Swimming Lessons

Swimming Lessons Our swim lesson program is taught using the philosophy of the American Red Cross. Our program is unique in that it emphasizes the fundamentals of swimming while introducing safety to its swimmers. Swim lessons, both group and private, are offered for all ages and skill levels. Instructor training and experience, as well as small teacher-student ratios, help your child become acquainted with the water in a safe and caring environment. Group swim lessons are held at the Rakow Center Indoor Pool. In addition during the summer lessons will be held at both Sleepy Hollow Pool and the Rakow Center Indoor Pool. For more information please refer to our seasonal brochure located in the left column of this page.

Private Swim Lessons

If you are interested in a private lesson, you can either call or come into the pool. Information will be taken and forwarded to an available instructor. All private lessons are based on ONE child/adult per instructor per half hour. Private lessons are great for adults wanting to learn or improve their swimming technique. Lessons are held during various lap swims and/or open swim hours. Please keep in mind that lessons are set up depending on staff and pool availability.

Private Lesson	Resident	Nonresident
1 Lesson	$25	$31
3 Lessons	$66	$83
5 Lessons	$109	$130

Payment Policy: Payment for private swim lessons is due two days prior to the scheduled lesson. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Please make sure to bring your receipt of payment to your lesson.

Group Swim Lessons

Aqua Babes

(6mo-3yrs) 30 minutes
This parent/child program aims to help infants or toddlers become comfortable in and around the water with a parent or guardian. Parents will learn techniques to orient their children with the water and to supervise water activities in a safe manner.

Goldfish – Level 1

(3-5yrs) 30 minutes
The goal of this class is for children who are unsure of the water to become comfortable in the water with an instructor. Children will learn to safely enter and exit the pool by themselves and become confident to move and splash in the water. Children in this level learn to put their face and open their eyes under water.

Seals – Level 2

(4-10yrs) 45 minutes
Seals teaches water basics such as blowing bubbles, assisted kicking, floating and unassisted swimming. Gliding is introduced along with independent kicking, bobbing and basic water safety rules. It is quite common for the swimmer to repeat this level multiple times.

Sea Otters – Level 3

(4-10yrs) 45 minutes
In this class front crawl, rotary breathing and backstroke are taught. In addition, exploring deep water is taught with instructor assistance. (Passing Sea Otters is considered a turning point for your swimmer; he or she will be able to swim the length of the pool without assistance.)

Whales – Level 4

(4-10yrs) 45 minutes
Whales should be comfortable kicking, floating and gliding independently and have well-maintained breathing control, including smooth rotary breathing. At this level your child will be introduced to elementary backstroke and treading water. A great deal of time will be spent getting comfortable in deep water via jumping in, floating and treading.

Octopus – Level 5

(4-10yrs) 45 minutes
Octopus builds on all previously learned swimming skills and introduces flips, turns, breast stroke, whip kick and diving from the side. Swimmers should be comfortable treading water and swimming under water.

Stingray – Level 6

(4-10yrs) 45 minutes
Sitngrays begin to deal more extensively with stroke mechanics and techniques such as rotary breathing. The swimmer should also be able to swim multiple lengths of the pool using several new strokes such as the sidestroke and breast stroke. Other skills taught are the dolphin kick, surface dives and diving.

Group Lessons

Group Lessons	Resident	Nonresident
Levels 1-6	$45	$65
Aqua Babes	$39	$55

Important Notes to Parents:

Upon completion of each session, participants will receive a certificate of completion detailing the skills performed successfully and/or those needing improvement.
Children may not wear personal floatation devices of any kind. Goggles are permitted, but not encouraged for lower levels.
Please arrive to class early, ready to swim on time. Please have your child use the restroom before class. Please wait on the pool deck for your instructor to call your class together. Do not allow your child to go near the water before your class.
Please observe your child from the bleacher area only. Pictures and parent interaction is encouraged on the last day of class.
Any child not toilet trained must wear reusable Aqua diapers which are available for purchase at the Rakow Center Registration Desk.

Swim Lesson Registration

Registration may be done online, dropped off or mailed. Both residents and nonresidents of the district are welcome to register. Proof of residency is required to receive the resident rate.

Cancellations and Make-Ups

Lessons may be cancelled due to holidays, routine maintenance, low enrollment and swim meets. Cancellations will be made up at a later date. Sorry, but there are no other make-ups except when the Park District cancels a class.