Swim Program at your Kids Activity Center this Summer Camp: Complete Guide 2025

Summer is the perfect time to introduce an exciting swim program at your kids’ activity center. Not only does it keep children active, add new skills, have fun with indoor and outdoor activities, revive a child's imagination, or help them make new friendships, but it also helps them develop essential water safety skills. Whether launching a brand-new program or enhancing an existing one, this guide covers everything you need to plan a successful program for your summer camp.

Did you know? Kids' Activity Subscription Services and toy subscription boxes were valued at $8.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $20.5 billion by 2030, with an 11% CAGR.

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Should the Summer Program for Swimming Complement Existing Activities or Stand Alone?

When planning a swimming program at your activity center in camp programs, one of the first decisions to make is whether it should be integrated with your current offerings or operate as a standalone summer program. The right approach depends on your existing after-school lessons, summer camp curriculum, and overall business structure.

Integrating Swimming with Existing Activities

If your children’s activity business already offers after-school lesson plans, toddler camps, or teenage sports, adding swim lessons can enhance your offerings. For Example: 

​​For after-school programs

Adding sessions to the after-school camp program gives parents an additional option while ensuring children get a mix of physical activities.

For summer camps

Many parents look for summer swim sessions as part of a well-rounded summer camp curriculum. A summer camp organizer can include swim lessons alongside other sports to try as a teenager, such as soccer or gymnastics.

Running Swimming as a Standalone Summer Program

On the other hand, a standalone swim school can also be a strong business model. If you have dedicated pool facilities, focusing on lessons for toddlers and teenagers might position your business as a top destination for aquatic education. 

Use of Swim School Management Software

Managing scheduling, payments, and attendance efficiently is key to success. Using swim school software or swim lesson management tools simplifies class registration and communication with parents.

Diverse Class Offerings

A standalone setup lets you offer group swim classes, private swim lessons, and advanced stroke techniques. You can also specialize in different types of swimming like freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke.

Flexible Scheduling & Pricing

Unlike multi-activity centers, standalone swim schools can offer swimming memberships, classpacks, or pay-per-session registrations. You could also implement discounts like sibling discounts, trial sessions, or referral incentives for more registrations.

Whether you're offering weekly swim lessons or intensive summer programs, Omnify makes it simple to organize and grow your offerings. Schedule a Demo with us today to know the full potential of our software.

Which Approach is Best?

Choosing between an integrated or standalone swim program depends on your center’s goals, available space, and customer demand. If you want to attract more enrollments to your activity business, integrating the swim program and such engaging activities into your after-school camp or summer camp planning could be beneficial.

However, if your focus is purely on sessions, a dedicated swim school with specialized training, flexible lesson structures, and swim school management software might be the best route.

No matter which option you choose, ensuring quality instruction, structured lesson outlines, and well-maintained facilities will set your program up for success.

Year-round or Seasonal Swim Lessons?

Deciding whether to offer lessons year-round or as part of a summer camp planning initiative depends on your available resources and local climate. Summer swim lessons are popular among parents looking for engaging day camps. If your facility has an indoor pool or heated pools, extending your swim sessions beyond summer can maximize enrollment and revenue.

Choosing the Right Age Groups and Skill Levels

Your program should cater to different age groups and experience levels. Consider offering toddler extended care options, medical information, swim lessons, beginner sessions for young children, and advanced training for teenagers looking for new sports to try as a teenager. The lesson outline should include fundamental skills like floating, basic strokes, and water confidence-building exercises for the participants.

84% of parents say swim lessons participants have more confidence and self-esteem.

Building a New Pool or Partnering with an Existing Facility?

If your activity center lacks a pool, you have two options: build one or partner with a local swim school. Constructing a pool requires significant investment, including safety features, maintenance, and licensing. On the other hand, collaborating with a school can provide access to facilities without the high upfront costs.

Which Option is Right for Your Business?

Choosing between building a pool or partnering with an existing facility depends on your long-term vision, budget, and business model.

• If your goal is to establish a standalone swim school, investing in a dedicated pool with swim school management software can provide more flexibility and branding opportunities.
• If you’re looking to expand an existing business with swim classes, partnering with a local swim facility may be a faster and more cost-effective way to introduce swim programs to your summer camp planning.

Whichever route you take, offering structured lesson outlines, trained instructors, and a well-maintained environment will ensure your swim school becomes a trusted choice for families.

What Type of Pool is Best for Kids' Swim Lessons?

When setting up a program at your kids’ activity center, choosing the right pool is one of the most critical decisions. Whether you are running toddler swim lessons or swim classes for teenagers, the pool must be designed for safety, comfort, and effective learning.

A well-suited pool enhances the benefits of swim lessons by providing a structured, safe, and engaging environment. The right pool can also help improve lesson quality, ensure safety compliance, and attract more enrollments to your children’s activity business.

1. Depth and Size

A school needs a pool with varying depths—shallow areas for toddler swim lessons and deeper sections for advanced swimmers. A gradual slope helps beginners feel comfortable, while a standard length allows structured swim classes for kids.

2. Heating and Water Temperature

Maintaining an optimal water temperature (around 84–88°F) is crucial for comfort, especially in swimming lessons for toddlers. Heated pools extend usability beyond summer, making after-school lessons and year-round programs possible.

3. Safety Features

A child-friendly swim school should have extended care hours, non-slip pool decks, handrails, and clear depth markers. Lifeguard stations, proper swim school management software, and first-aid kits enhance safety, ensuring peace of mind for parents.

4. Indoor vs. Outdoor Pools

An indoor pool allows for year-round swim sessions, shielding from harsh weather, while an outdoor pool is great for summer swim lessons and day camps. Consider weather conditions before deciding, and add different themed decorations around the pool.

5. Pool Material and Maintenance

Fiberglass pools require less maintenance, while concrete pools are durable but need frequent resurfacing. Regular water quality checks, filtration, and swim lesson management tools help maintain hygiene and efficiency.

6. Swim Lesson Equipment

Kickboards, lane markers, floating platforms, and life jackets are essential for structured swim sessions for toddlers. Investing in quality gear improves learning outcomes and keeps sessions engaging.

Maintenance and Hygiene Protocols

Keeping your school clean and safe is crucial, whether you’re running toddler swim lessons, summer swim lessons, or an after-school schedule. Water quality should be a top priority, with regular testing for pH balance, chlorine levels, and bacteria to prevent infections. Using pool covers when not in use and installing automated filtration systems or UV sanitizers can help maintain cleanliness while reducing excessive chemical use. Equipment such as kickboards, floats, and life jackets should be sanitized after each use to maintain hygiene in swim classes for toddlers and older children.

A well-maintained children's activity business follows strict hygiene protocols to ensure a safe experience. Encouraging students to wear clean swimwear, caps, and goggles prevents debris from entering the pool. With swim school management software, you can schedule maintenance, track chemical levels, and manage staff responsibilities efficiently, keeping your facility in top condition while ensuring a healthy learning environment for all swimmers.

Essential Equipment for a Swim Program

To provide a well-equipped swim lesson management system, invest in reliable scheduling software for classes and camp registrations, secure payment processing, and automated class management. This ensures smooth operations, organized bookings, and a hassle-free experience for both parents and staff.

• Kickboards
• Floats and life jackets
• Pool covers and lane markers
• Goggles
• Swim caps

Regulations, Licensing, and Insurance

Setting up a program for camp sessions at your activity center isn’t just about designing lessons and maintaining pools—it also involves meeting legal requirements and ensuring the safety of every child. Compliance with local regulations, securing the necessary licenses, and obtaining liability insurance are crucial steps to protect your business and create a secure environment.

Understanding Local Regulations and Licensing

Before launching your program, research the specific legal requirements in your area. Many regions have strict health and safety standards for swim facilities, including water quality guidelines, instructor certifications, and emergency protocols. Some key aspects to check:

Health and Safety Codes: Local health departments typically mandate routine water testing for pH and chlorine levels to ensure a hygienic environment.

Facility Permits: If you’re building a new pool, you may need zoning permits, construction approvals, and routine inspections before opening.

Instructor and Lifeguard Certifications: Many states and countries require swim instructors to have valid certifications like CPR, lifeguard training, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI) credentials.

Child Safety Laws: Specific regulations may dictate instructor-to-child ratios, mandatory background checks for staff, and facility security measures.

Business Licensing: If swim lessons are a new service under your activity business, update your business registration and tax permits accordingly. For specific information regarding licensing, visit your state's government website.

The Importance of Liability Insurance

Accidents can happen even with the best precautions. Liability insurance is essential to safeguard your business against potential legal claims. Here’s what to consider:

• General Liability Insurance: Covers injuries, medical expenses, and legal fees if a child gets hurt during a lesson.
• Professional Liability Insurance: Protects against claims related to instructor negligence or improper training techniques.
• Property Insurance: If you own the facility, this helps cover damages to the pool, equipment, or surrounding area.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required in many regions for businesses employing swim instructors, lifeguards, or maintenance staff.

Best Practices for Compliance and Risk Management

• Conduct routine safety drills to ensure staff know how to respond to emergencies.
• Display clear safety guidelines for parents and children, including pool rules and emergency contacts.
• Keep detailed records of maintenance checks, staff certifications, and incident reports to stay compliant.
• Offer liability waivers for parents to sign before enrolling their children in swimming lessons.

By following the right legal steps and ensuring full compliance, you can run safe and well-regulated swim courses at your kids’ activity center while gaining parents' trust and confidence. 

Types of Swim Classes to Offer

When structuring a swim schedule at your kids' activity business, offering different types of classes ensures that every child finds the right fit based on their skill level, learning style, and personal comfort in the water. Here’s a breakdown of the key class formats to consider:

Group Lessons

Group swim classes are a great way to develop skills while interacting with their peers. These sessions follow a structured lesson outline and focus on essential strokes while promoting teamwork and water confidence. They are an affordable option for parents and fit well into an after-school program schedule or summer camp sessions curriculum. Group classes work best with a balanced instructor-to-student ratio to maintain safety and provide individual attention when needed.

Private Coaching

For toddlers who need extra attention or prefer a personalized approach, private swim lessons offer a tailored learning experience. This allows instructors to describe child personality traits and adapt teaching methods accordingly. Toddler swim lessons for teenagers can benefit greatly from private coaching, as young children need a patient, slow-paced introduction to the water, while older ones may focus on refining their styles. Private coaching is also a great option for children who want to train competitively or master specific types of techniques.

Open Swim Sessions

Open swim sessions provide kids with unstructured water time, allowing them to practice newly learned skills in a relaxed setting. This is an excellent addition to a day camp session or a summer swim lessons program. It helps children build confidence in the water outside of formal training, reinforcing the benefits of swim lessons. Open swim sessions also work well as a social activity, helping children engage in a fun and active way.

No matter what session you offer, registrations are crucial. Using swim school software like Omnify can simplify swim lesson management, track enrollments, and offer flexible booking options to parents.

Pricing Models for Your Swim Program

Per Session Fees

A pay-as-you-go model is perfect for parents seeking flexibility during a summer-long camp. It lets them book sessions individually, giving them a chance to join in, have fun, and make new friends—without any long-term commitment.

Package-Based Camps

For summer camps, offering package-based pricing works best—such as weekly or full summer session rates. Parents often look for value and flexibility during the summer, so consider offering classpacks that cover multiple swim lessons across the camp start date till the end. Full-camp registrations with swimming included as a featured activity can also help boost overall sign-ups. You can also introduce early bird pricing for camp swim programs to drive faster enrolment. Focus on building value, especially when swim lessons are part of a larger summer experience.

Class Packs

Offering discounted bulk classpacks encourages parents to commit to multiple lessons upfront. Whether it's a swim session for toddlers or advanced swimming strokes training, classpacks make learning more affordable while increasing retention.

Increase Enrollment with Discounts

Introduce sibling discounts, referral programs, and free trial day camp, or one-week sessions, or even half-day camps to attract more registrations. These incentives help describe child personality types that benefit from structured learning and encourage more registrations in your activity business.
Manage your discounts effortlessly with Omnify to encourage more registrations.

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The Role of Swim School Management Software

With the right swim camp sessions management system, you can automate after-school registration software, allowing parents to book effortlessly. Features like online registration, calendar setup, and waitlist management ensure that every session is well-organized. For toddler camps or teenage sports programs, having a system that supports flexible bookings and cancellations is essential.

Additionally, using swim school software helps maintain financial transparency by automating payments for memberships, classpacks, and per-session fees. It also enhances communication, sending reminders for upcoming lessons for toddlers, progress reports for each individual, and safety guidelines. Whether you’re running a day camp, offering after-school lessons, or organizing summer swim lessons, investing in swim school management software ensures a smoother experience for both staff and families.

Why Omnify is the Best Choice for Managing Your Swim Program

Omnify’s swim school management software is designed to help you run your summer camp curriculum, after-school lessons, and swimming lessons for toddlers effortlessly.

With Omnify, you can set up a swim lesson management system that allows parents to book online, manage cancellations, and receive automated reminders. Whether you offer private coaching, group lessons, or open swim sessions, Omnify’s flexible booking options ensure a hassle-free experience.

Beyond calendar setup, Omnify simplifies payments with support for per-session fees, memberships, and classpacks, while also enabling discounts like sibling discounts and promotional discounts to encourage enrollments. If you're looking for a complete solution to manage your swim school software, enhance customer experience, and keep your operations running smoothly, Omnify is the right fit.

Conclusion

Introducing a swim program at your activity center can be a rewarding addition to your summer camp organizer plans. With the right approach to planning, safety, and marketing, you can create a successful program that attracts families and builds a strong reputation for your children’s activity business. Whether you’re enhancing an existing facility or partnering with a swimming school, thoughtful execution will be the highlight of the summer camp experience.