Swimming Lessons
Let our aquatics staff help you achieve your swimming goals. The private lessons we offer are designed for the individual needs of beginner, intermediate, or advanced swimmers as well as those who may be fearful of the water. Specific goals can be discussed with the swim lesson coordinator or your instructor. By placing you with a specific instructor your lesson schedule can adjust to fit your needs. We provide 1 on 1 or 2 on 1 lessons for adults and children over 4 years of age. Lessons typically last between 45 minutes and an hour; however that can be adjusted to fit specific needs, especially a child who may not benefit from a full 45 minute lesson.
Those interested in swim lessons should fill out an application here. Once we have received your application we will place you with an instructor as soon as possible. We are typically able to place applicants with an instructor in 2 weeks or less, however there are many factors involved in placement, all of which can cause delays. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do lessons cost?
- For UWM students and RSF members lessons cost $15 per lesson for 1 on 1 or $16 per lesson for 2 on 1 lessons. For Non-members the price is $17 for 1 on 1 and $18 for 2 on 1 lessons.
What do you mean RSF members?
- RSF members are non-students who have purchased a membership to Recreational Sports & Facilities (RSF). We offer these memberships to UWM faculty/staff and sustaining alumni. More information can be found on our membership page here
What are your open swim hours?
- Our pool hours vary by the semester. Please see here for our full listing of facility hours.
Your open swim hours don’t fit my schedule. Can I schedule lessons outside of them?
- Unfortunately we do not offer private lessons outside of our open swim hours. Our pool is shared with other departments in the university, and the pool is frequently booked for courses or other activities in times that RSF doesn’t offer open swim.
Please explain what you mean by 1 on 1 or 2 on 1 lessons.
- 1 on 1 lessons are 1 student who is receiving instruction from 1 teacher. 2 on 1 lessons are 2 students with 1 instructor. Sometimes this is done by having both students in the water at the same time receiving similar instruction from the teacher. However, especially with younger children, sometimes a 2 on 1 lesson is conducted by splitting the lesson in half and giving each student individual instruction for half the time. We charge slightly more for 2 on 1 lessons, but this cost is split between the two students, so the per-student cost is less than a 1 on 1 lesson.
I would like my child to participate in 2 on 1 lessons, but I would like RSF to find the other student. Is that possible?
- No. 2 on 1 lessons should come to RSF with both participants. Ideally those students will have similar abilities in the water and be looking for improvement in the same areas. Sometimes we can accommodate lessons who have disparate skill levels, but frequently this is done by splitting the lesson into 2 halves with only one participant receiving instruction at a time.
Do you offer group lessons?
- We do not currently offer group lessons, nor do we have any specific plans to in the future.
My child is taking lessons. Do I need to stick around the pool for the entire lesson?
- Not necessarily. In fact with some children it can be beneficial if parents aren’t present for the whole lesson. Frequently fearful children are able to overcome their fears better if they don’t have a parent present that they will use as an emotional crutch. Rest assured our instructors primary responsibility is the safety of their student, and there is also a lifeguard on duty. We do ask that you return before the end of the lesson so that your instructor can pass on any valuable information, in addition to having someone they can release your child to.
What temperature is the pool kept at?
- Our pool is kept at 80°F but that will vary by about a degree depending on various conditions. A competitive racing pool will typically be held around 78°F and frequently pools dedicated to water aerobics or lessons will be closer to 82°F or 83°F. At our temperature smaller children and some adults will likely be getting cold before the end of a lesson. A “rashguard” similar to what you might wear surfing, or a dry-fit top (compression t-shirt) can help a lot with the cold. These don’t interfere with your ability to swim like a normal t-shirt will and therefore can be used in the pool.
I’m a competent swimmer preparing for a triathlon. Can you help me? What about my friend who is on the swim team, but wants some individual attention?
- Absolutely. Several of our instructors have extensive competitive swimming backgrounds, and many also currently compete in triathlons. Please indicate your goals when you submit your application.
Who are your instructors? Are you hiring?
- Our Red Cross WSI certified instructors are all UWM students, and many are lifeguards. Our instructors are experienced and comfortable working with all ages and abilities. We are always accepting applications for Red Cross certified WSIs from UWM students. Please submit the appropriate application that can be found here
During lessons will I have an entire lane to myself? How busy will the pool be?
- We do our best to provide lessons with their own lane, however frequently multiple lessons will share a lane so long as it is not affecting the instruction. Our pool is frequently not overly busy, however there are times when it will get very crowded. We will do our best to mitigate any negative effects this might have on lessons.
Forms and Contact Info
- Click here. for the Swim Lesson Application.
- Click here (.pdf) for the Parent Questionnaire and find out what level your child should be enrolled in.
