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.
Parent & Tot is for children ages 6 to 36 months. Parent(s)/guardian(s) must participate in the water with their children. This class is the most entry level swimming lesson. We will build strong foundations for your child’s water skills in a fun and stress-free environment full of games and songs!
Pre School 1 is the first class your child will take without a parent/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. This class is for children ages 3 to 5 years.
Pre School 2 is for children who have passed Pre School 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 like submersion, floating, and arm and 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 back stroke. This class is for children ages 3 to 5 years.
Pre School 3 is for children who have passed Pre School 2 or who can perform front/back floats/glides with minimal support. 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 to 5 years.
Level 1 is the introductory swim class for children ages 6 to 12 years old who have never taken formal swimming lessons. Your child will work on building the basics of swimming and water safety skills while learning to be comfortable in the water.
Level 2 is for children who have passed Level 1, aged-out of Pre School 2 or 3, or can float for at least 5 seconds without support. Your child will work on building confidence and competency in their 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.
Level 3 is for children who have passed Level 2 or Pre School 3, or who can float for 15 seconds and swim at least 5 yards without support. Your child will continue refining their basic swimming strokes: front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke. They will receive an introduction to dolphin and breaststroke kick. This class is for children ages 6 to 12 years.
Level 4 is for children who have passed Level 3 or are comfortable swimming 15 yards and have an introduction to dolphin and breaststroke kick. Your child will continue refining their front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke and will work on swimming further distances. They will be introduced to butterfly and breaststroke. This class is for children ages 6 to 12 years. This class is held in a lap lane.
Level 5 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. Your child will work on refining the technique of their swimming strokes as well as swimming further distances. They will be introduced to flip turns and compact dives. This class is for children ages 6 to 12 years. This class is held in a lap lane.
Adult Intro swim classes are 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 adults 18+ years.
Adult Intermediate swim classes are for adults who are comfortable getting in the pool and who can swim short distances. Participants will work on building their stroke technique and building stamina to swim further distances or any other personal swimming goals. This class is for adults 18+ years.
Adult Advanced swim classes are for adults who are confident in swimming at least 25 yards in one or more swim strokes. Participants will work on refining stroke technique and other personal swimming goals. This class is for adults 18+ years.
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.