Aquatics
The Aquatics Program offers group and private swim lessons, lifeguard certification classes and workshops to improve your swimming technique. The natatorium offers convenient hours throughout the day for you to take advantage of, whether you are looking for an early morning workout or an evening cool down.
Swimming Classes
The adult and children swimming classes will focus on being comfortable and safe both in and around the water. Pool safety is stressed to children, as well as having fun. All levels will focus on technique with all four competitive strokes: front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, and butterfly. The class will include drills and developing a training/workout structure based on individual needs.
Group Lessons
Important Class Information:
Download the information packet (pdf) and cancellation policy (pdf) for guidelines and a waiver to sign before the first class. For questions, please read the Swimming Class FAQ.
Adult Class | All Levels
All levels focus on technique with four competitive strokes: front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke and butterfly. Classes include drills and developing a training/workout structure based on individual needs.
All adult classes are 6:15–6:55 p.m.
Kid’s Class | 4-12 years
This class focuses on being comfortable and safe both in and around the water. Participants learn to coordinate the front stroke, backstroke, and floating. Pool safety is stressed as well as having fun.
All child classes are 5:30–6:10 p.m.
Women’s Only Class | All Levels
The intention of women’s only swim classes is to help assist anyone who identifies as a woman with their aquatics goals.
All women’s classes are 1:45–2:25 p.m.
Class Costs:
- Members: $80 per session/participant
- Non-members: $95 per session/participant
Private/Buddy Lessons
Brand new to swimming or need to brush up on your swimming techniques? Join our certified water safety instructor in this one-on-one or two-on-one lesson to help you master the water. Work to improve techniques and strokes you already know or get a fresh start in the water.
Class Costs:
- Private Members: $110 per session/participant
- Private Non-members: $130 per session/participant
- Buddy Members: $95 per session/participant (Must purchase classes for both students at the same time.)
- Buddy Non-members: $110 per session/participant (Must purchase classes for both students at the same time.)
Lesson Level Information
Level 1
- Building comfort with the water.
- Introduction to the motor skills required for front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke and breaststroke with assistance from an instructor.
Level 2
- Fundamental aquatic skills for swimming without assistance.
- Advanced understanding of locomotion skills for primary strokes without assistance.
Level 3
- Thorough understanding of skills required for swimming without supervision and introduction to survival swimming.
- Introduction to scissor and dolphin kick.
- Introduction to headfirst entry safely into the water.
Level 4
- Building confidence in the strokes through stroke technique refinement.
- Building basic endurance skills in all strokes.
- Learning sidestroke, butterfly and surface dives.
Level 5
- Polishing of stroke techniques and introduction to lap swimming (50+ yards).
- Introduction to flip turns.
Level 6
- Perfection of stroke technique with special emphasis on endurance training (100+ yards).
- Focus on the swimmer’s goals to allow improvement beyond the classes we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for the pool?
Proper swim attire (pdf) is required in the pool. T-shirts and athletic shorts are not allowed. Please see an instructor or lifeguard if you are unsure if what you have is appropriate.
Where can I change clothes for class?
The locker rooms are immediately next to the pool deck, with space to change and shower. No children of the opposite sex over the age of 4 are allowed in the locker rooms. Please see the Control Desk to utilize the single-stall restrooms.
How many people are in each class?
The ratio is about five students to one instructor.
Maximum enrollment is 10 students per session, but it could be fewer depending on how many instructors are available. We do our best to provide each student with a sufficient amount of attention.
What is the age limit for group lessons?
We allow swimmers ages 4-12 to participate in our child group classes. Swimmers age 13 years and older can participate in the adult group classes.
Classes have already started. May I/my child still register?
No. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on the Thursday before the first day of class. We do not allow late registration for group lessons.
I/my child can’t make a class. May I reschedule?
Classes are not rescheduled for individuals who have conflicts with class time. If a student is late, classes will not go over to accommodate for the student’s missed time. Only if the University is closed unexpectedly will arrangements be made for another class.
What is the refund policy for lessons?
We only provide refunds for medical emergencies. This policy is strictly enforced. Please refer to our cancellation policy (pdf) for more information.
What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
We do our best to provide each student with a sufficient amount of attention within a class. There are usually two instructors present at every class. For group lessons, the ratio is about five students to one instructor. For private lessons, the ratio is one-to-one.
What will I/my child learn in this class?
For beginners, we will teach the basics of swimming and freestyle/front crawl. For intermediate and advanced swimmers, we will work on stroke techniques and introduce new strokes. Deep-end swimming, diving, and flip turns also will be taught if time allows. Near the end of a child’s class, games will be played.
Do I/my child need to wear a swim cap and goggles?
Swim caps are not required, but we recommend people with long hair pull it out of their face. Goggles are strongly recommended.