The Rice Aquatic Center Learn to Swim Program is designed and delivered in accordance with American Red Cross standards to ensure a safe, effective, and developmentally appropriate learning experience. Our lessons are 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 classes have 8 lessons per session. Our Parent & Me and AquaTots Classes are always 25 minutes to keep young children engaged. The Youth Classes and Adult Classes are 30 minutes for all classes. Group Lessons are $160.00 for members and $190.00 for non-members.
If you are looking for Youth Classes, please sign up for the time period that is most convenient for you (5:20 PM or 6:00 PM). A brief swim test will be done on the first day, and all participants will be divided amongst the instructors based on the skills they demonstrate during the lessons.
If you have any questions, please email Maggie McGuffee at mm208@rice.edu.
Spring 2026 Dates
Weekday Lessons
Session 1: Feb. 16, Feb. 18, Feb. 23, Feb. 25, March 2, March 4, March 9, March 11
Registration opens Jan. 5, 2026 at 8 a.m.
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Early Evening Class (Youth Classes): 5:20 PM - 5:50 PM
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Late Evening Class (Youth Classes): 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
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Adults: 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Session 2: March 23, March 25, March 30, April 1, April 6, April 8, April 13, April 15
Registration date coming soon!
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AquaTots: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM
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Parent & Me: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM
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Early Evening Class (Youth Classes): 5:20 PM - 5:50 PM
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Late Evening Class (Youth Classes): 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
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Adults: 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Saturday Lessons
Dates: Feb. 21, Feb. 28, March 7, March 28, April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25
Registration opens Jan. 5, 2026 at 8 a.m.
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Adults: 10 AM - 10:30 AM
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Youth Classes: 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Saturday Mini Session
Dates: April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25
Registration date coming soon!
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AquaTots: 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM
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Parent & Me: 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.
*Youth Lessons: 6 years old and up
This course introduces swimming strokes and teaches water safety skills. Children are grouped based on their skills shown in the initial swim assessment.
*Adult Swim Lessons - Must be 18 years old and up.