SWIM LESSONS FOR EVERY SWIMMER
Build water confidence, improve swimming skills and learn safer habits in and around the pool.
The U of I Swim Center offers American Red Cross-based instruction for children and adults, from a child’s first experience in the water through advanced stroke development. Participants progress at their own pace and move to the next level as they master each set of skills.
Lesson Registration Uses a Separate Website
Swim lesson registration and payment are handled through Active, a secure third-party registration website. You will leave uiswimcenter.com and must create or sign in to an Active account to complete an online registration or payment.
Active is an outside registration service. An Active account is separate from your U of I account and your visit to uiswimcenter.com.
Find the Right Way to Learn
Group Lessons
Learn alongside swimmers of a similar age and ability in a supportive small-group setting.
- Six classes in a typical session
- Classes generally meet twice each week
- Up to six participants per class
- Offered during selected spring and fall sessions
- Registration typically opens two weeks before a session begins
Private and
Semi-Private Lessons
Receive individualized instruction based on your goals, experience and availability.
- One-on-one private instruction
- Semi-private instruction for two swimmers
- Available for children and adults
- Scheduled directly with the Swim Center
- Payment completed after scheduling is confirmed
Find Your Starting Level
Not sure which level is right? Review the descriptions below or contact the Swim Center for help.
A parent or guardian participates in the water with the child. This class introduces young children to the pool while helping adults learn safe and comfortable ways to support them in the water.
Children who are not potty-trained must wear a swim diaper. Regular diapers are not permitted in the pool.
Level 1: Water Introduction
For children who are beginning to explore the water. Participants become more comfortable in the pool while learning introductory aquatic and water-safety skills.
Level 2: Building Confidence
For children who are comfortable entering the water and getting their faces wet. Participants build on introductory skills and develop greater confidence and water awareness.
Level 3: Growing Independence
For children who are comfortable floating, blowing bubbles, kicking and using their arms in the water. Participants improve foundational swimming skills and reinforce safe behavior.
Level 1: Introduction to Swimming
For beginners who are learning to become comfortable and safe in the aquatic environment.
Level 2: Fundamental Skills
For swimmers who can enter the water independently and are comfortable getting their faces wet and floating with assistance.
Level 3: Water Competency
For swimmers who are comfortable floating, kicking and using their arms. This level develops basic independent swimming skills.
Level 4: Stroke Development
For swimmers who can jump into the water, float independently and swim approximately 25 yards using a front stroke.
Level 5: Stroke Refinement
For swimmers who can swim approximately 25 yards and are ready to improve front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke and butterfly.
Level 6: Swimming and Skill Proficiency
For swimmers who can swim approximately 50 yards and are ready to improve stroke efficiency, endurance, self-rescue skills and responses to aquatic emergencies.
Lesson levels are based on demonstrated skills, not only age or previous class enrollment. Instructors may recommend a different level when it will provide a safer and more productive learning experience.
Lesson Options and Pricing
Group Lessons
Typical group lesson sessions include six classes, with pricing generally ranging from $60 to $80, depending on the number of lessons in the session.
Current session status:
Fall 2026 dates and registration information will be posted when
confirmed.
Private Lessons
private lesson
Semi-Private Lessons
semi-private lesson
Private and semi-private lessons must be scheduled by email before payment is made.
Get Ready for Your Lesson
A Parent or Guardian Must Remain Present
A parent or guardian must be present during all children’s lessons. Parent and Child Aquatics also requires an adult to participate in the water.
Complete the Required Waiver
Every participant must have a signed Waiver of Liability before taking part in a lesson.
Complete the Waiver →Dress for the Pool
Wear appropriate swimwear. Street clothing is not permitted in the water. Goggles are optional but are generally not recommended for beginners.
Prepare Younger Swimmers
Children who are not potty-trained must wear a swim diaper. Regular diapers are not permitted in the pool.
Tie Back Long Hair
Long hair must be securely tied back before entering the water.
Swim Lessons Should Be Within Reach
Program scholarships may be available for individuals and families with financial need. Requests are reviewed individually.
Contact the Swim Center to ask about assistance before registering or making payment.
Cancellations and Refunds
The Swim Center may cancel a class because of low enrollment, instructor availability or other operational needs. If this happens, the Swim Center will issue a full refund of your lesson fees.
Please note that any nonrefundable registration or processing fees charged by the online registration system are separate from the lesson fees and cannot be refunded by the Swim Center.
When You Arrive
Parking
After 5 p.m., parking is generally available in Gold Lot 39 behind the Swim Center and Lot 24 behind the College of Law, except in specially marked spaces.
Before 5 p.m. or when those lots are full, use the metered parking spaces along Rayburn Street.
View Campus Parking MapFamily Changing Room
Need a little more privacy? A private Family Changing Room is available in Memorial Gym, just a short walk from the Swim Center.
The room is ideal for parents with young children and anyone who prefers additional privacy while changing before or after swimming. Please ask a member of our staff if you need directions.
Locker Rooms
Locker rooms are available in the Swim Center and Memorial Gym.
Children age 6 and older must use the locker room designated for their gender.
Please follow posted signage and facility staff guidance.
Your Lane Is Waiting.
Check today’s schedule, find the right pass and make the U of I Swim Center part of your routine.