The Rice Aquatic Center is proud to offer the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program. Our Learn-to-Swim Program is structured to promote water familiarization, safety, correct stroke technique and personal development within an enjoyable and safe environment. All of our instructors are Red Cross certified or trained by certified instructors to teach people of all ages and abilities. Registration is open to those affiliated with Rice University, as well as the community.
All of our class levels have 8 lessons per session. Our Parent & Me and AquaTots classes are always 25 minutes in length to keep the young children engaged. The Learn-to-Swim levels and Adult classes are 30 minutes for all classes.
If you are looking for levels 1-5, please sign up for the time period which is most convenient for you (5:15 PM or 6:00 PM). A brief swim test will be done on the first day and all participants will be divided accordingly amongst the instructors based on the skills they are able to demonstrate during the lessons.
If you have any questions, please email Maggie McGuffee, mm208@rice.edu.
Spring 2024 Dates:
Weekday Lessons (Monday & Wednesday; 8 Lessons)
Session 1: Feb. 19, Feb. 21, Feb. 26, Feb. 28, March 4, March 6, March 18, March 20
Registration for Session 1 opens Mon, Nov. 20, 2023.
Session 2: March 25, March 27, April 1, April 3, April 8, April 10, April 15, April 17
Registration for Session 2 opens Thur, Feb. 15, 2024.
- Parent & Me and AquaTots: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM
- Early Evening Class (Levels 1-5): 5:15 PM - 5:45 PM
- Late Evening Class (Levels 1-5): 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
- Adults: 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Saturday Lessons (8 Lessons)
Dates: Feb. 24, March 2, March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, April 13, April 20
Registration for Saturday Lessons opens Mon, Nov. 20, 2023.
- Adults: 10 AM - 10:30 AM
- Levels 1-5: 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Parent & Me and AquaTots: 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM
Class descriptions can be found below:
Parent & Me Swim Lessons
6 months - 3 years old (Note: A parent MUST be in the water with their child for each lesson)
This course introduces children to the water, learn basic water safety skills, and prepares them for the AquaTots class.
AquaTots Swim Lessons
3 - 5 years old
This course introduces preschool-aged children basic aquatic skills through games and activities.
Level 1 Swim Lessons
6 years old and up
This course introduces swimming strokes and teaches water safety skills.
Level 2 Swim Lessons
6 years old and up
This course builds on skills learned in Level 1. Prerequisites: Child has passed Level 1 OR successfully demonstrated passing requirements from Level 1 to Aquatic staff.
Level 3 Swim Lessons
6 years old and up
This course builds on skills learned in Level 2. Prerequisites: Child has passed Level 2 OR successfully demonstrated passing requirements from Level 2 to Aquatic staff.
Level 4 Swim Lessons
6 years old and up
This course builds on skills learned in Level 3. Prerequisites: Child has passed Level 3 OR successfully demonstrated passing requirements from Level 3 to Aquatic staff.
Level 5 Swim Lessons
6 years old and up
This course builds on skills learned in Level 4. Prerequisites: Child has passed Level 4 OR successfully demonstrated passing requirements from Level 4 to Aquatic staff.
Adult Swim Lessons
18 years old and up