Swim lessons

Parks & Recreation’s goal is for swimming to become a lifetime recreational activity for everyone. Lessons will teach the development of proper skills for water safety. They are also designed for fun and fitness.

Swim Lesson Information

For more information regarding swim lessons with Lexington Parks & Recreation, click to expand the sections below. 

General Information

  • Swim lessons are $50 per child (two-week session).
  • Payment is due at the time of registration. No exceptions.
  • Payments are non-refundable.
  • All programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • A minimum of three participants must be registered for the class to be held. Classes will be capped at six participants.
  • Classes will happen even in the rain. If there is thunder or lightning, safe indoor instruction will occur.
  • To stay at the pool after the lesson is finished, the parent and child must pay regular admission prices.

Registration

Register Online

Registration is now open for the 2024 season. You can register online, over the phone at (859) 288-2973 or in person at our Parks Administrative Offices. Lessons are available at the following pools and aquatic centers:

  • Castlewood Aquatic Center - 320 Parkview Ave.
  • Shillito Aquatic Center - 300 W. Reynolds Road
  • Southland Aquatic Center - 625 Hill-N-Dale Road
  • Tates Creek Aquatic Center - 1400 Gainesway Dr.
  • Woodland Aquatic Center - 190 Old Park Ave.


Register at the front desk by paying the $50 fee per student for each class (cash, check, credit/debit).

Steps for Registration

1. Determine the session or sessions that best fit your schedule. Each session is two weeks long. Classes are two times a week for 30 minutes (Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday).

  • Session 1: June 3 – 14
  • Session 2: June 17 – June 28
  • Session 3: July 1 – July 12
  • Session 4: July 15 – July 26
     

2. Decide which level best fits the student's skill level. See level descriptions below.

3. Look at the schedules below for each pool to determine which class best fits student's age and skill level.

4. You can register online, at our Parks Administrative Offices, or over the phone at (859) 288-2973. Go to the pool and register for swim lessons at the front desk. Pay the $50 fee per student for each class during registration. Pay for swim lessons by cash, check, credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express).

Class Descriptions by Level

  • Level 1 - This class is for the fearful new student who has not adjusted to class or the water environment. Skills include entering and exiting the water safely, submerging fully with nose and mouth underwater, front and back float, gliding and kicking with support.
     
  • Level 2 - This class is for the student who is adjusted to water/class, can submerge face, may float/glide and move arms. Skills include all Level 1 skills, changing direction and position independently, treading water and swimming underwater for up to 2 body lengths independently.
     
  • Level 3 - This class is for students who can float on the front or back, roll over, use arms and swim five yards. Skills include all Level 1 and 2 skills, swimming on front and back for 3-5 body lengths, pushing off from the wall in a streamline, flutter, breaststroke, and butterfly kicks.
     
  • Parent and Me - This class is a great way for little ones to adjust to the water. The class consists of water safety, accident prevention, songs and games. Please note that a parent or guardian must enter the water with the child. Recommended age: 6 months to 3 years.

Swim Lesson Schedule by Pool

Session dates

  • Session 1: June 3 – 14
  • Session 2: June 17 – June 28
  • Session 3: July 1 – July 12
  • Session 4: July 15 – July 26

Woodland, Shillito and Castlewood

Monday | Wednesday – 30 minutes

Tuesday | Thursday – 30 minutes
Time Lesson (age/level) Time Lesson (age/level)
11:10 – 11:40 a.m. Parent and me 11:10 – 11:40 a.m. Parent and me
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 1 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 1
12:20 – 12:50 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 2 12:20 – 12:50 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 2
12:55 – 1:25 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 3 12:55 – 1:25 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 3
4 – 4:30 p.m. 6 – 12 Level 1 4 – 4:30 p.m. 6 – 12 Level 1
4:35 – 5:05 p.m. 6 – 12 Level 2 4:35 – 5:05 p.m. 6 – 12 Level 2
5:10 – 5:40 p.m. 6 – 12 Level 3    

 

Tates Creek and Southland 

Monday | Wednesday – 30 minutes

Tuesday | Thursday – 30 minutes
Time Lesson (age/level) Lesson (age/level) Time Lesson (age/level) Lesson (age/level)
11:10 – 11:40 a.m. Parent and me 6 – 12 Level 3 11:10 – 11:40 a.m. Parent and me 6 – 12 Level 2
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 1 6 – 12 Level 1 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 3 6 – 12 Level 1
12:20 – 12:50 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 2 6 – 12 Level 2 12:20 – 12:50 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 2 6 – 12 Level 3
12:55 – 1:25 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 3 6 – 12 Level 3 12:55 – 1:25 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 3 6 – 12 Level 2
4 – 4:30 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 1 6 – 12 Level 1 4 – 4:30 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 2 6 – 12 Level 1
4:35 – 5:05 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 2 6 – 12 Level 2 4:35 – 5:05 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 1 6 – 12 Level 2
5:10 – 5:40 p.m. 3 – 6 Level 3 6 – 12 Level 3      

 

Parents of Swimmers

We believe the parents’ attitude will help their child have a fun, positive experience at swimming lessons. Children may cry during lessons due to being away from their parents, fear of water, or difficulty with the instructor. Because children can locate a parent and cry for attention, parents will only be asked to sit in designated areas. A child will sometimes test ways to avoid lessons, such as crying, playing sick or hanging on to the parent. We understand the fear of new situations and ask that the instructor and the parent work together to help the child overcome these anxieties.

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