Swim Lessons

Swim lessons are critical to your kid's swim safety success. Students will swim with other kids at their level to group their swim skills over a series of classes. Group Swim Lessons and Private Swim Lessons are available in limited quantities. Sign up early to secure your spot.

Not sure which level you need? Check out this chart. 

SWIM LESSON CHART (English)

TABLA DE CLASES DE NATACIÃON (EspÃNol)

Group Swim Lessons

Group swim lessons are offered year-round and led by our trained instructors for children ages 6 months-10 years old. Our program consists of seven levels starting with an introduction to water skills at Aqua Babes and concluding with a strong understanding of all strokes and the ability to swim 50 yards continuously at Level Six. Water safety skills also are taught and practiced. Lessons are 45-minutes in length except for Aqua Babes and Level one, which are 30-minutes. The average instructor-to-student ratio is 1:5. All swimmers will receive a skill card noting progress and achievement at the end of the session.

Class Levels

Aqua Babes (6 months-3 years with parent) 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 supervise water activities safely. 

IMPORTANT NOTES TO PARENTS: Children not potty trained must wear reusable aqua diapers. Aqua diaper included. A parent] must be in the water with their child.

Level One (White & Red) (3-5 years) 30 minutes
This level consists of four main parts, which include trust and submersion. Your child will learn how to go underwater with an instructor and retrieve objects, body position and air recovery, where your child will learn how to jump into the pool from the side, submerge, and come up to float for five seconds.

Level Two (Yellow) (4-10 years) 45 minutes
This is a two-part level involving forward movement and direction change. Your child will learn how to jump into the water, recover for air and swim for 10 feet. They will also be introduced to the streamlined form.

Level Three (Blue & Green) (4-10 years) 45 minutes
At this level, your child will learn about rotary movement. They will learn how to roll from one-side glide position to the other and be able to do their back and front stream recovery in the side-guide position and kick for 10 feet.

Level Four (White & Red) (4-10 years) 45 minutes
The main component of level four is integrated movement. Upon completing this level, your child will be able to start in a glide position and swim 30 feet of backstroke and 30 feet of consistent freestyle.

Level Five (Yellow & Blue) (4-10 years) 45 minutes
The two strokes your child will learn at this level are the butterfly and breaststroke. Upon completing this level, your child will be able to swim four strokes of butterfly with only one breath and swim 30 feet of breaststroke.

Level Six (Green) (4-10 years) 45 minutes
In the last level, your child will work on all the strokes and build their endurance. Upon completing this level, your child will be able to swim 50 yards of freestyle, 50 yards of backstroke, 50 yards of breaststroke, and 25 yards of butterfly. They will also learn flip and open turns. After this level, your child will be ready to move on to the Jr. Dolphin program!

Please make sure you scroll through all of the options and look at the dates. 

Aqua Babes 16700

M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16700-05
Available
Aqua Babes
Rakow Center
Ages between .5 through 3.99
Fees (R/NR)
$55 / $72
6:15-6:45pm
#16700-09
Available
Aqua Babes
Rakow Center
Ages between .5 through 3.99
Fees (R/NR)
$55 / $72
6:15-6:45pm
#16700-16
Available
Aqua Babes
Rakow Center
Ages between .5 through 3.99
Fees (R/NR)
$55 / $72
6:15-6:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16700-21
Almost Full
Aqua Babes
Rakow Center
Ages between .5 through 3.99
Fees (R/NR)
$55 / $72
10:15-10:45am
#16700-26
Available
Aqua Babes
Rakow Center
Ages between .5 through 3.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27.5 / $36
10:15-10:45am

Level 1 16701

M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16701-05
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:30pm
#16701-06
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:30pm
#16701-07
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:30pm
#16701-09
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:30pm
#16701-10
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:30pm
#16701-11
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:30pm
#16701-16
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:30pm
#16701-17
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:30pm
#16701-18
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:30pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16701-21
Waitlist
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
9:00-9:30am
#16701-23
Waitlist
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
10:00-10:30am
#16701-24
Waitlist
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
11:00-11:30am
#16701-25
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
12:00-12:30pm
#16701-26
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
9:00-9:30am
#16701-27
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
10:00-10:30am
#16701-28
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
11:00-11:30am
#16701-29
Available
Level 1
Rakow Center
Ages between 3 through 5
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
12:00-12:30pm

Level 2 16702

M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16702-05
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16702-06
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16702-07
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
#16702-09
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16702-10
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16702-11
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
#16702-16
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16702-17
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16702-18
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16702-21
Waitlist
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
9:00-9:45am
#16702-23
Waitlist
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
10:00-10:45am
#16702-24
Waitlist
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
11:00-11:45am
#16702-25
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
12:00-12:45pm
#16702-26
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
9:00-9:45am
#16702-27
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
10:00-10:45am
#16702-28
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
11:00-11:45am
#16702-29
Available
Level 2
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
12:00-12:45pm

Level 3 16703

M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16703-06
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16703-10
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16703-11
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
#16703-17
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16703-18
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16703-21
Almost Full
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
9:00-9:45am
#16703-23
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
10:00-10:45am
#16703-24
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$75 / $54
11:00-11:45am
#16703-25
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
12:00-12:45pm
#16703-26
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
9:00-9:45am
#16703-27
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
10:00-10:45am
#16703-28
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
11:00-11:45am
#16703-29
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
12:00-12:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16703-07
Waitlist
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
#16703-09
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16703-16
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16703-05
Available
Level 3
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm

Level 4 16704

M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16704-06
Waitlist
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16704-07
Waitlist
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16704-25
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
12:00-12:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16704-05
Waitlist
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16704-16
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16704-17
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16704-26
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
9:00-9:45am
#16704-27
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
10:00-10:45am
#16704-28
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
11:00-11:45am
#16704-29
Waitlist
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
12:00-12:45pm
#16704-24
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
11:00-11:45am
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16704-09
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16704-10
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16704-11
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
#16704-18
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16704-21
Waitlist
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
9:00-9:45am
#16704-23
Available
Level 4
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
10:00-10:45am

Level 5 16705

M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16705-28
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
11:00-11:45am
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16705-07
Waitlist
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
#16705-09
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16705-10
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16705-05
Waitlist
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16705-06
Waitlist
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16705-29
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
12:00-12:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16705-11
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
#16705-16
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16705-17
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16705-18
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16705-21
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
9:00-9:45am
#16705-23
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
10:00-10:45am
#16705-24
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
11:00-11:45am
#16705-25
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
12:00-12:45pm
#16705-26
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
9:00-9:45am
#16705-27
Available
Level 5
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
10:00-10:45am

Level 6 16706

M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16706-27
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
10:00-10:45am
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16706-11
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16706-28
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
11:00-11:45am
#16706-29
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
12:00-12:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16706-16
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16706-17
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16706-05
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16706-18
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16706-21
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
9:00-9:45am
#16706-23
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
10:00-10:45am
#16706-24
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
11:00-11:45am
#16706-25
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
12:00-12:45pm
#16706-26
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$27 / $37.5
9:00-9:45am
M
TU
W
TH
F
SA
SU
#16706-06
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm
#16706-07
Waitlist
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
6:00-6:45pm
#16706-09
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
4:00-4:45pm
#16706-10
Available
Level 6
Rakow Center
Ages between 4 through 10.99
Fees (R/NR)
$54 / $75
5:00-5:45pm

Private Swim Lessons

Work one-on-one with a qualified swim instructor. Private swim lessons can teach you how to swim or refine your skills. Lessons are tailored to meet your individual needs. Swimmers of all levels, ages, and abilities can sign up. It's never too late to learn how to swim. Lessons are 30 minutes long and are scheduled depending on staff and pool availability.

One-on-One Private Swim Lessons

Great for one student receiving specialized attention to grow their swim skills.

Family Private Lessons

Great for bigger families that have students within two levels of each other.

Any child not toilet trained must wear reusable aqua diapers (available for purchase). No type of disposable diapers will be permitted.

Fees

Private Lessons Resident Nonresident
1 Lesson $32 $38
4 Lessons $105 $127
Family Private 1 Lesson $53 $59
Family Private 4 Lessons $132 $154

Registration

If you are interested in private lessons, please fill out the request form and email it to Aquatics Manager at meschenbach@dtpd.org. The instructor will call you directly within 24 hours to schedule your time. Please bring full payment to your first scheduled lesson.

Private Swim Lesson Request Form

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • A swimsuit and towel are required.
  • Goggles are accepted but are not encouraged for lower levels.
  • Personal flotation devices of any kind are not permitted.
  • Upon completion of each session, participants will receive a certificate of completion detailing the skills performed successfully and/or those needing improvement.
  • Please arrive at class early and ready to swim on time. Participants should use the restroom before class and wait for their instructor to call their names on the pool deck. Do not go near the water before your class begins.
  • Please observe your child from the bleacher area only. Pictures and parent interactions are encouraged on the last day of class.
  • Any child not toilet trained must wear reusable aqua diapers (available for purchase at the Rakow Registration Desk). No type of disposable diapers will be permitted.
  • Lifeguards will be present.
  • For the protection of our guests, the use of cameras, cell phone cameras, video recording devices etc. is prohibited in the bathroom and locker room areas.  Video recording and photography of any kind within the pool area must be approved by the pool manager.

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Payment Policy: Please bring full payment to your first scheduled lesson.

Cancellation Policy: 24-hour notice must be given when canceling a private lesson. If 24-hour notice is not given, the client will be charged for the session. Exceptions will be made in emergency cases, determined by the Aquatic Supervisor.

Cancellations & Make-Ups: Lessons may be canceled due to unsatisfactory pool conditions, holidays, routine maintenance, low enrollment, and swim meets. Cancellations will be made up at a later date. Sorry, there are no other make-ups except when the Park District cancels a class.

We'd love your feedback!

We want to provide the best experience possible at every swim lesson. Please fill out our swim lesson survey and let us know how we are doing. 

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For more information on Private and Group Swim Lessons, please get in touch with Mike Eschenbach at (847) 428-7131 x6200 or meschenbach@dtpd.org

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