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May 29, 2026
When Should My Child Start Swim Lessons? (Ages, Stages & What to Expect)
Italian Center
Key Takeaways Many experts recommend introducing children to swim lessons as early as 6 months old through parent-and-child programs. Structured swim lessons help children build water confidence, safety awareness, and foundational swimming skills over time. The best swim programs follow...
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May 26, 2026
What to Look for in a Summer Day Camp in Stamford, CT (A Parent’s Guide)
Italian Center
Key Takeaways Choosing the right summer day camp in Stamford, CT means looking beyond convenience and focusing on safety, structure, staff experience, and program variety. The best camps balance fun, physical activity, creativity, and social development in a supportive environment....
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April 20, 2026
Why Swimming Lessons Are One of the Most Valuable Skills Your Child Can Learn
Italian Center
Swimming is more than just a summer activity; it’s a lifelong skill that builds confidence, safety awareness, and physical strength from an early age. For many families, enrolling in swim lessons is one of the most important decisions they make...
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April 15, 2026
Why Racquet Sports Are the Perfect Year-Round Activity at the IC
Italian Center
If you are looking for a sport that combines fitness, social connection, and skill development, racquet sports are one of the best choices you can make. At the IC in Stamford, CT, racquet sports are a core part of the...
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Prerequisite 1

Jump in, submerge, resurface and swim 150 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes, and then swim 50 more yards. While swimming, you must keep your face in the water and demonstrate good breath control. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed. When treading, you must use only your legs.

Prerequisite 2

Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive (head-first or feet-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.

This course follows a blended learning model, which combines online coursework with in-person sessions. You will receive an email from the American Red Cross with instructions for accessing the online course content. To get started, log in to the Red Cross Learning Center and from your home page, click on the class. Please plan to complete all of the assigned online course modules at least 2 days prior to the corresponding in-person session. The online course content (16 modules) is designed to be completed in approximately 6 hours, with each module taking between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. You may require more or less time to complete each module. I recommend beginning the online coursework as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to complete all of the assigned online modules in advance of the corresponding in-person sessions.

  • Middle School Drop-In Fridays
  • Sip n' Paint
  • Family Bingo
  • Sunday Funday
  • Pancakes, Pumpkins & Ponies
  • Zumba Glow Party
  • Holiday Centerpiece Creation
  • Boozy Candles
  • Foam Party
  • Taste of Italy
  • Homemade Wine Tasting
  • Wine & Food Pairing
  • Character Breakfasts