We provide a safe, encouraging, and positive atmosphere for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
We offer group lessons based on age and ability level including lessons for preschoolers, school-ages, teens and adults. At the end of each session, your instructor will give you a report card listing the skills you've mastered and what's next to learn.
We're committed to supporting people of all abilities in recreation. We strive to exceed the requirements set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act and to create a welcoming and supportive community. If your child requires an accommodation or extra support to be successful in group swim lessons, please notify us at least two weeks in advance. For more information, see the inclusion section of the EXPAND for People with Disabilities page.
Look at the aquatics section of the Recreation Guide to see prices, options and class codes.
Use online registration to sign up.
Set yourself or your child up for success! Click on the class names below to see the skills needed for each swim level. If you are unsure or have questions, please contact Carder Berridge at berridgec@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-3429.
Participant to instructor ratios:
Standard Group Classes: 1:6
Small Group Classes: 1:3
Semi-Private Classes: 1:2 (must be scheduled through aquatics management)
Private Classes: 1:1
These limits are set to ensure quality and SAFE swimming lessons for all participants and instructors, as recommended by the American Red Cross. Over-enrollment of any swimming classes is 100% non-negotiable.
This class is the most entry level swim lesson for children ages 6 to 36 months. A parent or guardian must accompany the child in the water for the entire lesson. Build strong foundations for your child’s swimming & water safety skills in a fun & stress-free environment full of games & songs!
This is the introductory swim class for children who have never taken formal swim lessons. With physical support from an instructor, your child will be introduced to basic swimming skills including submersion, floating & arm & leg actions. (Ages 3 to 5).
This class is for children who have either passed Preschool 1 or are comfortable working with an instructor in a swim lesson class setting. Your child will work on gaining confidence in their basic swimming skills. With physical support from an instructor, your child will be introduced to combining arm & leg actions to swim front crawl, back crawl & elementary backstroke. (Ages 3 to 5).
This class is for children who have either passed Preschool 2 or who can perform floats & glides on the front & back with minimal support. Your child will work on building competency in their basic swimming skills including short distances of front crawl, back crawl & elementary backstroke, while gradually gaining independence from physical support. (Ages 3 to 5).
This is the introductory swim class for children who have never taken formal swim lessons. With physical support from an instructor, your child will be introduced to basic swimming skills including submersion, floating & arm & leg actions. (Ages 6 to 12).
This class is for children who have passed either Level 1, Preschool 2 or who can perform floats & glides on the front & back with minimal support. Your child will work on building competency in their basic swimming skills including short distances of front crawl, back crawl & elementary backstroke, while gradually gaining independence from physical support. (Ages 6 to 12).
This class is for children who have passed either Level 2, Preschool 3 or who can back float for 15 seconds & swim at least five yards without support. Your child will continue building on their water safety skills & refining their basic swimming strokes. They will receive an introduction to dolphin kick & breaststroke kick. (Ages 6 to 12).
This class is for children who have passed Level 3 or are comfortable swimming 15 yards on their front & back & have an introduction to dolphin & breaststroke kick. Your child will continue refining & building endurance in their basic swimming strokes. They will be introduced to butterfly & breaststroke. This class is in the lap pool, typically kept at 80 degrees F. (Ages 6 to 12).
This class is for children who have passed Level 4 or are confident in swimming an entire 25 yards in front & back crawl & have been introduced to butterfly & breaststroke. Your child will work on refining the technique of their swimming strokes & building stamina to swim further distances. They will be introduced to flip turns & compact dives. This class is in the lap pool, typically kept at 80 degrees F. (Ages 6 to 12).
This is the introductory teen swim class for teens who are not comfortable with the aquatic environment or who cannot float or swim without physical support. Participants will learn to be comfortable & confident in the water by gaining basic swimming & water safety skills. (Ages 13-17).
This class is for teens who are confident in swimming at least 25 yards in one or more swim strokes. Participants will work on refining stroke techniques & other personal swimming goals. (Ages 13-17).
This is the introductory adult swim class for adults who are not comfortable with the aquatic environment or who cannot float or swim without physical support. Participants will learn to be comfortable & confident in the water by gaining basic swimming & water safety skills. (Ages 18+).
This class is for adults who are confident in swimming at least 25 yards in one or more swim strokes. Participants will work on refining stroke techniques & other personal swimming goals. (Ages 18+).
Splash with your kids! Make sure you or a responsible adult is within arms reach of your child at all times when they are in the water.
Visit the rec center or outdoor pool during recreational swim times and have fun together, being comfortable in the water and at the pool.
Let your child show you what they're working on! Be there to help them float, and cheer them on when they dive for rings. Your child's report card will have more detailed tips based on their level.
We are only offering very limited private swim lessons due to staffing challenges, and so we can expand our group swim lesson program and serve more swimmers. Current private lesson class offerings are available for online registration.
Look at the aquatics section of the Recreation Guide to see prices, options and class codes.
Use online registration to sign up.
We do not offer rescheduling of group swim classes. All swim classes and programs follow the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Class Cancellation, Transfer and Refund Policy.
