Pool Status:

 

OPEN only through permit-holding community based organizations during their respective time slots and permit dates. COVID rules are currently suspended, but parents may still be required to show ID to be allowed in the building.

 

Learn To Swim Classes:

​

Classes offerings are for children ages 5 to 7 years old and are extremely limited during the school year. Those already enrolled in the previous session are given the opportunity to re-register for the next session, leaving few open spots to be filled. Any open spots are then offered to candidates whose parents have asked to be placed on a wait list (some parents have placed their children on our wait list a year or more before their child turns 5). Prospective candidates must match the age and skill level of the class where the opening  arises. In some cases, when a new class can be created, spots would be offered to the youngest ones on the list. There is no guarantee that anyone on a wait list will be offered a spot as there simply are not enough classes available during the school year.

​

​

Harbor Seal Tryouts for 2023-24:

 

Harbor Seal membership is highly competitive and is strictly limited by the number of returning members and whether new candidates' skills are compatible with those of our current members. Only a few of the top performers within their age groups will be extended an invitation to join. Those interested in trying out must be within the ages of 7 to 12 years old and would be expected to attend all of the practices and at least 75% of the meets that the team enters, should they be offered a spot on the team. Our Fall practices take place on Tuesdays (6:15 to 8PM), Thursdays and Fridays (6:15 to 7:15PM), and Saturdays (4 to 6PM). We typically attend meets once a month (on Sundays).

This year we expect to begin tryouts, by appointment only, the week of September 12th. Parents should call Maria at 347 267-9469 no sooner than September 5th to schedule an appointment for a tryout.
Our coaches look for an ability to perform all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly), racing starts, and an ability to do flip turns. Of course, younger candidates would not be held to the same standards as older ones; all candidates will be ranked within their age groups according to their performances at tryouts.
After tryouts conclude (in about two weeks) our coaches will review the results and  swimmers' families will be notified as to whether their child will be invited to join the Harbor Seals swim team. Those invited to join will then be given complete information about tuition, practice schedule, and their swimmers' as well as their own required commitments to the Harbor Seals USA Swimming program. Tuition for mid-September to mid- June will be $2,700 and does not include the required USA membership and meet entry fees (which will likely cost  an additional $300 -  $350).

 

 

COVID restrictions (currently not in force) on extended use permits for use of the pool may be put back in force without prior notice. Restrictions may include some or all of the below policies:

​

• Spectator restrictions may be imposed by the the school or the NYC Dept. of Education. If so, only those comfortable with dropping off their children at the pool entrance should consider enrolling in a BRAINS program at this time.

• Parents must remain nearby in the event of an emergency

• Swimmers must come ready to get in the pool (suits on)

• No showering at the pool

• Building must be vacated by the end of our permit time (classes will end 10 to 15 minutes before the next permit-holding organization's time begins to allow for exiting)

• NYCDOE Screening at healthscreening.schools.nyc may be used by School Safety Agents (passes can be processed in advance for day of entry)

• ID may be required

• Should restrictions be reinstated, BRAINS COVID Waiver would also be required of all BRAINS participants (see pdf)

​

 

 

On Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 7:46 AM, FHHS wrote:

​

Use of the facility stipulations:

Clearing of locker room and deck so you exit at the END time of your permit.  The doors and building should be shut by the end time, not people still in the building at the end time. Please understand that overtime for SSAs has been cut citywide. We have requested and gotten the help to get people here. Some of these people are working 6-10 to be onsite. Please do your part with your members.

 

Finally, the rules are the rules. If there is an issue with the SSAs on duty, member etiquette, pool etc. then we will be required to pull the permit for the group.

 

​

IMPORTANT, PLEASE NOTE:

​

Many of the pages on this website are out of date. Please be patient as we do not have the staffing levels to provide up to date program information on this website at this time. (The following information was uploaded on September 18th, 2021.)

 

NYC rules for gyms and fitness facilities will be in effect. Proof of vaccination and ID will be required of all over the age of 12 to enter the building, masks must be worn at all times (except while swimming) and social distancing will be necessary as well. We suggest that you obtain the free NYS Excelsior app on your phone as this will allow for an easier screening process. 

​

While BRAINS will be taking these extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of all participants, attendees and employees, we can not guarantee that no one will be exposed or contract COVID-19 while attending a BRAINS program. Therefore, a waiver of liability form is also required of all participant familes. Please print and sign the form below (see PDF) before coming to the pool.

​

Those who were enrolled in a BRAINS program when the pandemic shut down occurred will initially be given priority as long as they meet the age and skill requirements of the programs that will be offered.

 

All access to the FHHS pool during community time is through the various community based organizations that have paid for and hold approved permits. The programs detailed on this website are offered during the portion of community time at the Fort Hamilton High School pool that is paid for by and permitted to The Bay Ridge Aquatics Institute (BRAINS), Inc..

​

2023 Lifeguard Training Registration Begins in December 

​

Please call or see Maria (347) 267-9469 in December/ Early January to register or for more information.

Space is Limited!

​

Lifeguarding & LG Review

​

BRAINS offers an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course (starting in February) and Lifeguard Review courses (in February and March) once a year.

 

 

Intermediate Learn To Swim

​

Registration has begun for BRAINS Intermediate Learn to Swim class which takes place on Saturdays from 2:30 to 3:45 PM starting January 25 and ending June 18th. This class is designed to enhance the abilities of those already involved in a competitive swim program, such as CYO or YMCA swim teams. Spots are limited, and available on a first-come basis.

 

Stroke Clinic 20202- Registration Begins in January

​

For swimmers already involved in competitive swimming. (This class takes place in late Spring - call for appointment or come to the pool during Harbor Seal practice times to register.) This program focuses on improving stroke technique, flip-turns, racing

starts, push-offs, breaststroke pull-downs, and other racing skills. 

Please call or see Maria (347) 267-9469 for more information.

Harbor Seal Tryouts For 2019-20 Are Now Complete

​

Tryouts for available Harbor Seal roster spots for the 2019 - 2020 season have now ended. Congratulations to all who were selected to the Harbor Seal program! Tryouts for both Harbor Seals, including the developmental "Puppy Seals" group (a three day a week membership program for skilled novices not yet ready for full Harbor Seal membership), began the week of September 3rd and ended September 12th. Prospective members must be between the ages of 7 and 12 and must demonstrate competency in the four competitive strokes, racing starts and flip turns. Age-appropriate time standards are used to evaluate candidates.