Hawaiʻi County announces return of keiki Learn to Swim program

Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation is bringing back a swim program for keiki as part of its Summer 2026 activities.

Learn to Swim is designed to teach children essential swimming skills, promote water safety and build confidence. The program will be offered in June and July at county pools around the island island.

“Water safety isn’t just a recreational skill in Hawai‘i — it’s a necessity,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda in an announcement about the program’s return. “We are excited to welcome keiki back to our pools this summer to provide a safe, fun and supportive environment where they can develop a lifelong love for swimming.”

Swim lesson descriptions

Keiki & Me

• For keiki younger than 5 years old; always requires a responsible adult in the water with child.

Level 1

• Ages 5 years and older; timid in water and may be scared to submerge face in water.

Level 2

• Ages 5 years and older; very comfortable in water, though cannot tread water for 15 seconds, float on back unassisted or swim with front crawl (or “freestyle”) arms at least 5 body lengths.

Level 3

• Ages 5 years and older; comfortable in water and prepared to swim in 9 feet or more of water; can swim front crawl and attempt side breathing, can tread for more than 15 seconds unassisted and will work on swimming a full 25 yards without stopping.

Level 4

• Ages 5 years and older; extremely skilled in water and can swim 25 yards of front crawl with side breathing, can do breaststroke kick, minimum, and will work on learning three new competitive strokes.

Each keiki can take one class per summer. Cost to participate is just $15.

Learn to Swim registration dates and schedules vary by pool.

Call county pools directly and/or visit pool web pages for additional information about class schedules and availability.

You can also visit the Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Aquatics web page for more information, including contact information for aquatics staff.