale payment plan.
Additional resources from partner organizations
Coming soon!
Contact Us
Have Questions or want to get involved? Email us at BigEasySwimEasy@nola.gov.