Sensory-friendly adaptive open swim at three City of Boston pools, Draper, Marshall and Mason, with other pool activities limited to keep noise and distractions low and Swim Whisperers certified staff on hand. Free for Boston residents with a BCYF membership.
Sensory supports. Sensory-friendly open swim, free for Boston residents.
Hours
Weekly adaptive swim (schedule effective January 2026): Draper, Thursdays 11 am to 12 pm and Saturdays 9:15 to 10:15 am; Marshall, Saturdays 2:15 to 3 pm; Mason, Tuesdays 5 to 5:45 pm. Email swim@boston.gov to confirm before you go.
BCYF Draper, 5275 Washington Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132; BCYF Marshall, 35 Westville Street, Dorchester, MA 02124; BCYF Mason, 159 Norfolk Avenue, Roxbury, MA 02119
“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.”
“Most importantly, there are no strict timelines.”
The program welcomes swimmers with autism and sensory processing needs, ADHD and anxiety, Down syndrome, motor or physical challenges, and neurological or emotional differences, including kids who struggled in regular classes.
Structured adaptive lessons are also offered, starting with water comfort and safety, at each swimmer's pace. Ask swim@boston.gov about lesson times.
