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 Rye Joseph, rlj3@rice.edu.
Summer 2023 Dates:
Monday - Thursday Class (8 Lessons)
Session 1: June 5, 2023 - June 15, 2023
Session 2: June 20, 2023 - June 29, 2023*
(First week of Session 2 will be Tuesday through Friday)
Session 3: July 10, 2023 - July 20, 2023
Session 4: July 24, 2023 - August 3, 2023
- 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 Classes (8 Lessons)
Dates: June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, July 8, July 15, July 22 & July 29
- 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