Aquatics Programs

The City of Spokane Parks & Recreation's Aquatics Division operates six municipal swimming facilities throughout Spokane. We offer a variety of programs designed for youth and adults including Swim Lesson programs for youth as well as American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, Water Safety Instructor and various other programs to help you keep cool, active and entertained during the hot summer months. See below for program descriptions and to register.

Swim Lessons

Swim lessons provide instruction to help swimmers of all ages and abilities develop their swimming and water safety skills. It is designed to give students a positive learning experience. Swim lessons teach aquatic and safety skills in a logical progression. The objective is to teach people to swim and to be safe in, on and around the water.

Group Lessons

Swim lessons are $48 per child, per session.  Maximum enrollment is 6 children per class, minimum is 3 children.  Deadline for enrolling is the THURSDAY before the start of the next session.  Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather, contamination, or other unexpected circumstances.  Makeup days will be Fridays.  All efforts will be made to hold each class.   

PLEASE NOTE: The descriptions of our class offering have changed.  After each level’s new title, the previous title will also be included, followed by skills associated with each level. 

Tadpole | Parent Child | Previously Parent/Toddler | Ages 6 – 36 months

Tadpole participants become acquainted with the aquatic environment through activities surrounding climbing out of the pool, floating on front and back, and arm and leg movements.  Parents gain knowledge to safely orient their child to the water.  Child must be accompanied by an adult in the water.  

Seahorse | Beginner | Previously Pre-school | Ages 3-5

Seahorse participants become familiar with the aquatic environment through playful instruction comprised of basic swimming skills.  Students establish confidence and acquire skills such as submerging in water, supported floating, and supported arm and leg movements, which are the building blocks of a successful swimmer.   

Penguin | Intermediate Beginner | Previously Level 1 | Ages 5-8

Penguin participants learn basic aquatic skills in a supportive environment.  Students gain greater independence and learn skills including blowing bubbles, alternating leg and arm movements in a forward motion, front and back glides, opening eyes underwater, and entering and exiting the water independently. Prerequisite: demonstration of Seahorse skills.    

Turtle | Advanced Beginner | Previously Level 2 | Ages 5-9

Turtle participants gain success through instruction of fundamental aquatic skills.  Students participate in activities including holding breath underwater, rolling from front to back, treading water, jumping independently into the water, changing direction while swimming front or back crawl.  Prerequisite: demonstration of Penguin skills.    

Stingray | Intermediate | Previously Level 3 | Ages 6-10

Stingray participants build on their swimming skills through stroke development.  Students develop skills in rotary breathing, coordination of arms, legs, and breathing during front and back crawl, and headfirst entry into water.  Elementary backstroke, dolphin kick, scissor kick, and breaststroke skills are established.  Prerequisite: demonstration of Turtle skills.  

Seal | Intermediate Advanced | Previously Level 4 | Ages 7-11

Seal participants build confidence through continued refinement and advancement of aquatic skills.  Students strengthen skills such as swimming underwater, open turns and stroke improvement of front and back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, and butterfly.  Prerequisite: demonstration of Stingray skills.  

Barracuda | Advanced | Previously Level 5 | Ages 8-12

Barracuda participants continue to improve stroke coordination through advanced instruction of swimming techniques.  Students learn to surface dive, flip turns, and sculling.  Further skill progression in front and back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, and butterfly.  Prerequisite: demonstration of Seal skills. 

Dolphin | Aquatic Exploration Camp | Ages 10-15

Dolphin participants continue with stroke refinement and gain advanced experience and knowledge in personal water safety, lifeguard readiness, fundaments of diving, fitness swimming, and aquatic facility operations.  Students will be prepared for more advanced courses such as Lifeguard Training, Water Safety Instructor, and Novice Swim Team.  Prerequisite: demonstration of Barracuda skills.

Novice Swim Team

Aquaducks | Novice Swim Team | Ages 6+

The Aquaducks program is designed to introduce youth to the enjoyment of competitive swimming.  The focus will be introduction of new stoke techniques while building endurance.  All four Olympic strokes, starts, and turns will be introduced and practiced.  The Aquaducks program is eight (8) weeks in length, Monday through Thursday, with optional swim meets throughout the summer.  Team practices are held at Comstock and Witter Aquatic Centers.  Prerequisite:  minimum 6 years old, ability to swim crawl stroke 25 yards.  

Private Lessons

Private Swim Lessons | All Ages

Need individual attention for swimming lessons?  Private lessons are offered at all six aquatic facilities.  Lessons are tailored to individual’s needs, skill level and schedule.  Instruction offered for all skill levels and ages.  Fee includes four (4) half hour (30 min.) individual instruction.  Contact Aquatics Office at 509.625.6960 to schedule. 

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