Learn To Swim
More than a safety issue being able to swim opens up a world of joy above and below the water as well as employment opportunities in the tourism and marine industries and areas like marine research and conservation. We believe that everyone on our island should be able to swim.
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park has offered free swim lessons to the St. John community for more than a decade! Our Learn to Swim program is designed after the American Red Cross Water Safety Course and includes beginner to advance instruction levels for all ages. Friends sponsors the training and employment of instructors and life guards. Thank you to our supporters and members who make this program possible.
Join us every first and third Saturday morning for free swim lessons at Cinnamon Bay Beach! Starting in October 2024, sessions will be every Saturday!
Learn how to swim, how to tread water, or refine your technique from Red Class-trained instructors and lifeguards.
- All ages welcome! Adults and kids!
- 9:30AM to 11:30AM on Cinnamon Bay beach to the left of the ruin.
- Free transportation is available from/to Cruz Bay. Morning departure from Cruz Bay is 9AM. Return leaves Cinnamon at 11:40AM.
All participants over the age of 18 must sign a waiver at their first lesson or if they are under the age of 18, have their parents or guardians sign a waiver. Thank you!
Tara Murza
Learn To Swim Instructor & Coordinator | tmurza@friendsvinp.org
Tara comes to us from Florida where she grew up competitively swimming and avidly snorkeling. As a child she visited St. John frequently and fell in love. In 2016 she moved here to explore her passion for snorkeling and adventure. As the coordinator for the Learn to Swim program she is excited to teach the local community swimming skills and share her love of the ocean. Please contact her if you have any questions.
Swim Instructors & Life Guards Needed
This is a part time job opportunity in the Friends Learn To Swim program on Saturdays and during the summer. $24/hour. Free training and certification is provided if needed. Please contact Tara Murza at tmurza@friendsvinp.org