Charles River Aquatics

"The best to improve!!!! All the coaches are fantastic and welcoming. My 2 daughters swim for CRA and they still say it was the best time!!"

"We've done various programs at CRA over the past 4 years. My 4yo is currently taking lessons there and has been for a year now. I write this as someone who was a swim instructor/coach when I was younger and also teach my own kids to swim. It is true that you cannot observe all classes, but I actually think this has been better for her progress and overall for the kids. They are not distracted by parents outside the windows during their lesson! They have observation days maybe 3 times per year, but I really wish these were every other month. My daughter was a decent swimmer when we started and has progressed. I do think they push the kids more than other swim programs in the area. The teachers aren't physically supporting the child all the time by holding them; they encourage the kids to figure out their own buoyancy and use other devices to do so. I think sometimes they do get a bit technical with the kicking and such, but it is probably better in the long run. My daughter has always had fun and is never hesitant about going.... so that is great! Class sizes are small. Teachers are engaging. They ALWAYS bring the kids in on time and they ALWAYS spend the full 30 minutes IN the water. If you've been to other places in the area, you know that by the time they bring them in and get situated, maybe they swim like 17 minutes if you're lucky ;) Would definitely recommend this place!"

"No matter where your kids start taking swim lessons, you will end up at Charles River Aquatics. My son tried YMCA, Gold Fish (far and near). My daughter did Brookline Rec. Nobody will teach your child the real efficient and modern swim technique. The instructors will watch arms and legs moves and correct them until the child has the proper technique. Besides that the staff is really nice and very helpful. My daughter finished level 4 at Charles River Aquatics and she swims beautifully."

"My five year old son has been attending swim lessons at Charles River Aquatics for the last couple years. He loves it! Small class sizes, just three people in his lane with one teacher. During COVID, the instructors remained on the deck, but we strongly prefer the current set up with instructors in the pool. He is very comfortable in the water, and we're thankful for all of the excellent instruction. There is a family changing room and showers which he loves so he's not so cold after coming out of the very warm training pool."

"Best swim programs in New England! Both of my kids have taken swim lessons with CRA and my son has swum on their competitive swim team for 4 years. We tried tons of different swim lessons and programs in the area and found them to teach incorrectly and waste tons of time. Our son is an amazing swimmer thanks to CRA and our daughter is well on her way to being water safe and learning correct technique. All of the coaches and instructors are fantastic but most of all they have real swimmers in charge that oversee the programs well and pay attention to the individual kids. On top of it all, they have the nicest facilities around!"