Swim Lessons

Swim lessons

Register in person at the East Gym, Recreation Center. Spots are limited, so be sure to register early or join the waitlist if the section is full. We accept payments by card, digital wallets and mobile apps. Cash and checks aren't accepted.

For quick access to the front desk for services like class registration, please use the metered parking near the track and remember to pay the meter. Parking is not allowed in front of the building or in Lot E during class registration. Learn more about the parking policies on campus. 

Starting this fall, 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. 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

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.

Water Babies! Parent & Child Aquatics 

• Saturdays
• September 14 – November 2 (no class October 5 or 12)
• 9 – 9:30 a.m. or 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
• $70

Water Babies! Parent & Child Aquatics helps young children (ages 6 months to 2 years) become comfortable in and around the water so they are ready to learn to swim. It is NOT designed to teach children to become good swimmers or survive in the water on their own.

This class gives parents information and techniques to help orient their children to the water and to supervise water activities in a safe manner. This class is designed for children with no or very limited water experience. For children at least 6 months old. Parent is REQUIRED to accompany child in the water and participate in the class.

All children must wear tight fitting rubber pants or specifically designed swim diaper. There is the main pool entrance and an entrance through the men's and women's locker room. Parents must use gender appropriate locker rooms. You cannot change your children on the pool deck.

Preschool Water Skippers 

• Saturdays
• September 14 – November 2 (no class October 5 or 12)
• 10:30 – 11 a.m.
• Levels 1, 2 and 3
• $70

• Level I

  Students will learn how to enter and exit the water safely; submerge their head and open their eyes under the water to see objects; float and glide on their stomach and back while being supported, and explore ways of changing position in the water using their arms and legs. Prior to enrollment in this class, the child should have little to no in-water experience and may even be fearful of the water. This program is for 3 – 5-year-olds.

• Level II    

  Students will learn how to submerge their entire head under the water while learning breath control; float on their stomach and back unassisted; and move arms and legs in motions that will promote swimming on their own, both on front and back. Prior to enrollment in this class, the child should feel comfortable in the water and not be afraid to get their face and head wet. This program is for 3 – 5-year-olds. 

• Level III

  Once a student can swim on their own, it is time to learn the fundamentals of different strokes. Level III offers an introduction to the elementary backstroke, increased endurance on front crawl and kicking action for the butterfly. Students will also begin to learn how to tread water effectively as well as kick on their side. The beginning stages of diving will also be taught. Prior to enrollment in this class, the child should be able to float on their own (both front and back) as well as be able to swim on their own in short distances. This program is for 3 – 5-year-olds.

Classes are for 3–5 year-olds and meet once a week for 30 minutes. Program sizes are limited.

You must accompany your child to lessons. You may sit in the pool area during class. If this becomes disruptive to the lesson, instructors may ask you to sit in the lobby lounge area.

There is the main pool entrance and an entrance through the men's and women's locker rooms. Please plan accordingly if your child needs help getting ready for lessons. Parents must use gender appropriate locker rooms. There are two family change rooms available for children older than 4 years old needing assistance. You cannot change children on the pool deck.

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 diaper often.

Children's Swim Lessons 

Mondays

• September 16 – November 11 (no class September 30)
  • 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)
• $80

Wednesdays

• September 18 – November 13 (no class October 2)
  
  • 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)
• $80

Saturdays

• September 14 – November 2 (no class October 5 or 12)
  
  • 11:15 a.m. – Noon (Level 6)
• $80

• Level I, Introduction to Water Skills

  This level is the beginning of the Learn to Swim Program. Students will learn how to enter and exit the water safely, submerge their head and open their eyes under the water to see objects. Participants will learn to float and glide on their stomach and back while being supported and explore ways of changing position in the water using their arms and legs. For children 5 years or older.

• Level II, Fundamental Aquatic Skills

  In this level, students will learn to submerge their entire head under the water while learning breath control. Students will learn to float on their stomach and back unassisted. Students will learn to move arms and legs in motions that will promote swimming on their own both on front and back.

  Prerequisite: Level I

• Level III, Stroke Development

  Once a student can swim on their own, it is time to learn the fundamentals of different strokes. Level III offers an introduction to the elementary backstroke, increased endurance on front crawl and kicking action for the butterfly. Students will also begin to learn how to tread water effectively, as well as kick on their side. The beginning stages of diving will also be taught.

  Prerequisite: Level II

• Level IV/V, Stroke Improvement/Refinement

  Level IV and Level V are frequently taught together. Level IV teaches the remainder of the basic strokes including the technique for backstroke, breaststroke, as well as the arm movements for sidestroke and butterfly. Students will continue to develop their front crawl and elementary back strokes and learn open turns to change directions at the wall. A continuation of diving will also be covered. Level V will help students refine the various strokes that have been taught throughout the program. Students will learn flip turns as another means of changing direction at the wall.

  Prerequisite: Level III

• Level VI, Beginner/Intermediate Competitive

  This class is for children who have successfully completed Level IV, or who have joined or are interested in joining a competitive team. A basic knowledge of the four competitive strokes, front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly is required. Children should be able to swim at least 25 yards independently (one length of the pool) and tread water for at least 1 minute.

Classes will meet once a week for 45 minutes and are intended for children 5 years or older.

During the first class, instructors will evaluate students on their skill level to ensure they are in the right class. Students must successfully demonstrate all certification requirements from the previous skill level.

You must accompany your child to lessons. You may sit in the pool area during class. If this becomes disruptive to the lesson, instructors may ask you to sit in the lobby lounge area.

There is the main pool entrance and an entrance through the men's and women's locker rooms. Please plan accordingly if your child needs help getting ready for lessons. Parents must use gender appropriate locker rooms. There are two family change rooms available for children older than 4 years old needing assistance. You cannot change children on the pool deck.

Adult Learn to Swim Lessons

• Saturdays
• September 14 – November 2 (no class October 5 or 12)
• 11:15 a.m. – Noon
• $70

Classes are designed to help adults (ages 18 and over) learn to swim. Classes will be designed around the skill level of participants. Every step from getting acclimated to the water to stroke refinement will be covered during this six-week class. This is not a lap swimming or fitness class. Prior to enrollment in this class, participants should have little to no in-water experience and may even be fearful of the water.

Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes.

Please Note:

1. Swim lessons are NOT included in Rec Only or Fitness Memberships. In order to participate, participants must register in advance at the front desk of the East Gym. No registrations will be taken at the time of the program, or at the program location.
2. Any child with ear infections or tympanostomy tubes should follow the advice of his/her pediatrician. Parents are encouraged to seek advice before beginning a swim class.
3. All classes follow the American Red Cross guidelines. All participants will receive a Red Cross certificate of participation.
4. Programs are filled on a first come, first-served basis. Most programs have a minimum and maximum occupancy. Some programs also have a registration date deadline. No one will be allowed to register after the deadline.
5. If a class is canceled for any reason, Campus Recreational Services will notify participants or parents/guardians as soon as it is canceled. Please be sure to provide accurate contact information.
6. No Day Guest Passes or Week Passes are available for these programs.
7. Parking on campus requires a permit or use of a metered spot. Those without a parking permit must complete a parking form to be issued a pass for Lot E, valid only during class times. 
8. Individuals must register in person at the East Gym. Please call 607-777-PLAY for more information.
9. 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 ation to ensure the overall safety of their services. Campus Recreation staff have the final determination regarding appropriate activities and behaviors.