Aquatics Instruction Program

We provide a safe, encouraging, and positive atmosphere for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Group Lessons

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.

Inclusion

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.

How to sign up for group lessons

Check out the Recreation Guide

Look at the aquatics section of the Recreation Guide to see prices, options and class codes.

Reserve your spot

Use online registration to sign up.

Select the right level for your swimmer

Set 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.

No prerequisites! Sign up your child to be a clam if they've never taken swim lessons before, or if they need the clam experience for another session to master the basics.

Sign your child up to be a starfish if they can:

  • Enter the water independently, travel at least 3 yards in the water, bob 5 times and then safely exit the water.

Sign your child up to be a crab if they can:

  • Enter the water independently, travel at least 3 yards, bob 5 times and then safely exit the water.
  • Glide on their back for at least 2 body lengths, roll to front, and then recover to a vertical position.

No prerequisites! Sign your child up to be a stingray if they are new to swim lessons or need the stingray experience again to master the basics.

Sign your child up to be an octopus if they can:

  • Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 5 seconds, and recover to a vertical position.

Sign your child up to be a pufferfish if they can:

  • Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 5 seconds, and recover to a vertical position.
  • Step from the side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom and move into a treading or floating position for 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths and then exit.

Sign your child up to be a whale if they can:

  • Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 5 seconds, and recover to a vertical position.
  • Step from the side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom and move into a treading or floating position for 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths and then exit.
  • Push off the wall in a streamlined position, swim the front crawl for 15 yards, change position/direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards then exit the water.
  • Familiar with breaststroke and dolphin kick.

Sign your child up to be a whale if they can:

  • Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 5 seconds, and recover to a vertical position.
  • Step from the side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom and move into a treading or floating position for 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths and then exit.
  • Push off the wall in a streamlined position, swim the front crawl for 15 yards, change position/direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards then exit the water.
  • Perform a feet first entry into the water, swim front crawl for 25 yards, perform an open turn and swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards.
  • Swim breaststroke for 15 yards, change direction and position as necessary and swim back crawl for 25.

How to help your child swim like a fish in and out of swim class

Safety First

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.

Have Fun

Visit the rec center or outdoor pool during recreational swim times and have fun together, being comfortable in the water and at the pool.

Practice

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.

Private swim lessons

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. If you would like private lessons, you may sign up for a 4- or 5- week session of private or semi-private lessons. Private lessons do not include not private pool usage.

Class Cancellations, Transfers and Refunds

We do not offer rescheduling of swim classes. All swim classes and programs follow the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Class Cancellation, Transfer and Refund Policy.