Chicago Blue Dolphins

Looking to dial in your open water pacing and technique in prep for the Chicago Tri or an upcoming IM Race? 🏙️🌊

Our coached Open Water Swim Training is happening every Tuesday evening through August 25th at Ohio Street Beach! Whether you are locked into a full package or looking to drop in for a single session to sharpen your skills, our expert coaches are on the deck and in the water to help you master the lake.

🟢 When: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Be dressed and ready to swim by 6:00 PM)
🟢 Where: Ohio Street Beach
🟢 Options: Session 2 packages or $33 single-day drop-ins available

⚠️ Important Safety Reminder: Lake Michigan conditions can change quickly. Please always check the live beach data and water safety status before heading down to the shore: https://f.mtr.cool/wzxttbmwux

See you at the beach!

💻 Secure your spot for this week at https://f.mtr.cool/ownngvibao

What should baby and toddler swim lessons actually focus on? 👶💦

If you are looking at swim programs for your little one, it’s easy to get caught up in tracking milestones. But at this early stage, the goal isn't swimming laps or building speed, it's building comfort, trust, and a true familiarity with the water.

When choosing a quality program for your baby or toddler, here are the four pillars that truly matter:

🔵 Comfort Comes First: If a child is tense or scared, they aren’t learning. A great class prioritizes helping your child feel completely safe and relaxed as they explore at their own pace.
🔵 Breath & Face Comfort: Forcing immersions or dunking only leads to tears, tension, and a breakdown of trust. Look for programs that teach natural breath control gradually through recognizable movement patterns.
🔵 Movement Through Play: Early water skills should always be introduced gently. At this stage, real learning happens through repetition, songs, and play.
🔵 Parent Involvement: Parent-child classes should be a partnership! A great program doesn't just focus on the baby—it teaches you how to be an excellent, confident spotter in the water.

Remember: early swim lessons aren't about performance. They are about building a beautiful, safe foundation that lasts a lifetime.

👉 Want to read the full breakdown? Head over to our website to check out the full blog post!
https://f.mtr.cool/oakbypnxyz

Spots are filling up for our upcoming swim sessions! 🗓️💦

A quick reminder that our next swim sessions kick off today! With pool parties, beach trips, and lakefront activities right around the corner, make sure your family has their spots secured so they can swim with total confidence all summer long.

We maintain small class settings to give every swimmer individualized attention, spots across all age groups and skill levels are filling up fast.

Don't wait until the mid-summer rush! Secure your spot now.

📞 Call our office to register: 773-342-7250
💻 Secure your spot online: chicagobluedolphins.com

Make yourself visible every time you swim in the lake! 🛟🌊

As our open water swimming season starts, there is one essential piece of safety gear every athlete needs to bring along: a bright swim buoy.

When you're out in open water; choppy waters, waves, and sun glare can make it incredibly difficult for lifeguards, boaters, jet skiers, and fellow swimmers to spot you. A neon orange, pink, or yellow buoy trailing behind you acts as an immediate visual marker, keeping you visible from a distance.

Beyond visibility, a swim buoy is incredibly functional for your training:
🛑 Instant Flotation: If you catch a sudden cramp, get a mouth full of water, or need a moment to clear your goggles, you can instantly float and rest on it.
🛑 Dry Storage: Most modern swim buoys double as a waterproof dry bag to safely carry your car keys, ID, or phone while you swim.
🛑 Zero Drag: They are lightweight and clip around your waist, meaning they float behind you without impacting your body position or stroke mechanics.

Safety is the ultimate performance tool. Invest in a buoy, strap it on for every single lake session, and protect your swim this summer!

Make a splash this summer! 🗓️ Our Next Swim Sessions Starts June 27th!

Summer is officially in full swing! With pool parties, beach trips, and lakefront activities happening across Chicago, now is the perfect time to build essential water skills and lifelong confidence.

At Chicago Blue Dolphins, our time in the pool is spent developing technical mastery under the guidance of expert instructors.

Our programs fill up incredibly fast as families plan their summer routines. Secure your spot today to experience the CBD difference:
🟢 Small Class Sizes: Maximizing individualized, one-on-one attention for every swimmer.
🟢 Technical Mastery: Focus on the precise "how" and "why" of body position, breath control, and stroke mechanics.
🟢 Programs for EVERYBODY: Tailored lessons for competitive triathletes, adult learners, and young children building foundational safety.

Don't wait until the mid-summer rush to prioritize water safety and performance.

📞 Call us to secure your spot: 773-342-7250
💻 Register immediately online: Chicagobluedolphins.com

🏊‍♂️ Tomorrow is the big day, Chicago triathletes! 🏊‍♀️

Chicago Blue Dolphins' Open Water Swim Training officially kicks off tomorrow evening at Ohio Street Beach! If you are gearing up for a sprint, an Olympic distance, or a full Ironman this season, there is no better place to dial in your pacing, practice drafting, and build your open-water confidence than with our community.

Here is what you need to know for tomorrow:
Time: Be dressed and ready to hit the water at 6:00 PM sharp.
Gear: Wetsuits are highly recommended for these early summer sessions to keep you comfortable.
Location: Look for the Chicago Blue Dolphins crew at Ohio Street Beach.

A quick but vital safety reminder:
Even though National Flag Day was yesterday, every single day is a flag day when you are an open water swimmer. Before you head down tomorrow—or any time you swim in Lake Michigan—make it a strict habit to check the current Ohio Street Beach conditions.

Take a close look at the flag chart to refresh your memory on the beach flags so you always know what the water conditions mean before you dive in. Your safety is always priority number one!

Whether you want to commit to the full season, lock in Session 1, or just try it out with a drop-in swim, we have flexible options to fit your training schedule.

Spaces are filling up fast, so secure your spot online or just show up ready to work. Let’s make it a safe, fast, and incredible summer on the lake!

See you at the beach tomorrow at 6:00 PM!

🔗 https://chicagobluedolphins.com/pace-swim-training/weekly-lake-swims/
📞 (773) 342-7250

Know what to do in an emergency. 🛡️💦

For our final initiative of National Water Safety Month, we are covering a life-saving rule for everyone on the pool deck:
Reach or Throw, Don’t Go.

If you see someone struggling in the water, your first instinct might be to jump in, but that can put both people in danger. The safest and most effective way to help is to remain on the deck and use the right tools:

🛟 REACH: Use a long object like a pool noodle, a pole, or even a towel to pull them toward safety.
🛟 THROW: Toss a flotation device—like a life ring or a kickboard—to help them stay buoyant.
🛟 DON'T GO: Keep yourself out of the water to ensure you can effectively assist and call for help.

Safety is about being prepared. Let's make sure our Chicago swimming community is equipped with the knowledge to stay safe all summer long!

Last chance to get your spot! 🗓️💦

Summer is officially on the horizon, and our next swim session starts this Tuesday, May 26th. If you’ve been waiting to grab a spot, this is the moment!

Whether you’re a parent getting your kids water-ready for beach season or a triathlete looking to refine your stroke efficiency, we have a spot for you. At Chicago Blue Dolphins, we don't just "swim laps", we build technical confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Why register today?
✅ Small class sizes for personalized coaching.
✅ Expert instructors who prioritize safety and progress.
✅ Programs for every age and every goal!

Lanes are filling up fast. Don't wait until Tuesday morning!

📞 Call us: 773-342-7250
💻 Register now: https://chicagobluedolphins.com/

Today, we remember and honor.

On this Memorial Day, the Chicago Blue Dolphins family joins our community in honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We are deeply grateful for their courage and legacy.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and safe holiday as we spend time with family and friends.

🐬 Friendly Reminder: Our facilities are closed today in observance of the holiday. We look forward to seeing everyone back in the water for the start of our new session tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26th!