Learn To Swim

More than a safety issue being able to swim opens up a world of joy above and below the water as well as employment opportunities in the tourism and marine industries and areas like marine research and conservation.

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park has offered free swim lessons to the St. John community for more than a decade! We believe that everyone on our island should be able to swim. Thank you to our supporters and members who make it possible for us to offer free swim classes!

Our Learn to Swim program is designed after the American Red Cross Water Safety Course and includes beginner to advance instruction levels for all ages.  Friends sponsors the training and employment of instructors and life guards.

Learn To Swim

Join us every first and third Saturday morning at Cinnamon Bay Beach! Learn how to swim, how to tread water, or refine your technique!  

  • Ages 4+ are welcome!  Adults and kids!
  • First and third Saturdays from 9:30AM to 11:30AM.
  • Classes take place on Cinnamon Bay beach to the left of the ruin.  Free transportation is available from/to Cruz Bay.  Morning departure from Cruz Bay is 8:30AM.

Everyone who attends at least four lessons will receive personal swim gear and a rash guard. 

All participants over the age of 18 must sign a waiver at their first lesson or if they are under the age of 18, have their parents or guardians sign a waiver. Thank you!

Learn To Swim

Lifeguard Training

March 7 to 9 | Free
 
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park and St. John Rescue are hosting an American Red Cross In Person Lifeguarding course Thursday March 7 (1pm to 7pm), Friday March 8 (8am to 5pm), and Saturday March 9 (8am to 11am) at the St. John Rescue Building with Pedro Altieri of Total Aquatics of Puerto Rico as the instructor.
 
The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course provides entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. Students will receive training in lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, and AED.
 
Candidates must be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course. They must be able to swim 300 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. To do this, they may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used. Candidates must also be able to tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs with their hands under the armpits. Candidates must complete the following within 1 minute and 40 seconds: starting in the water, swim 20 yards without swim goggles face in or out. Surface dive feet first or head first to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10 pound object. Then return to the surface and swim 20 yards holding to 10 pound object using both hands.
 
Space is limited to the first ten to twelve people to sign up. The Friends will cover the cost of $385 per participant. All participants should be willing to sign a letter of intent to be involved with the Friends Learn to Swim Program in a paid capacity, whether as a lifeguard, water safety instructor, or beachside presenter.
 
For further information or to sign up for the class, please contact Tara Murza at tmurza@friendsvinp.org 
Learn to swim

Swim Instructors & Life Guards Needed

This is a part time job opportunity in the Friends Learn To Swim program on Saturdays and during the summer. $24/hour. Free training and certification is provided if needed. Please contact Tara Murza at tmurza@friendsvinp.org 

tara murza_cropped

Tara Murza

Learn To Swim Instructor & Coordinator tmurza@friendsvinp.org

Tara comes to us from Florida where she grew up competitively swimming and avidly snorkeling. As a child she visited St. John frequently and fell in love. In 2016 she moved here to explore her passion for snorkeling and adventure. As the coordinator for the Learn to Swim program she is excited to teach the local community swimming skills and share her love of the ocean.

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