Mission: The Bay Ridge Aquatics Institute, Inc. (BRAINS) is a 501(c)(3), charitable, non-profit  corporation whose mission is to provide programs resulting in the advancement of swim-centered, life-saving education in the local community.

Vision: That BRAINS’ programs will result in health and safety benefits to our local community, preparing our diverse population across a wide range of age groups, to meet the challenges that life may present.

The Bay Ridge Aquatics Institute, Inc. (BRAINS) was founded by Thomas F. Greene who was so instrumental in bringing a pool to Fort Hamilton High School that local officials decided that the new facility, completed in 1993, would bear his name. The following year, Mr. Greene and the newly formed Board of Directors of BRAINS, which consisted of several of his associate Fort Hamilton High School teachers who were also certified lifeguards and swim instructors, put in place the framework for a comprehensive aquatics program to be accessed by the local community.  Included among these programs was the establishment of a USA Swimming team, the Harbor Seals, and an extensive array of Learn to Swim programs as well as American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR and Water Safety Instructor Training. Testament to the foresight of Mr. Greene and his fellow FHHS teachers is the fact that these programs survive relatively unchanged to this day. 

In 2001, because of conflict of interest concerns within the Board of Education, a new Board of Directors consisting of  parents of children who swam on the Harbor Seals swim team was elected. Building on the solid foundation provided by Mr. Greene and his associates, today's Bay Ridge Aquatics Institute reaches out to over five hundred participants a year, providing life-saving, swim-centered educational programs to the Greater Bay Ridge community.  As for Mr. Greene, he has remained steadfast throughout the years in his commitment to swimming and currently volunteers his time to coach the novice Harbor Seals.

Please make checks out to BRAINS.

Please note:

The FHHS pool is a competition pool, not a bathing pool - water temperature is cool. BRAINS does not offer refunds for variations in temperature or condition of the water or facility. Maintenance of the FHHS pool facility is performed by a private company under contract with the NYC Department of Education and is not, in any way, under the control of the Bay Ridge Aquatics Institute, Inc.

No refunds. Applicant is responsible for the total fee since acceptance to the program is offered to a limited number of candidates. All teaching costs, security and  permit fees must be paid for whether classes are attended or not, therefore BRAINS cannot offer make-up classes, credits or refunds for any classes you may miss. In the event that a class is cancelled we will, at our option, either schedule a make-up or offer a refund or credit for the number of classes cancelled. Exceptions: If major illness or serious complications make it impossible for the registrant to attend classes, we will make every effort to fill the remaining classes with another participant. Should such circumstances arise and we can fill the slot, while we are not obligated to do so, we will consider your request for a refund or credit. Please note that a processing fee of $25 will be applied to any refunds granted. If you are seeking such consideration, you must submit this request in writing along with doctor's notes and/or any other proof needed.

Transfers: Any transfer requests not initiated by BRAINS must be accompanied by payment of a $15 transfer processing fee.

This activity is not sponsored nor endorsed by the New York City Department of Education.  The views and opinions expressed by the sponsoring organization or its participants do not necessarily state or reflect those of the New York City Department of Education.

Pool Status: OPEN

Access to the pool is through permit-holding communtiy-based organizations only; patrons should refer to their group's representatives for their particular schedules.

At All Times...

• Parents must not leave their children without adult supervision within the facility.
• Do not drop off children without certifying that your instructor or coach is on hand and that your program will be in session.
• Parents must pick their children up at the end of their class. NYC School Safety policy requires that any child left behind at the end of his/her scheduled class be placed in police custody;  parents will then have to go the 68th Precinct station house to retrieve their child(ren).

TGIS 2011 Results

BRAINS 2012

SUMMER  REGISTRATION 

Has Begun!

Registration for BRAINS 2012 Summer Program will take place at the Fort Hamilton High School Natatorium located on 83rd street between Shore Road and Narrows, beginning Tuesday, March 13th at 5:30PM.

2012 Summer -  Details & Forms:

Printable Flyer available here: 2012 Summer FLYER

Harbor Seal Camp registration  form - download here: HSCAMPReg form2012

American Red Cross and Intermediate form - download here: ARC LTS RegForm2012

CLASS STATUS (as of 5/15/12):

Adult LTS  - Spots Available

High School Early Bird  -  Limited Availability

HS Camp A - **CLASS FULL**

HS Camp B - **CLASS FULL**

HS Mini  C - **CLASS FULL**

HS Mini D - **CLASS FULL**

LTS  Class 1 - **CLASS FULL**

LTS  Class 2 - Spots Available

LTS  Class 3 - **CLASS FULL**

Inter/Nov 4 - **CLASS FULL**

LTS Class 5  - Spots Available

LTS Class 6  - Spots Available

LTS Class 7  - Spots Available

Inter/Nov 8 - Spots Available

LTS 9  -  Spots Available

LTS 10 - Spots Available

LTS 11 - **CLASS FULL**

Inter/Nov 12  - Spots Available

In order to register for any of BRAINS' classes, payment in full must be made at the time of enrollment. We can not hold spots or accept registration forms without full payment.  (Completed registration form must be signed by a parent or guardian if the student is a minor.)

Looking for summer Learn to Swim classes?  click here.