BCYF Aquatics
Swimming is free at BCYF. Sign up for a membership in our registration system today!
At Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), we offer a variety of aquatics programs at our indoor pools, two outdoor pools, and beach.
-
Have questions? Contact the pool directly:
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.
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.
Adaptive Swim
Everyone Belongs in the Water
At BCYF, we believe water safety is a right, not a privilege. Everyone deserves to feel safe, confident, and capable in the pool—regardless of their physical ability, sensory profile, or learning style.
For many, swimming is more than a sport. It’s a life-saving skill. Drowning remains a leading cause of death for children ages 1–4. Research shows that children with autism are often drawn to water, placing them at an even higher risk. Yet, the children who need these skills most often face the biggest barriers in traditional classes.
Is Adaptive Swim Right for Us?
Our programming is designed for swimmers who may have struggled in traditional classes but thrive with extra attention and a slower pace. We proudly welcome individuals with:
-
Autism & Sensory Processing Needs
-
ADHD & Anxiety
-
Down Syndrome
-
Motor Skill or Physical Challenges
-
Neurological or Emotional Differences
Adaptive Open Swim
These are unstructured, sensory-friendly sessions where families can play together. We limit other pool activities to keep noise and distractions low, and our Swim Whisperers® certified staff are always on hand to offer tips or support.
Available at three BCYF pool locations. BCYF Draper, BCYF Marshall and BCYF Mason Pools.
For those ready to build specific skills in lessons focus
Lifeguard Positions
Lifeguard Positions
BCYF often has positions open for lifeguards. We offer full-time year-round and seasonal positions.
If you are interested in being a lifeguard at a BCYF pool you can check out available positions in the City of Boston Career Center. If you have questions please contact one of our aquatics managers for more information.
Lifeguard Training
Boston Centers for Youth & Families periodically offers training to become a lifeguard. Training courses are listed above. If you do not see any available and are interested in learning about training when we offer it, please complete the form below. After completing this form you will be contacted by a member of our aquatics staff when there is information to be shared about courses.
While we do hope to offer training to as many interested individuals as possible, completion of this form is not a guarantee of a spot in a course and it is not a guarantee of future employment.
If you are not a strong swimmer, we suggest you start swimming regularly at one of our pools. Membership is free.
BCYF Aquatics Programs
BCYF Pool Locations (Note: Some are closed for renovation)
Pool LocationsLifeguard Training Courses
Water Safety
Water Safety
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:
Who's Involved:
-
Have questions? Contact the pool directly:
