To watch the intro video by Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon click HERE.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of its free summer swim lesson program at the Rahway River Park Pool, offered in partnership with The Gateway Family YMCA. The program runs from July 1 through August 21, 2025, and includes age-specific classes for children ages 3 to 12, seniors age 65 and older, and adult water exercise participants.
“Learning how to swim is a critical life skill that every child should have access to—regardless of background or income,” said Commissioner Chair Lourdes Leon. “By offering these lessons at no cost, we’re not only helping kids and seniors stay safe and active, we’re breaking down barriers and making sure every Union County resident has the chance to thrive. This is what equitable, community-centered government looks like.”
Class sizes are limited to ensure a safe and personalized experience. Youth and senior swim classes are capped at 6 participants per session, while the adult water exercise class is capped at 30 participants.
Class Schedule & Details:
Youth Beginner Classes (ages 6–12 & 3–5)
Held Thursdays: July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21
- 9:05 AM – 9:45 AM: Ages 6–12
- 9:50 AM – 10:30 AM: Ages 3–5
- 10:35 AM – 11:15 AM: Ages 6–12
Youth Basic Classes (ages 3–5 and 6–12)
- Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19:
• 6:45 PM – 7:25 PM: Ages 6–12 - Thursdays, July 3 – August 21:
• 9:05 AM – 9:45 AM: Ages 3–5
• 6:45 PM – 7:25 PM: Ages 6–12
Senior Swim Classes (age 65+)
- Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19:
• 6:00 PM – 6:40 PM - Thursdays, July 3 – August 21:
• 9:50 AM – 10:30 AM
Adult Water Exercise (all adults)
- Wednesdays, July 2 – August 20:
• 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM
• Maximum of 30 participants per class
Classes will be held at Rahway River Park Pool, located in Rahway, NJ. Registration is required and will be available online later this month. Residents are encouraged to sign up early due to limited space in each class.
To qualify, participants must reside in low-income households and provide proof of eligibility during 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, Pell Grants, or living in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT). Seniors aged 65 and older automatically qualify. Please note: registration will not be confirmed without proof of eligibility.
To view updated registration details and sign up when available, please visit: ucnj.org/swim. For more information, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.