I’ve never been a strong swimmer. So, it’s funny that my camp counselor name was Nemo, after the iconic orange fish. I can, however, relate to the saying, “just keep swimming” as a reminder to persevere. Which is exactly the motto these local businesses live by, too. From teaching adaptive scuba to staying in business for nearly half a century, these Denver aquatic education spots and swimwear shops can help you make a splash — whatever your water plans this summer.

🐟 Denver Divers & Swim School of Denver (Cherry Creek)

Get certified in scuba diving, take a swim lesson, and shop for underwater gear all in the same place: Denver Divers & Swim School of Denver. This local business also provides training and education in their pool through Denver Adaptive Divers, a scuba program for people with disabilities. They’ve helped many local residents improve their quality of life, including a wounded veteran who has reduced his pain since learning to dive.

Know before you go: Not up for scuba? Consider a mermaid certification (or just buy a tail🧜).

🌊 Beach Haus Swimwear (Union Station)

Fashionistas and vacationers can find all their luxury swimwear needs at Beach Haus. Located right downtown in Larimer Square, this store has sleek and stylish suits for your next trip, plus hats and sunglasses, coverups, and resortwear. They’re also known for fun community events like the book club they co-host with their neighbor, Little Blue Pigeon Books.

Know before you go: Beach Haus is closed on Mondays, but open all other days of the week.

🏊 Colorado Swim School (Broomfield)

People of all ages can come to Colorado Swim School to develop lifelong abilities in swimming and water safety. Adults can choose from a variety of private lessons based on skill level, lesson duration, and course length. In addition to registering for private lessons, grownups can also drop in to private 15- or 30-minute intensive lessons. They emphasize an “empathetic and encouraging” approach for older swimmers finding their fins.

Know before you go: Colorado Swim School is open 7 days a week and offers flexible scheduling.

🥽 Out of Breath Sports (Littleton)

The family behind Out of Breath Sports has been serving Denver’s competitive and recreational swim community for more than two decades. They supply team apparel for competitive swimmers, including caps, warm-up outfits, and bags — which can be custom screenprinted — plus everything from singlets to wetsuits. Their casual swimwear collection for men and women includes pieces from major brands like Speedo, Nike, and Arena.

Know before you go: Call ahead or email to inquire about prices and availability, which aren’t listed on the website.

🛥️ Christy Sports (Multiple Locations)

Most Denverites know Christy Sports for its ski and snowboard stuff, but did you know they sell water sports gear, too? It’s not just swimwear, either. Among their most exciting inventory includes two-person towable tubes and wakesurf boards. If you stop in Christy’s before an adventurous Colorado weekend on water, be sure to grab some lifejackets here, too.

Know before you go: Christy has multiple locations in Denver — check the addresses before you go.

You don’t need an ocean nearby to become a good swimmer. Denver Olympians like Missy Franklin and Amy Van Dyken prove that.

But Denise Glass has always known it.

Denise grew up in Denver in the 70’s and 80’s as a competitive swimmer alongside her two older sisters and she’s still involved in aquatic activities to this day at Swim N’ Things. That’s the shop her parents opened in 1977, and which she now co-owns with her husband, Matt Glass.

“I've been here since I was 12 years old,” Denise says, reflecting on her role in the family business. “We used to go around to the swim meets and sell merchandise on the pool deck. And that's kind of how we got started.”

Denise’s parents eventually moved the shop into a brick and mortar space on Evans Avenue. Today, there’s something for every swimmer at Swim N’ Things, which stocks bathing suits and gear for competitive swimmers, vacation goers, water fitness enthusiasts, and even babies embarking on their first-ever swim.

Denise’s favorite place to swim in Colorado growing up was the former Celebrity Sports Center on South Colorado Boulevard, now occupied by a Whole Foods and a Staples. The Disney-owned complex, open from 1960 to 1994, had a huge bowling alley, an arcade, and one of the only Olympic-sized indoor pools in Colorado at the time (with the added bonus of two amazing waterslides!).

Like many longtime Denver residents, Denise has seen the city transform over time. Those changes have brought their challenges, but it’s nothing the family business hasn’t seen before.

“It was a tough go at first,” Denise says of Swim N’ Things’ early days. “All the companies, like Speedo, didn't give us any ounce of encouragement because they said a swim store in Colorado will never make it. Here we are, 49 years later.”