Swim Lessons

The American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program is offered through Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR). The different courses seek to help participants of all ages and varying abilities develop familiarity with being in the water and learning basic skills for aquatic safety, survival, and recreational swimming while developing an awareness of how to stay safe in, on, or around the water. Each progressive level builds on and reinforces acquired skills and knowledge. As participants develop aquatic skills, they become safer and better swimmers.

Current Swim Lesson Offerings

For a list of the current swim lesson offerings pick up a copy of the Play More Guide at any facility, the administration office, or view online. Swim lesson offerings are also searchable on our online registration site.

Types of Swim Lessons

Listed below is basic information on the types of swim lessons offered at various times throughout the year.

Aqua Babies (6 to 18 Months)

The purpose of this American Red Cross program is to teach safe behaviors around the water and develop swimming readiness by leading parents and their children in water exploration activities with the objective of having fun and becoming comfortable in, on and around water.

Aqua Tots (19 Months to 3 Years Old)

Preschool (3 to 5 Years Old)

This American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program aims to promote the developmentally appropriate learning of fundamental water safety and aquatic skills by young children. It teaches aquatic and safety skills in a logical progression through three levels. Children are grouped according to comfort level and skill proficiency. The program offers a fun, challenging, and supportive learning environment for preschoolers.

Youth (6 to 12 Years Old)

The American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program consists of six comprehensive levels that teach children of varying abilities how to swim skillfully and safely. Each level includes training in basic water safety. All aquatic and safety skills are taught in a logical progression.

Teen (13 to 17 Years Old)

This American Red Cross program is designed for beginners and intermediate level swimmers. Students will be grouped according to skill level on the first day of class. Topics of instruction include basic aquatic skills, swimming strokes, personal water safety skills, and basic water rescue. If you want to become a better swimmer, or have dreamed of becoming a lifeguard, this program will help you reach those goals. There are no pre-requisites for this course.

Adult (18+ Years Old)

This American Red Cross program is designed for beginners and intermediate-level swimmers. Students will be grouped according to skill level on the first day of class. Topics of instruction include basic aquatic skills, swimming strokes, personal water safety skills, and basic water rescue. The adult lessons focus on achieving swim competency and water safety skills. Whether you are interested in learning new strokes or wishing to overcome your fear of the water, we can accommodate your needs.

Swim Lesson Tips for Parents

If this is your child’s first swim lesson session, be sure to talk to him/her beforehand about how fun lessons will be! Bringing your child to the facility to look around during recreation swim times can increase their comfort level.
It is important that your child is on deck and ready to go five minutes before class starts. The swim lesson instructor will meet your child at the bleachers.
If the participant has long hair, please put it into a ponytail or under a swim cap.
Please do not allow your child to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes prior to the start of class.
You are required to sit in the designated “observation area” while attending your child’s lessons. It is often beneficial for parents to leave the pool deck and remain out of sight of their child for the duration of the swim lesson. This helps children focus on their lesson and the instructor.
You are encouraged to talk to the instructor before or after class if you have questions about your child’s progress.
Attending all scheduled swim lessons will help your child to reach program goals. If you cannot attend a swim lesson for any reason, please inform your instructor beforehand.
Practice is important! Review skills with your child outside of class. A bathtub, a home pool, or any recreation swimming pool are perfect places to reinforce learning!
Your support and encouragement are pivotal to your child’s success in the program. Be happy! Celebrate their progress and set a good example by following proper water safety protocols.