The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce the return of free swimming lessons for county youth ages 3 through 12, in collaboration with The Gateway Family YMCA. The valuable program will take place at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, located at 3 Park Drive in Clark. The program runs from July 7 through August 27, 2026.
“Knowing our children are equipped with swimming skills and can safely participate in water activities over the summer can bring us parents and grandparents great peace of mind,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity once again to families all over the county free of charge, making this valuable life skill more accessible for our most vulnerable residents. I encourage parents to check their eligibility for this program and apply.”
Class sizes are limited to ensure a safe and personalized experience. Youth classes are capped at 6 participants per session.
To qualify, children must reside in low-income households and provide proof of eligibility at the time of enrollment. Acceptable qualifying criteria include participation in programs such as TANF, SNAP, the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start or Early Head Start, WIC, Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, or Pell Grants, or living in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT). Please note: registration will not be confirmed without proof of eligibility.
The 2026 Free Youth Swimming Lessons Program has been funded by the Office of Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
“Our Office of Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation was built for the development and backing of programs like this – where inclusivity leads the way, opening doors for residents, and where our children can learn essential life skills while also having a fun and rewarding experience,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Committee.
Class Descriptions
Classes will meet once a week for eight weeks with a ratio of one instructor per six students.
Thursday classes will meet once a week for seven weeks due to the July Fourth holiday.
Youth Beginner
Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.
Youth Basic Lesson
Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages through stroke technique in front crawl and back crown while also introducing rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and rolling to their back to float.