Ok guys, this is my scoop on this spot!…read more I'm upgrading my swimming lessons to one day be able to swim In the Ocean or Sea. I don't think you're a real swimmer if u can't swim in the Ocean. U know why? It's bc there are No rails to grab onto. Sink or Swim! Hahahaha. My goal! Lol. I think everyone can improve on their swimming skills. The staff is amazing, the swim instructors are Awesome . So, patient with us. Ohh u can also pay for private lessons too. It's very affordable! If it's 4u as an adult or kids give them a try. Lots of lockers, Large enough pool. I didn't feel rushed, by our instructor Sophie. She's thorough in her lessons. I still had fun. I recommend, Penguin City Swim.

I should have written a review years ago. Well anyway better late than never--just like learning to…read moreswim. I started lessons with Penguin City in my late 40s MY LATE 40s, people! And I'm terrible when it comes to learning how to do new athletic/physical things and even *I* learned to swim. (Now in my mid 50s.) If you're nervous, think you're too old, whatever else--please give it a try; you'll at least learn enough to be comfortable in the water, and the staff are really professional and the time I spent in the water for my lessons was actually really relaxing. Worth it. Give it a try, even if you never get to the point where you swim Olympic pool laps, you will feel competent in a pool and you will find enjoyment.

Maryanne has been a phenomenal instructor for my sister and I's three kids - ages 3.5, 4, and 5…read more They are a mix of cautious and adventurous, and she easily adapts to what each of them needs to feel comfortable. She has really helped them come out of their shells and continues to help them improve their skills every week!

Coach Kyle Clayton & his team of coaches are absolutely excellent. They taught our young child to…read moreswim and a few years later taught her how to dive, taught her all the strokes & finessed them... & she's now on a swim team. Initially, we just wanted her to be safe in the water. They instilled a love of swimming & gave her confidence. They're very professional, reliable & experienced. Highly recommend.

Our daughter has been going to this location consistently for 3 years and prior to that she went to…read moreanother location. The swim instruction has been 4-5 stars. She's learned so much and she's a really good swimmer. In the beginning we frequently had different instructors, but she's been with the same man (Michael!) for a long time now. She loves him and she has learned so much with him. He truly cares about teaching the kids and he works with them at the level where they are. We anticipate our child will go on to be on a swim team at some point - and we attribute this to her teacher, who has helped her learn and thrive. The facility of this location is in an apartment building. The pool area is not well maintained by the building. It's important to note that the swim school/company rents this space from them and has no control over the maintenance other than making sure the pool chemical levels are in check. They are not responsible for the building, the cleaning, or even the supplies. I know this because I have asked many times and they have no control. Yes, of course they choose to rent here, but in NYC are there really that many options? The pool itself is great and we try to think of it that way - swimming pools and classes are hard to find here, especially for a good price. So we have stayed here all these years, with the facilities being underwhelming for sure, because the instructors and pool is good. I have interacted with the swim school administration as well. They are good, and have actually been willing to accommodate our requests, help us to find lost items, and listened to feedback. They offer makeup classes if you miss one, which many places do not. I've also seen the lifeguard in action and know that safety here is a priority. Overall, I'd recommend to people, as long as they know the place isn't super pretty or fancy and are okay with that. Again, the swim company doesn't actually control this at all, and while that sucks, it's true.

My daughter loves going to swimming lessons there. I can see amazing progress and love people who…read morework there- very kind and professional .

This swim school was recommended to me by another parent and we have been extraordinarily pleased…read morewith our decision to join. The coaches have all been patient and encouraging and my son has gone from being afraid to go under water to being able to race with the other students in any of the four strokes he's studied. He was placed in age (and ability) appropriate levels all along and his confidence soared as he mastered skills that allowed him to progress. Another small thing, that is a big thing for people with younger children, is that the pool temperature is not freezing. Many previous places we went to my son would be blue after the first 15 minutes. I tried wet suits and short classes but he'd always be miserable. Here he never mentions the water temperature and none of the adults that bring their babies into the pool for their classes seem uncomfortable at all. I would highly recommend this school. I have always had good experience with the poolside staff; they are young to be sure, but earnest, genuine and kind. The people in the water with the kids are fantastic.

My daughter is nervous, but the teacher here at swim gym made her so excited and so relaxed about…read moreswimming. The teacher Ella was absolutely wonderful with my little 3 year old. The classes are no more than three students per class and there are two teachers in the pool so you can feel very confident and safe for your child child. Now- this is not a high end location with changing rooms and showers etc. however- I have been to other places who have such a rigorous curriculum that they are not adapting to each individual child's needs. They are doing that here. So 1 no fancy locker rooms, no area for the parents to hang. BUT my kid was braver then she ever was in any class before.

Was actually looking through groupon to find swimming lessons and came across "JOHNNY's SWIM…read moreTRAINING" deal. I was able to contact the program via Mr. Johnny to find out more information. (Eventually did not use the groupon; it was sold out anyways.) In terms of the program, the swimming instructor was probably one of the best I have seen. Mr. Johnny worked really great with kids and they all listened to his directions via drills/exercises/routines. I had to inquire if these children were previous students from the program given that they were not only attentive but looked comfortable and was having fun learning. (Usually, initial students would appear to have reservations or show signs of uncertainty...) But no, to my surprise, I found out that this was all their first day and first time at a swim lesson. So it was shocking to see how they quickly acclimated and felt at ease with the instructor/assistants. In addition, for each lesson, the student ratio must be a few students to one teacher, so that actually helps, too. That way, more attention is not only given to the students, but it is also less overwhelming in the pool. While observing the lesson, some kids actually quickly picked up the floating aspect pretty fast after a few tries. Although they may not reach Olympic level but for a first lesson to get to that step is pretty impressive, and of course that also depends on each child, as well. But still, I give credit that the instructor displayed elements of encouragement, enthusiasm, praises, and constant observation of each student in efforts to help them improve. Overall, I also thought the most important thing (aside from achieving swimming capabilities) is how the group quickly adapted to the water, environment, teacher/assistants, and just having fun - all in their first lesson. I even saw that the parents were having a great time watching their children. Huge thumbs up to Mr. Johnny for being an awesome swimming teacher! I wanted to sign up but to my dismay, Mr. Johnny is always booked and I need to implore for additional openings/times to allow for more lessons to take place. (*crossing fingers). Currently, the schedule is very tight. Meanwhile, the facility is located in Manhattan in the refined FiDi area inside a clean building with security. The pool is very well-maintained with an attentive lifeguard. I would not say that the locker room/changing area is impeccable but it is not horrible. Most parents actually kept their minimal belongings with them instead of using the lockers (even though locking up your valuables are recommended). I suggest to bring your own flip flops (that was part of the instructions as per the swimming program) to use while walking to and from all areas, to avoid slipping. Soap dispensers were all installed in the shower stalls. In terms of the pool, it was generally clean along with its upkeep. Signs were displayed to remind parents/pool-users to abide by the rules of safety and cleanliness. (Usually it is all about safety in many other facilities.) It was the first time that I have seen the availability to put on shoe covers to help keep the pool clean. Yes, disposable shoe covers! It is even better than TAKING OFF SHOES! Wow!

Johnny is such a great instructor and nice person! He's very patient and great with the kids. He…read morebreaks swimming skills down and makes it easy. He has lots of helpers in the pool to assist the kids. They get a lot of swim time. The facility is nice too and the pool has a shallow end. Would highly recommend his classes!

I am in my early 30s and have a fear of water. Though I know it is possible I just could not bring…read moremy legs to come up and move around in the pool. I was encouraged by my husband to learn how to swim again after a bad experience from swimming lessons when I was a child. I contacted Lori and one statement she said stuck to me, "You will not be afraid, if you have an exit strategy." She put me in touch with Craig and when we met up for my first lesson, he just said: "As long as you trust me and trust yourself, I can probably get you to float during your first lesson." I honestly thought that he was quite ambitious. I had a two hour lesson and Craig spent the first part of the lesson getting me comfortable in the water and explaining to me theoretically how the water can work to your favor. I told Craig that my biggest fear was the front float as I was extremely uncomfortable with my face in the water. He explained to me that when I take my makeup off and wash my face in the shower at night, I had to hold my breath. He told me to treat it as it was the same routine. I held my breath and dunked my face in the water knowing that he was right there. Then, he proceeded to hold my hand and told me to try again and this time lifting my legs up. Lastly, he said, "When you first saw me, you gave me a hug...I assumed you liked me enough, that's why you leaned forward to give me a hug." "Why don't you try again, come towards me...trust me I won't let anything happen to you." And I guess, that was it...I looked at him, held my breath, and leaned in towards him and there it was I floated...just like that. I had a total of 4 (2 hour long) lessons with Craig. Currently, I am able to partially do the breast stroke, free-style, and float on my front and back. I've still got lots to work on and plan to continue my swimming journey with Craig, but I never knew I was able to do it until Lori and Craig encouraged me that I can. If you are an adult with a fear of water, but is eager to learn how to swim, please consider Aqua Skills. If you trust Craig/Lori and yourself, you can definitely do it.

I learned enough here to enjoy some shallow pool swimming, which I'm truly grateful for,…read moreconsidering how I wouldn't even set foot in a pool before taking these classes. However, for the price, I could've probably learned much more elsewhere. Most of the instructors here are great; patient, friendly, and professional. But I'm sorry to have to join in the chorus with others and agree that the owner, Lori, is a terror. She sets a hostile environment, constantly screaming at her boyfriend, Craig, and interrupting lessons. The way that she communicates with her staff is simply weird and disrespectful. I've heard her disparage the instructors to students. Other times, I'll hear her TALK TO HERSELF out loud and say things like, "I''ve been doing this for 15 years, I know what I'm talking about, no need to make a big deal about this" - - the look on her employees' faces after these bizarre statements is one of resignation and confusion, because they must be used to her passive aggressive style, yet bewildered by her snide remarks. I'm not describing constructive criticism expressed harshly, I'm describing a woman who gossips and complains about her employees to students. So everyone is minding their own business, teaching and learning, and then out of nowhere she'll just scream at Craig, or say something snarky to/about her instructors for no apparent reason. One time, Craig, who was really kind to me, mentioned that I should come in ten minutes earlier just to warm up. I thought that was nice, so I did. I'm in the pool, and I see Lori get out and go to Craig and loudly complain to him how it's not okay to allow students to start early. It was passive aggressive and rude. I arrived 10 minutes early only once, and only because Craig offered. But even if he was mistaken, it would have been fine if she simply just told me that they couldn't accommodate. The pool can be busy. I get it; too many people in the pool would be disruptive to students who paid for their sessions. Instead, she chose the childish tantrum route and talked about me in front of me. This made me so uncomfortable that I wanted to quit immediately. I stayed because I was determined to learn. You will see from her response below that she's not one for healthy conflict resolution or professional propriety. It is disturbing how she lies as a defense. It means a lot to customers when they see that an owner cannot own up to a mistake. See photo of screenshot I posted: Lori edited her comments to my review 21 times. Each iteration more bizarre and divorced from reality than before. Obsessing over her response is not only creepy but the end result becomes contrived. Does it take 21+ attempts to make herself appear right? It became almost humorous so I took screenshots of her versions of alternate realities. She kept erasing her comments after I called out each lie. Thanks to all former students who messaged me to support my review. It's true that Lori is her own worst enemy. I would have left my review at 3 stars had she not been so relentlessly vindictive. Those who are ambivalent about this place can find many more testimonials on the TimeOut New York site: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/sport-fitness/aqua-skills#tab_panel_4

I have moved to different cities throughout the world and always find a swim club to join. Red Tide…read moreis one of the best! Always welcoming, great workouts for all swim levels and a fun, social environment both in the pool and outside. The team is lucky enough to swim in newly refurbished facilities at a location convenient to everyone in Manhattan. It is a perfect way to improve fitness and meet people along the way. I cannot recommend this team highly enough.

I have been swimming with Red Tide for several years. I have met some of the most amazing and fun…read morefriends here. The coaches are experienced and work to create challenging, original practices. Red Tide has a great swim program while also being social. Whether you join for the physical challenge, or to casually stay fit (or bounce between them) this team has it for you! You don't have to be an amazing swimmer either - I joined and never swam open water and was a sprinter. I ended up swimming a 10 K in Vermont! I love this team!