BCYF Aquatics
Select BCYF pools are now open for limited swim sessions for pre-registered participants.
At Boston Centers for Youth & Families, we offer a variety of aquatics programs at our 16 indoor pools, two outdoor pools, and beach.
COVID-19 CURRENT STATUS:
- Programs and classes: BCYF community centers are offering a limited menu of programs and classes for pre-registered participants. We continue to expand the menu of offerings as we are able to in accordance with public health guidelines. Learn more.
- Meal distribution: Select BCYF locations are meal pick-up sites. You can learn more and find a location online.
About BCYF Aquatics
BCYF aquatics programs offer the opportunity to come together to hone swimming skills and make new friends. Participants stay healthy and have fun in the water through aquatics programs such as:
- swim lessons that teach young swimmers to be safe while having fun in the pool
- water fitness classes for adults who want to stay active, and
- the BCYF Citywide Swim League, sponsored by Partners HealthCare.
BCYF welcomes people of all abilities to enjoy our swimming pools, and to participate in classes and programs they offer. All of our buildings are physically accessible to people with disabilities and all swimming pools have a chair lift. Have questions about a specific pool? Please contact the community center or pool directly.
Lifeguard Training
We’re excited to offer two lifeguard training programs this spring:
Lifeguard Review:The program is for those previously certified who want to renew their certification, within 120 days of expiration date.
Lifeguard Training:The program is for those that have never been certified, or their certification has expired for more than than 120 days.
To register please call the contact listed for the course you are interested in. To participate in these programs you must:
- be age 16 or older
- be a Boston resident
- pass a swimming pre-test, and
- pay a $40 fee.
- Contact: Paul Marenco or Andres Ramirez, 617-635-5241
- Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 25 and 27, and June 1, 3, 8, and 10, from 4 - 8 p.m.
- Fee: $40
Lifeguard REVIEW at BCYF Flaherty Pool
- Contact: Luis Barnes or Ramon Espinal, 617-635-5181
- Schedule: May 14, 15, 16 and May 21, 22, 23. Fridays, 3 - 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Fee: $40
- Contact: Marcilio Franklin or Dalton Barcus, 617-635-5193
- Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 11 through June 24. 5:30 - 8 p.m.
- Fee: $40
Lifeguard Review at BCYF Draper Pool
- Contact: Aris Perez or Jason Morrison, 617-635-5021
- Schedule: Tuesday, May 4, Thursday, May 6, Tuesday, May 11, Thursday, May 13, Tuesday, May 18, and Thursday, May 20, from 3 - 8 p.m.
- Fee: $40
- Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates 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.
- Tread water for two (2) minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance underwater.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Water Safety at Home
BCYF Aquatic Managers Jeff and Tony want everyone to be safe in and around all bodies of water, including backyard kiddie pools. Learn about water safety for kids and parents with these activities from our friends at the American Red Cross: