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Aquatics Programming

The calm, empty Standish Pool with blue and yellow flags hanging over it.

Seven Weeks of Exceptional Instruction for Beginners to Experienced SwimmersSwimming is one of Academy Summer’s flagship programs, offering seven weeks of high‑quality, instructional swim for campers across Junior Academies, as a choice in Adventure Academy, and as a half-day program in Trailblazers. 

Instructional Approach and Skill Development

Academy Summer’s swimming program serves a wide range of ages and abilities, with instruction thoughtfully tailored to each swimmer’s experience level. Campers may be gaining comfort in the water, developing foundational strokes, or refining technique as they grow in strength and confidence.

Instruction takes place in a supportive, encouraging environment where swimmers are challenged appropriately, progress at their own pace, and receive individualized feedback that emphasizes effort, development, and pride in accomplishment. Each week of instruction is intentionally planned to meet swimmers exactly where they are and support meaningful, skill‑based progress.

Instruction may include:

Foundational skills for new swimmers    

Water comfort, floating, breathing, body position, safe entry, and beginner stroke development.

Stroke development and refinement

Freestyle mechanics, backstroke alignment, breaststroke timing, and introductory butterfly.

Technique‑focused progression

Streamlining, kicking efficiency, turns, finishes, and age‑appropriate tempo work.

Strength, endurance, and confidence building

Supportive conditioning paired with engaging challenges that promote consistency and growth.

Program Leadership

All swimming sessions are led by Coach Mike Murray, Albany Academy’s Head Boys and Girls Varsity Swimming Coach and Director of Aquatics. Coach Murray brings decades of coaching experience and is recognized regionally, and nationally for his work with swimmers of all ages and abilities. With deep roots in the Albany Academy community, he is known for combining technical expertise with a warm, encouraging teaching style. 

Under Coach Murray’s leadership, Albany Academy’s swimming programs have earned the trust of families for providing consistent, high‑quality instruction in an environment where swimmers feel supported, motivated, and confident in their growth.