Vamos a Nadar (Let’s Go Swimming) Water Safety Classes

Vamos a Nadar (Let’s Go Swimming) Water Safety Classes offers water safety classes that include an introductory swimming lesson. The program is a free bilingual program for families with children 5 and up. The program is designed to reduce drowning deaths along the Russian River and focuses on learning water safety and learning to swim.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Single-session classes offered on various Saturdays and Sundays in March, April, and May, with each class lasting about 2 to 3.5 hours
• Price: The program is free. Each family receives a coupon for additional swim lessons at the local pools involved in the program for a reduced price of $15.

Vamos a Nadar has reached more than 3,000 young people in Sonoma County since launching in 2004. Regional Parks lifeguards, local pools and swim instructors collaborate to present the free bilingual program. The program is led by Sonoma County Regional Parks staff including aquatics and recreation supervisor Greg Desmond and recreation program coordinator Andrew Traverso, with marketing support from marketing specialist Tina Luster.

According to Greg Desmond, “Vamos a Nadar allows us to reach a large number of families every year and to provide affordable swimming lessons,” and “It’s our hope that this accessibility to water safety will expand the knowledge and skills for our community to safely explore the river, beaches and other available water-based recreation.” Andrew Traverso states, “Our goal for the program is for families and individuals to feel comfortable enjoying the summer and being able to splash in the water to cool off,” and “Our main message is don’t be afraid of the water: Learn water safety and learn to swim.”

Last updated May 15, 2026.