Humans are born with a natural fear of the water, for from the water come floods, loan sharks, and moisturizing waves of doubt. Overcome natural anxiety with today’s Groupon: for $60, you get four private swimming lessons for one or two people at Farber Swim School in the PDX Sports Center on Beaverton Hillsdale Highway (up to a $144 value).
Farber Swim School instructs landlubbers in the art of swimming, helping children, adults, and those with special needs feel at ease in the water. Red Cross–certified lifeguard instructors guide students through the 16-yard, four-lane indoor pool—which is kept at a toasty, human-friendly 90 degrees—covering everything from basic survival swimming for toddlers to triathlon swim training for adult fitness swimmers. The 30-minute swim sessions are tailored to the needs of each student and incorporate fun challenges and games to keep the desire to learn from washing away.
At Farber Swim School, splashers can overcome their fear of water, learn to do a flip-turn, delight in sudden floatability, master the freestyle, or figure out how to shave seconds off their front crawl with helpful tips from the instructors with competitive swimming backgrounds. The bright pool area pulses with colors and swim accessories, and a wide, swooping staircase into the water allows an easy entrance for swimmers who'd rather not jump.
Farber Swim School
Adam Farber and his wife Kristin founded Farber Swim School, a facility dedicated to teaching foundational and advanced swimming skills in a safe, fun environment. Kids and adults alike hop into the pool for hands-on lessons, which cover everything from floating techniques and swimming strokes to breathing lessons and safety and rescue tactics. Farber Swim School is also home to the Penguins, a competitive youth team that gives kids the chance to hone their craft in preparation for fun, low-pressure swim meets.