Swim Lessons

Swim lessons

Instructors will assess each child on the first day to ensure proper class placement and will speak with you if a level change is needed. Every child progresses at their own pace, and repeating a level is common and part of the learning process.

Our goal is to create a positive, fun experience for every swimmer. All classes follow American Red Cross guidelines, and participants will receive a Red Cross certificate of participation.

In case of cancellations (e.g., weather or pool issues), we’ll contact you as soon as possible. Please keep your contact information up to date.

Registration

Swim lessons are not included with fitness memberships. To participate, register in person at the East Gym, Recreation Center. Spots are limited, so register early or join the waitlist if your preferred section is full. On-site and same-day registration are not available. We accept payment by card, digital wallets and mobile apps; cash and checks are not accepted.

Please use the parking near the track and pay through the Flowbird app. Parking is not allowed in front of the building or in Lot E during class registration. Learn more about the parking policies on campus. 

Parking

Parking for swim lessons will be allowed in Lot E (in front of the East Gym, Recreation Center) during class times only, as Lot E1 will be unavailable due to construction. Parking may be limited due to academic class times, so please allow yourself extra time to park. As a reminder, children must always be accompanied by a guardian and cannot be dropped off alone

Pool access and changing guidelines

There are two ways to enter the pool: the main entrance or through the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Please plan ahead if your child needs help getting ready. Parents must use gender-appropriate locker rooms. For children over age 4 who need assistance, two family changing rooms are available. Changing on the pool deck is not allowed.

Private lessons

Private swim lessons are available for yourself or your child of any age. Campus Recreation offers one-on-one aquatic training customized to meet your needs and schedule.

Programs

Water Babies! Parent & Child Aquatics

For children ages 6 months–2 years with little or no water experience. This class helps kids feel comfortable in the water and teaches parents safe water practices. It is NOT designed to teach children to become good swimmers or survive in the water on their own. A parent must accompany the child in the pool.

All children must wear snug-fitting rubber pants or swim diapers. Use gender-appropriate locker rooms; family changing rooms are available. Changing on the pool deck is not allowed.

  • Saturdays, February 8–March 29 (no classes on March 8 or 15)
  • 9 – 9:30 a.m. or 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
  • $70

Preschool Water Skippers 

This program is designed for children ages 3–5 and includes three fun, game-based levels that align with the first three levels of the Learn to Swim Program. This playful approach helps young kids build water skills and confidence, making it easier to transition into the next program for ages 6 and up. For example, a 5-year-old who completes Preschool Level II can move directly into Learn to Swim Level III. Classes are 30 minutes, once a week. Level descriptions are below.

  • Saturdays, February 8–March 29 (no class March 8 or 15)
  • 10:30 – 11 a.m.
  • Levels 1, 2 and 3
  • $70
Level descriptions
  • Level I

    For ages 3–5 with little or no water experience. Ideal for kids who may be hesitant or fearful. Students learn to safely enter and exit the water, submerge their face, open eyes underwater, and float or glide with support. Basic arm and leg movements are introduced.

  • Level II    

    For ages 3–5 who are comfortable in the water and willing to get their face wet. Students learn breath control, float unassisted on front and back, and begin coordinated arm and leg movements to swim short distances independently.

  • Level III

    For ages 3–5 who can float and swim short distances independently. Students build endurance and learn the basics of elementary backstroke, butterfly kick, and treading water. Side kicking and introductory diving are also introduced.

Parents must accompany children to lessons. You are welcome to sit in the pool area during class; however, if it becomes disruptive, instructors may ask you to move to the lobby lounge area.

All children who are not fully potty trained must wear snug-fitting rubber pants or swim diapers designed to prevent leaks. Parents are encouraged to check and change diapers frequently.

Children's Swim Lessons 

In the first class, instructors will check each student’s skill level to make sure they’re in the right group. Students need to meet all requirements from the previous level. Level descriptions are below.

Parents must stay with their child during lessons. You can sit in the pool area, but if it’s disruptive, instructors may ask you to move to the lobby lounge.

Session details

Fee: $80 for all options

Day Dates Time Levels
Monday February 3–March 31¹ 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. Levels 1, 2, 3
    6 – 6:30 p.m. Levels 1, 2, 3
    6:45 – 7:15 p.m. Levels 1, 2, 3
    5:30 – 6:15 p.m.  Level 4
    6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Level 5
Wednesday February 5–April 2² 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. Levels 1, 2, 3
    6 – 6:30 p.m. Levels 1, 2, 3
    6:45 – 7:15 p.m. Levels 1, 2, 3
    5:30 – 6:15 p.m. Level 4
    6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Level 5
Saturday February 8–March 29³ 11:15 a.m. – Noon Level 6

Notes

¹No class March 10

²No class March 12

³No class March 8 or 15

Level descriptions
  • Level I, Introduction to Water Skills

    For children ages 5 and up. This introductory level teaches safe water entry and exit, underwater exploration, supported floating and gliding and basic arm and leg movements to help with body position in the water.

  • Level II, Fundamental Aquatic Skills

    Students build breath control, float unassisted on front and back, and begin coordinated arm and leg movements to swim more independently.

    Prerequisite: Level I

  • Level III, Stroke Development

    Students who can swim independently begin learning stroke basics, including elementary backstroke, front crawl endurance and butterfly kick. This level also introduces treading water, side kicking and the basics of diving.

    Prerequisite: Level II

  • Level IV/V, Stroke Improvement/Refinement

    Often taught together, these levels focus on stroke development and refinement. Level 4 covers techniques for backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly, along with continued work on front crawl, elementary backstroke, open turns and diving. Level 5 builds on this by refining all strokes and introducing flip turns for changing direction at the wall.

    Prerequisite: Level III

  • Level VI, Beginner/Intermediate Competitive
    For children who have completed Level 4 or are interested in competitive swimming. Students should know all four competitive strokes and be able to swim 25 yards independently and tread water for at least one minute.

Adult Learn to Swim Lessons

For adults 18 and over with little or no swimming experience. This six-week class meets once a week for 45 minutes and covers everything from getting comfortable in the water to refining basic strokes. This is a skill-building class, it's not for lap swimming or fitness. Perfect for beginners or those who may feel nervous in the water.

  • Saturdays, February 8–March 29 (no class March 8 or 15)
  • 11:15 a.m. – Noon
  • $70

Health and safety concerns for small children

  • Doctors recommend that children with a fever, rash, diarrhea, any symptom of an infection, or any contagious illness NOT participate in class. Infection is generally spread through direct contact and not through the water. However, germs can be spread in water.
  • Every child MUST wear diapers with tight fitting rubber pants or specifically designed swim diapers that are less likely to leak. Parents are encouraged to check and change child’s diapers often. Make sure to wash your hands frequently, especially after changing diapers.
  • Practice good hygiene by not changing your child poolside as germs can spread to surfaces in and around the pool causing illness. Please use the locker rooms or family change room. Wash your child thoroughly, especially their bottom, with soap and water before swimming. Invisible amounts of fecal matter can end up in the pool.
  • Any child with ear infections or tympanotomy tubes should follow the advice of their pediatrician. Parents are encouraged to seek advice before beginning a swim class.
  • Avoid swallowing water or having pool water in your mouth. Young children should not be submerged more than three (3) times in a lesson during the initial learning phase, to avoid swallowing water and/or preventing a condition known as hyponatremia (water intoxication).

Commitment to safety

Campus Recreation is committed to providing a safe environment for both patrons and staff. Actions or behaviors that jeopardize the safety of others or oneself will not be tolerated, and staff will be forced to take action to ensure the overall safety of their services. Campus Recreation staff have the final determination regarding appropriate activities and behaviors.