When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Swim Easy New York
Why Swim Easy New York is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Swim Easy New York is a specialized swim school dedicated exclusively to teaching adults how to swim with confidence and ease. Located conveniently in Manhattan, this swim school offers an encouraging and supportive environment for learners of all levels, particularly those starting from zero experience. The instructors at Swim Easy bring nearly a century of combined teaching expertise, allowing them to tailor lessons that transform fear of water into enjoyment and proficiency. Their small class sizes—typically limited to up to four students—ensure personalized attention and a community-oriented atmosphere. With flexible scheduling options, including daily classes except Tuesdays, and online booking convenience, Swim Easy New York makes learning to swim accessible and enjoyable. Students can improve skills ranging from basic water comfort and treading water to advanced swimming techniques, often progressing to participate in triathlons and other fitness activities. Additionally, the school offers private lesson options for customized coaching, as well as promotional discounts such as seasonal sales, enhancing affordability. The swim facility is accessible and well-managed to accommodate diverse learners. All these factors combine to make Swim Easy New York an excellent place to meet friends and build skills together, as well as to join a motivating group of adult learners committed to wellness through swimming.
Here's what people think of Swim Easy New York
As of recent, Swim Easy New York holds a 4.9-star rating based on 231 reviews.
User reviews of Swim Easy New York overwhelmingly reflect a highly positive experience, highlighted by the encouraging and supportive nature of the instructors and the convenience of online scheduling. Many reviewers praise the personalized attention received due to small class sizes, which allows for focused learning tailored to individual needs and pace. The instructors’ ability to help overcome fear of water and build strong swimming skills is repeatedly commended, contributing to a high satisfaction rate among adult beginners and even those advancing to competitive levels like triathlons. Positive reviews also note the welcoming community atmosphere that helps foster confidence and motivation among students. However, some negative feedback concerns facility cleanliness, with a few participants reporting imperfections in maintenance standards that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, there was at least one unresolved complaint reported to the Better Business Bureau, which prevented accreditation, and some reviewers have expressed a desire for enhanced facility conditions. Despite these critiques, the general consensus is that the quality of instruction and progress students achieve significantly outweigh inconveniences related to facility upkeep. In conclusion, Swim Easy New York enjoys a strong reputation for transforming adult swimmers’ abilities through expert coaching and community support, making it a top choice for adult swim education in the city.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Gia Mac
I can not stress enough how much swim easy has changed my life in learning how to swim. I was extremely scared of water and had traumatizing experiences of being thrown into water. I’ve been going to swim easy NY since mid February (2025) and now (mid March 2025) I am jumping in the deep in, floating, learned how to breast stroke and back stroke. It’s very important to go multiple times a week and to stay consistent. I love how I can pick an offered time vs going during a set schedule. I also love how personal and patient the instructors are. Evelyn, Isabella and Krystof have been so great in my swimming journey.
Michelle LaGrutta
I used to be SO afraid of the water and was even too afraid to dunk my head in. I came to Swim Easy to help get over my fear and I'm so glad that I did - I'm super comfortable on the deep end of the pool now! Never thought I'd make it here!! Shout out to all the instructors! I was a really slow learner because I would always panic in the water but they were always incredibly patient and great teachers :)
Kristen Palmer
I’ve had a great experience with Swim Easy! Krzysztof, Evelyn, and Isabella are all friendly and great instructors, and I’ve met some wonderful people in the various classes I’ve taken. I went from being slightly uncomfortable in the water to doing breaststroke, freestyle, and backstroke with ease. I still need to work on my endurance, but I feel I’ve been able to progress very quickly with the instructors’ help. Getting corrections to my form has helped me swim faster and with less effort. I would say that coming multiple times a week (for me 2x a week is the sweet spot) has been really beneficial! I’ve recommended the program to my friends and family, taking these classes is one of the best decisions I’ve made :)
Zoe
As an adult who had never been able to swim, I was really nervous about starting lessons—but Swim Easy NY exceeded all my expectations. The instructors are incredibly patient and encouraging. I was amazed that after just two lessons, I was swimming on my own for the first time in my life!!! The classes are small, supportive, and truly focused on building confidence. I'm so glad I started my swimming journey here!
Joel H
Awesome, exceeded expectations. The classes are targeted for people with little or no swimming experience, but they definitely cater to people who can swim already. I got there, was barely able to do 50m freestyle in 2:40/100m and completely out of breath. After a few sessions (mostly with Krzystof) I can do 200m in under 2:00/100m and barely out of breath. I am looking forward to continue going, everytime we do something else, and Krzystof has a good eye on each swimmer (usually 3 or 4 at the same time), gives great feedback and drills to keep ourselves busy and improving. He's a great coach: demanding and professional, but also warm and encouraging. I couldn't recommend him more. The pool is gorgeous, 25m and wide enough so there's pretty much one lane per person in the class. This swim school is a little jewel.
How to reach Swim Easy New York
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Why Swim Easy New York may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Swim Easy New York with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meetup often means searching for a location that offers more than just space — it’s about creating memorable experiences together. Swim Easy New York stands out as an exceptional choice for such group outings, particularly for those interested in a fun, active, and slightly adventurous day. Located in a convenient and accessible area of Midtown Manhattan, Swim Easy offers a welcoming environment geared towards adults learning to swim or improving their confidence in water. Unlike typical pool facilities, this place specializes in small group swim lessons, fostering a supportive community atmosphere where you and your friends can encourage each other. There’s something special about conquering fears and celebrating new skills together, making it a group bonding activity beyond the usual dinner or movie outing.
Moreover, the pool at Swim Easy New York is deep enough to practice treading water and gain real aquatic skills, which adds a layer of authenticity and accomplishment for participants. Whether some of your group are beginners or looking to refresh their swimming abilities, everyone can feel involved and supported. The instructors are known for being patient, encouraging, and skilled at adapting lessons to various comfort levels — perfect for mixed groups with different swimming backgrounds. Essentially, Swim Easy New York offers a blend of learning, health, socializing, and fun, making it an ideal rally spot for friends wanting to share an empowering and enjoyable experience in a unique setting.
What makes the activities at Swim Easy New York perfect for groups?
Swim Easy New York’s core offering is adult swim lessons, designed specifically to accommodate small groups, which is a great format for friends who want to learn or enjoy swimming together without feeling lost in a crowd. The small group sizes allow instructors to give focused, personalized attention, helping each participant progress at their own pace while still feeding off the group energy. Activities focus on fundamental skills like breathing techniques, balance in the water, proper kicking, and especially treading water — the latter being a crucial lifelong water safety skill taught at a depth that challenges and builds confidence. This is not just recreational swimming but purposeful training with measurable progress.
The classes are held in two thoughtfully chosen locations: one at St Bart’s Church in Midtown Manhattan and another at Leman Pool in the Financial District. Both spots are accessible by public transport, making them convenient meeting places for friends coming from different parts of the city. For group meetups, the location’s centrality coupled with flexible class schedules (available on multiple weekdays and weekends) helps coordinate group attendance without fuss. Besides swimming lessons, the welcoming environment allows groups to socialize, celebrate milestones, and encourage each other in a constructive way, making every meet feel supportive and motivating.
Additionally, the facility offers essentials for comfort and convenience: changing rooms, showers, swim caps, goggles, and even lockers for secure storage. This logistical ease streamlines your group’s meetup experience and keeps the focus on enjoyment and learning. Swim Easy’s commitment to creating an inclusive atmosphere ensures that regardless of each friend’s swimming experience, everyone feels empowered to engage fully. The combination of an expert teaching approach, supportive group dynamics, and ideal amenities truly makes Swim Easy New York a special venue for friends to come together around an active, healthy, and confidence-building activity.
How does Swim Easy New York accommodate varying swimming skill levels in a group setting?
One of the standout benefits of choosing Swim Easy New York for your group meetup is their deep understanding and accommodation of diverse skill levels within the same class. Often, friends have mixed experiences – some are complete novices nervous about entering deep water, while others want to fine-tune their technique or regain confidence. Swim Easy’s instructors, led by founder Krzysztof Szkoda, are highly trained and emphasize a supportive, patient teaching style that adapts seamlessly to individual swimming capacities within the group framework.
Classes focus first on fundamental comfort and safety skills such as breathing control and water balance, critical for absolute beginners. For those who have more experience, the lessons evolve naturally to include more advanced elements like treading water and swimming endurance. This graduated approach helps prevent feelings of inadequacy among beginners and boredom among advanced swimmers, keeping the entire group engaged and motivated. Because lessons emphasize small group interactions, instructors can answer individual questions and observe each participant’s progress, tailoring feedback and encouragement accordingly.
The inclusive nature of the classes fosters camaraderie and mutual support among group members, turning potentially stressful learning moments into shared victories. For example, friends cheer each other on as they master floating or swimming a length of the pool, making the progress feel communal. This nurturing environment is enhanced by the well-maintained pools, which are deep enough for realistic skill-building rather than just shallow water drills. Such thoughtful instruction coupled with group synergy makes Swim Easy New York uniquely effective for accommodating all levels while ensuring every friend enjoys the learning journey together.
What social and health benefits make Swim Easy New York ideal for a friends’ meetup?
Choosing Swim Easy New York for a friends’ gathering provides far-reaching benefits beyond just the pool deck. Socially, the environment encourages interaction and bonding through a shared active endeavor, which research shows helps strengthen relationships and communication. When friends learn a new skill side-by-side, they form positive memories and a sense of accomplishment that deepens connections more than passive hangouts. The small-group class model also nurtures a supportive atmosphere where members can casually chat, motivate each other, and celebrate breakthroughs, turning the meetup into a true social event rather than simply a lessons session.
From a health perspective, swimming is a low-impact, full-body workout suitable for adults of all fitness levels, including those who may find traditional gym exercises challenging. By rallying at Swim Easy New York, groups simultaneously enjoy cardiovascular benefits, improved muscle tone, and enhanced flexibility. Learning to swim or improving technique also contributes to overall water safety, empowering participants with skills that can prevent accidents and reduce anxiety around aquatic environments.
The mental health advantages are equally compelling. Swimming has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep — all especially valuable for busy urban dwellers. For friends looking to catch up while also caring for their wellbeing, Swim Easy offers a perfect balance. The combination of expert instruction, safe water exercises, and social support makes meetups at Swim Easy a meaningful investment in fun, friendship, and fitness.
What makes the location and facilities of Swim Easy New York convenient and comfortable for group meetups?
When coordinating group meetups in New York City, accessibility and amenities can make a huge difference in overall experience, and Swim Easy New York excels on both fronts. Their primary location at St Bart’s Church sits right in Midtown Manhattan at 109 East 50th Street, a central hub easy to reach by subway, bus, or bicycle. This prime spot reduces commuting stress, encouraging full participation from friends scattered across the city. Classes are offered on multiple days, including weekends, providing flexible scheduling options that accommodate various work and lifestyle commitments.
The pool facilities at Swim Easy are designed for both comfort and practicality. Participants have access to clean changing rooms and showers, allowing them to freshen up before or after lessons. The availability of swim caps and goggles simplifies preparation, and lockers provide secure storage for personal items, making it easy for groups to arrive prepared yet travel light. The deep pool supports effective skill-building while enhancing participants’ confidence – an essential feature rarely found in urban swim centers.
Additionally, the overall ambiance at St Bart’s Church pool is welcoming and inclusive, with staff and instructors who cultivate a friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere conducive to learning and socializing. For groups looking to extend their meetup experience beyond the pool, the neighborhood offers plenty of nearby cafes and eateries where friends can grab a bite or drink afterward, making Swim Easy New York not just a lesson venue but a full social hub.
With its high rating of 4.9 from over 230 reviews, Swim Easy New York clearly stands out as a premier destination for adults wanting to learn and enjoy swimming within a social and encouraging environment. The combination of expert instruction, well-organized classes, prime city location, and accommodating facilities makes it an excellent choice for groups of friends or family looking to mix fitness, fun, and fellowship in one memorable outing.