The Rice Aquatic Center proudly offers 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 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.
Summer 2025 Dates:
(Session 1 and Saturday Lessons - registration is now open!)
Weekday Lessons
Session 1: June 2 - June 12 (classes run Monday-Thursday or Monday-Wednesday)
-
AquaTots: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM - use this link to register
-
Parent & Me: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM - use this link to register
-
Early Evening Class (Youth Classes): 5:20 PM - 5:50 PM - use this link to register
-
Late Evening Class (Youth Classes): 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM - use this link to register
-
Adults: 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM - use this link to register
Session 2: June 16 - June 27 (This session will be held Monday-Wednesday the first week and Monday-Friday the following week due to Juneteenth Holiday.)
-
AquaTots: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM
-
Parent & Me: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM
-
Early Evening Class (Youth Classes): 5:20 PM - 5:50 PM
-
Late Evening Class (Youth Classes): 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
-
Adults: 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Session 3: July 7 - July 17 (classes run Monday - Thursday)
-
AquaTots: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM
-
Parent & Me: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM
-
Early Evening Class (Youth Classes): 5:20 PM - 5:50 PM
-
Late Evening Class (Youth Classes): 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
-
Adults: 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Session 4: July 21 - July 31 (classes run Monday - Thursday)
-
AquaTots: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM
-
Parent & Me: 4:45 PM - 5:10 PM
-
Early Evening Class (Youth Classes): 5:20 PM - 5:50 PM
-
Late Evening Class (Youth Classes): 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
-
Adults: 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Saturday Lessons (8 Lessons)
Dates: June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2
-
AquaTots: 11:30 AM - 12 PM - use this link to register
-
Parent & Me: 11:30 AM - 12 PM - use this link to register
-
Adults: 10 AM - 10:30 AM - use this link to register
-
Youth Classes: 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM - use this link to register
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.