We have been swimming with Freedom for 5 years now. Previously we swam with the YMCA on Broadway in…read moreStaten Island. But we found the classes to be overcrowded (12 students) and the kids were not learning to swim because they just didn't have enough water time or quality instructors. So we searched out a few programs and settled on Freedom. We have for the most part been pleased with the program especially their progress. They have worked on technique throughout the years including attending summer swim clinics. Although there may be one or two questionable instructors at Freedom, they have done a great job bringing in skilled coaches for their learn to swim program. These coaches are fabulous and really seem to know each student. Classes are held up n various locations depending on your level. These classes are held in Brooklyn Poly Prep, Brooklyn Sports club, Staten Island South Shore YMCA, RBYMCA (Raritan Bay NJ) and CLL aquatics Center in NJ. We really like the program and our only issue is their communication. It is consistently poor and we can't figure out why they don't get that part of their business together. For example: 1. They should have someone you can contact by phone at all times 2. Text messages are always incomplete and sends you to your mail for the remainder of the message which is often times a date. 3. The website is poorly constructed 4. The includes antiquated information as far back as 2020 5. The website is difficult to navigate and overloaded for no good reason 6. Clarity of material ordering and timeline for ordering is unclear 7. Overall their communication is really, really poor and needs a great deal of support. Having said all of this, it is a good program but could be a great program with some restructuring of their communication, website and parent outreach. The program is expensive , so you would think that the directors or the coaches would take time to meet with families at various levels at least at the beginning of each season to let them know what kids will be learning, competition information, and what parents can do to support their child. There's just important things missing that the directors need to figure out. Communication is definitely on top of the list!!!!!! I would still recommend the program as a means to getting kids on the road to becoming good swimmers.

Great place to go if you want your kid to learn to swim. Freedom Aquatics are the best. Staff are…read morevery nice and they know what they are doing.

The instructors were great, the facility and overall management of this program is not…read more The first few weeks were okay. Instructors were very friendly, although it became apparent fast that it would take sometime to learn with 3-5 kids per instructor in a 30-minute or so lesson. A few weeks in, cancellations within 30 minutes to 1 hour of class started. We thought some kid had an accident, but then almost every lesson -- many even while we were on our way to class and even once or twice, told when we arrived -- class was cancelled for the day. We once even began telling other parents while they were arriving at the parking lot after finding out just as we arrived. One parent said they were sent over from the Richmond to Forest location due to cancellations there. After we acknowledged there was a VERY CLEAR issue besides "one offs" they simply offered make-up lessons with NO REFUND whatsoever. Weeks and weeks of learning were already lost just before spring/summer time. We were on standby for a while thinking we may return, but it was clear they didn't have it together and felt risky going back to a place that was masking issues related to pool water servicing children... The even less appealing part of it all (besides having a "swimmer" back at square one) was a marketing email sent saying they were open for lessons "unlike" other places...who are they kidding?!

This is an insane rip-off and fraudulent business practice…read more my son went there in August 2024 for 5 months now he can not swim. Partially this is because 7 minutes of swim time is just not enough and by the way, 50 $ for 7 min of swimming is an insanely high price for failed swim education. 7 minutes are coming from 30-minute lessons divided by 4 people group they have there so total time os swimming your kid will have just 7 minutes..... I called and emailed with a request to cancel and a very nice girl said that she would charge an extra month for that extra 175 $$$$ just to cancel because of their policy to cancel 30 days in advance .....RUN RUN RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN FROM THAT "SWIM SCHOOL"

Best swim teacher I've ever seen. My 4yo son used to be scared of the water and in just 2 lessons…read morehe's already getting very confident. He looks forward to sessions with Mr Al and enjoys every minute of it. Mr. Fischer makes it fun and exciting and my son feels like it's all a game. Can't wait to see what my son is able to do by the end of the season after 20 lessons!

Al is the best! He teaches my 3 year old and 6 year old, and they have both made so much progress…read more He is kind and reliable and professional while making swimming lessons fun for any age.

After moving to a different gym I visited this location again and regretted doing it as soon as I…read morearrived there. If you go on a weeknight it's nearly impossible to get anything done. All machines were taken and most of them already had someone in line. Not to mention some people go with their tripods shooting videos and taking up a lot of room. The reason I'm giving 1 star (and not zero) is because this location has a pool, jacuzzi and sauna but you can expect them all to be packed. Also, they have cancelled many classes and currently there's only one weeknight cycling class on Thursdays which is ridiculous for those who enjoy spinning. There are some weekend classes but they should offer at least one or two more during weeknights. This is a relatively new gym and they should have planned it better with more machines and a better layout. If you're planning on joining this gym for lifting weights or using their machines do a free trial before you join and just ignore the pushy salespeople.

Bayonne location once again opening late. Several people waiting outside to get in at 5 before work…read moreand left standing in the rain. Second time in a month. This is unacceptable.

Alina is the best! She's thorough, firm and explains everything so easily. I have no swimming…read moreexperience and I've been to 4 classes so far and can front crawl, float and tread(this one only a little lol). She makes you feel safe and challenges you to not overthink and just swim! I highly recommend!

The facility is well maintained and the pool area is quite warm. This location has solid…read moreinstructors - Aaliyah gently pushes each kid to grow and develop endurance, and Ivana brings a warm enthusiasm that helps ease the little ones' trepidation of the water.

I'm very happy with British swim jersey city.. the instructors are awesome and staff are very…read morehelpful!

I wish I could give you -5 review, This place is a real Scam, unorganized and dirty pool on PS 27…read more Hot, they don't even have fans for parents, pure and mess and lack of communication and never expect to get a refund. Had 2 child's enrolled and I regret went there. Highly NOT recommended. i forgot they will bomb with emails, swimming techniques that will never be learn.

The staff is not kind at all and they barely acknowledge you or your child when you come through…read morethe door. For swimming lessons, it is nearly impossible to get a makeup class and the instructors are more interested in talking to one another than actually teaching. The facilities are outdated and something always seem to be broken. For parents, it is extremely uncomfortable to be able to watch your kids during swimming class. You will be sitting very close to the pool and most likely will get splashed. Do not recommend.

The staff is very mean and they do not teach you that much for swimming and the grass is dirty and…read more Parents are very mad at there kids for getting dirty and there are a lot of bullies

I joined recently because my insurance allows me to sign up for any gym in the area…read more The Rahway Branch of the YMCA was a nice surprise. It is walking distance from my apartment. It has nice equipment-- a row machine, an elliptical machine, a stationary bike and several treadmills. The pool is well maintained at a good temperature. The staff is warm and welcoming.

One advice: train the receptionists better and make sure they have the same AND right information…read more When you're new to the YMCA and want to sign in for a membership, depending on who I was seeing, they had different versions about the costs and the methods of payment. Being nice and patient when you're receptionist should be a basic requirement. I strongly suggest they allow drop-in class for the group classes, in order you can try them, at least once. And add more fitness classes (like yoga, zumba, pilates, etc.) after workday. On another note, yoga teachers (Jenniera and JoAnn) are good!

Love this gym. The staff is always helpful (especially stuff on evening shift) and makes you feel…read morewelcome!!!

I visited LA Fitness on Forest Ave (Staten Island) for the first time today and was pleased with my…read moreexperience. The reason for my visit was because I wanted to take the 9:30am cycling class with Michelle and the class was great. The instructor is nice and energetic and the music selection was also good. I was surprised by how many people showed up. Class was packed! The gym seems to be decent with lots of equipment and a clean locker room. There's also a pool but it's currently under maintenance so I'm not sure when they'll reopen it. The staff members I dealt with were also friendly. There's a huge free parking lot shared by other stores so parking shouldn't be an issue. I wish they also offered a bike rack/storage but that's not the case. I'll be back to take other classes and will update my review at that time.