Learning how to swim is about more than mastering strokes. For many children, it is the first lesson in confidence, discipline, and perseverance. At Rising Star Swimming Club, a USA Swimming member club serving families across Queens and Long Island, that philosophy forms the foundation of every lesson.
Founded in New York, Rising Star Swimming Club has developed a structured pathway that guides children from their very first experience in the water to competitive swimming. Rather than offering isolated swim lessons, the club emphasizes long-term athlete development through a progressive system that includes beginner instruction, four-stroke technique training, Pre-Team preparation, and Competitive Team programs.
Today, the club serves more than 150 students ranging from beginners to competitive swimmers. Children are placed according to swimming ability rather than age alone. New students complete an evaluation before joining classes, ensuring they enter the level that best matches their technical skills, water safety, endurance, and overall readiness.
The curriculum is divided into four instructional levels, with regular assessments allowing swimmers to advance as they improve. Along the way, students develop proficiency in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, starts, and turns while steadily building confidence in the water.
Safety remains a central priority throughout the program. Rising Star partners with established facilities including Great Neck South Middle School, Queensborough Community College, and Hofstra University to provide year-round instruction in professionally managed pools. The coaching staff holds certifications such as CPR/AED, USA Swimming Safety Training, Concussion Training, and Red Cross Lifeguard credentials, while following standardized coaching and safety protocols.
Leading the program is Head Coach Siwen Gu, a former Chinese national-level swimmer who represented China at the 2017 Summer Universiade. Drawing on years of competitive experience, youth coaching, and aquatic facility management, Gu focuses on Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD), helping young swimmers build strong technical foundations before pursuing higher levels of competition.
“We’re not just teaching children to swim faster,” Gu said. “More importantly, we want them to develop proper technique, confidence, discipline, and the ability to stay committed to a sport that can benefit them throughout their lives.”
That philosophy shapes how the club measures progress. Many Rising Star swimmers have competed at local and regional meets, while others have gone on to join school swim teams or become registered USA Swimming athletes. Beyond competition, parents often value the program for helping children become more confident, focused, and comfortable in the water.
The club also recognizes that every swimmer develops differently. Rather than accelerating students through the program based on age or parental expectations, coaches emphasize consistent progress and technical mastery before advancement. This individualized approach allows swimmers to build lasting skills instead of rushing through milestones.
Enrollment is open to children ages five and older. Whether a child is entering the pool for the first time or preparing for competitive swimming, Rising Star aims to provide an environment where safety, technical excellence, and personal growth develop together.
As youth sports continue to evolve, Rising Star Swimming Club represents a model that balances athletic achievement with character development. By combining structured instruction, qualified coaching, and a long-term vision, the club is helping young swimmers gain not only stronger strokes, but also the confidence to carry those lessons beyond the pool.
For more information, visit the Rising Star Swimming Club website or contact charles@risingstarswim.com.
