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.
Aquatics Instruction Program
We provide a safe, encouraging, and positive atmosphere for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Group Lessons
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.
Accessibility & Financial Aid
Choosing the best class for you!
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.
Recommended Prerequisites: This class is the most entry level swimming lesson and is for children 6-36 months. A parent or guardian must accompany the child in the water for the entire lesson. Class Focus: We will build strong foundations for your child’s swimming and water safety skills in a fun and stress-free environment full of games and songs!
Recommended Prerequisites: This is the introductory swimming class for children who have never taken formal swimming lessons, there are no prerequisites for this class. Class Focus: This is the first class your child will take without a parent or guardian in the water. Your child will begin building the basics of swimming and water safety skills, while learning to be comfortable in the water. Your child will be introduced to basic swimming skills like submersion, floating and arm & leg actions with the physical assistance of their swimming instructor. This class is for children ages 3-5 years.
Recommended Prerequisites: This class is for children who have passed Preschool 1 or are comfortable working with an instructor in a swimming lesson class setting. Class Focus: Your child will work on gaining confidence in their basic swimming skills like submersion, floating and arm & leg actions with the physical assistance of their swim instructor. They will be introduced to combining their arm and leg actions to swim front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke. This class is for children ages 3-5 years.
Recommended Prerequisites: This class is for children who have passed Preschool 2 or who can perform floats and glides on the front and back with minimal support. Class Focus: Your child will work on building competency in their basic swimming skills like submersion, floating, and short distances of front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke. They will gradually gain independence from the need for physical support from their instructor. This class is for children ages 3-5 years.
Recommended Prerequisites: This is the introductory swimming class for children who have never taken formal swimming lessons, there are no prerequisites for this class. Class Focus: Your child will begin building the basics of swimming and water safety skills while learning to be comfortable in the water. Your child will be introduced to basic swimming skills like submersion, floating and arm & leg actions with the physical assistance of their swimming instructor. This class is for children ages 6-12 years.
Recommended Prerequisites: This class is for children who have passed Level 1 or are aged out of Preschool at age 6 or can back float for at least 5 seconds without support. Class Focus: Your child will work on building confidence and competency in their water safety and basic swimming skills like submersion, floating, and short distances of front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke. This class is for children ages 6-12 years.
Recommended Prerequisites: This class is for children who have passed Level 2 or Preschool 3 or who can back float for 15 seconds and swim at least 5 yards without support. Class Focus: Your child will continue building on their water safety skills and refining their basic swimming strokes: front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke. They will receive an introduction to dolphin kick and breaststroke kick. This class is for children ages 6-12 years.
Recommended Prerequisites: This class is for children who have passed Level 3 or are comfortable swimming 15 yards on their front and back and have an introduction to dolphin and breaststroke kick. Class Focus: Your child will continue refining their front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke and will build stamina to swim further distances. They will be introduced to butterfly and breaststroke. This class is for children ages 6-12 years. This class is run in the lap pool.
Recommended Prerequisites: This class is for children who have passed Level 4 or are confident in swimming an entire 25 yards in front and back crawl and have been introduced to butterfly and breaststroke. Class Focus: Your child will work on refining the technique of their swimming strokes and will stamina to swim further distances. They will be introduced to flip turns and compact dives. This class is for children ages 6-12 years. This class is run in the lap pool.
Recommended Prerequisites: This is the introductory adult swim class, there are no prerequisites for this class. Class Focus: This class is 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 and confident in the water by gaining basic swimming and water safety skills. This class is for teens and adults 14+ years.
Recommended Prerequisites: This class is for adults who are comfortable with the aquatic environment and who can float or swim short distances without physical support. Class Focus: Participants will build on their basic swimming skills and water safety skills including floating, treading water, and basic swimming strokes. This class is for teens and adults 14+ years.
Recommended Prerequisites: This class is for adults who are confident in swimming at least 25 yards in one or more swim strokes. Class Focus: Participants will work on refining stroke techniques and other personal swimming goals. This class is for adults 18+ years.
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. Over-enrollment of any swimming classes is 100% non-negotiable.
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.