About the Vermont Swim Academy
Vermont Swim Academy was created from a need in our community. Our main goal is to teach water safety and the basics of swimming while also having fun! Our classes are taught at the Vermont State University Castleton location.
We have a very serious ‘choose your own adventure’ policy with our teachings. We will never make your child do anything they don’t want to do. All children learn at different speeds. Keeping them excited to come back is our goal.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in small children. Vermont Swim Academy wants to make sure all our kiddos are confident and safe in and around the water.
Each class draws from off the previous level. We want to ensure each student learns with children of similar experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Classes are held at the Vermont State University Castleton Campus in the Spartan Athletic Complex, located at 190 University Drive, Castleton, VT 05735
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Each class is 25 minutes long. This length works well for all ages — younger swimmers tend to get cold more quickly, and older children are able to stay focused and engaged for the full session.
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If you’re unable to attend a class or need to drop out, please let us know as soon as possible. Many classes have waitlists, and early notice allows another family to take the spot.
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For Parent/Child classes, please arrive on time and ready to enter the water. A parent or designated adult must be in the pool with the child for the entire class.
If the participating adult is uncomfortable or fearful in the water, we recommend asking another trusted adult to attend instead. Children can sense anxiety, which may affect their comfort in the pool. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to help.
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Children who are not potty trained are required to wear swim diapers (water diapers) while in the pool. This helps keep the pool clean and avoids closures due to accidents.
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All swimmers should wear a bathing suit. Because children tend to get cold quickly in the water, we recommend suits that include a rash guard or swim shirt for added warmth.
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Yes — as with all public pools, we recommend shower shoes or sandals for both children and adults. These are helpful in the locker room and pool area (they will not be worn in the pool itself).
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Please do not bring goggles, flotation devices, fins, or other swim toys to class. Swimmers should arrive ready to participate in bathing suits only.