Swim Lessons

*NEW*
Splasher to Swimmer Program

At Winchester Parks and Recreation, our swim lesson program is designed to do more than teach strokes—we build confident, safe, and capable swimmers for life.

Led by experienced instructors and guided by a structured, progressive curriculum, our lessons help swimmers of all ages move from first splashes to strong, independent swimming. We believe swimming is a life-saving skill, confidence comes before technique, and every swimmer progresses at their own pace. Our goal is to create a positive, encouraging environment where swimmers feel successful every time they enter the water.

Whether your child is just getting comfortable in the water or ready to refine their strokes, we have a clear path for success. Our Splasher to Swimmer program includes 7 progressive levels. We also offer 3 levels of Adult Lessons. Private Lessons are also available by instructor.

Why our program is different...

  • Progressive Curriculum – Each level builds on the last for real skill development
  • Water Safety Focused – Safety skills are taught from day one
  • Small Group Environment – More attention, better progress
  • Experienced Leadership – Designed by an aquatic professional with 20+ years of experience
  • Confidence First Approach – We meet swimmers where they are

Summer Lesson Structure

Summer Sessions (Afternoon Weekday and Weekend Lessons)
Summer lessons are offered monthly (June, July, August). Classes meet once per week for 4 weeks with the option to register for multiple days per week. Weekday lessons are held in our heated Indoor Pool. Sunday lessons are held at the Outdoor Pool. Each class begins with a 5-minute safety focus. Each lesson is 30 minutes and there are 4 lessons per session.

  • Resident Discount Fee (RDF): $24
  • Fee:$30

Summer Flex Sessions (Morning Lessons)
For busy, on-the-go families, we offer 2-week accelerated sessions that meet 4 times per week—a great option for making quick progress while working around summer travel schedules. Lessons are held in our heated Indoor Pool. Each lesson is 30 minutes and there are 8 lessons per session.

  • Resident Discount Fee (RDF): $48
  • Fee: $60

Adult Sessions (Evening Lessons)
Adult lessons meet two nights a week for 4 weeks. Lessons are held in our heated Indoor Pool. Each lesson is 30 minutes and there are 8 lessons per session.

  • Resident Discount Fee (RDF): $64
  • Fee: $80

Choosing the right class

Not sure where to start? We’ve made it easy. Take our quick Level Placement Questionnaire and we will guide you to the right class! In just a few minutes, you will answer simple questions about your swimmer’s comfort level and skills—and we’ll help point you in the right direction. Still not sure? Our staff is happy to help place your swimmer in the right level!

Swim Level Questionnaire

Registration

  • All WPRD class registrations are processed through CommunityPass. Individuals and Families are required to create an account in order to register. Phone registrations will not be accepted. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on the specified date for each session.
  • Please refer to the CommunityPass Catalog for registration dates by clicking on the Sessions button in the class descriptions below.

Guppy

Intro to Swimming (Ages 6mo-18mo, with parent)

Gentle introduction to swimming for children and their parent/guardian. The adult is the primary student, learning how to safety and confidently work with their child in the water while encouraging exploration and comfort. 1:8 Instructor to Student Ratio.

  • Water exploration, comfort, and bonding
  • Songs, movement, and basic safety skills

Sessions

Seahorse

Swimming Comfort (Ages 18mo-5 years)

Parent/Guardian assisted class designed to get children comfortable in the water. They will work on holding their breath, blowing bubbles, putting their face in the water along with basic floats and glides. 1:8 Instructor to Student Ratio.

  • Beginner with Parent
  • Face in water, bubbles, floating, and basic movement
  • Building trust and independence

Sessions

Starfish

Swimming Comfort (Ages 3+)

This level is NO parent/guardian and is for swimmers with no prior swimming experience. They will work on holding their breath, blowing bubbles, putting their face in the water along with basic floats and glides. 1:4 Instructor to Student Ratio.

  • Beginner Transition to Independent
  • Face in water, bubbles, floating, and basic movement
  • Building trust and independence

Sessions

Turtle

Basic Swimming Skills & Movements (Ages 3+)

This level will teach bobbing, review front and back floats and glides and they will learn how to roll over from front to back and back to front. Students will also learn the basic movements for the freestyle, backstroke, Elementary Backstroke and Breaststroke. 1:4 Instructor to Student Ratio.

  • Beginner Independent
  • Floating, gliding, and introduction to swim movements
  • Developing comfort without a parent

Sessions

Stingray

Freestyle and Elementary Backstroke Basics (Ages 3+)

This level will review bobbing and rolling over. Students will be introduced to safety bobbing, tuck floats and finning. Students will learn how to swim freestyle and Elementary Backstroke independently for 5 body lengths. 1:5 Instructor to Student Ratio.

  • Beginner Swimmer
  • Freestyle and backstroke introduction
  • Independent movement and breath control

Sessions

Frog

Backstroke and Breaststroke Basics (Ages 3+)

This level will review treading, front and back floats and glides with recovery. Students will be introduced to surface dives and they will learn now to swim backstroke and breaststroke independently for 5 body lengths. 1:5 Instructor to Student Ratio.

  • Intermediate Swimmer
  • Stroke development (backstroke & breaststroke)
  • Treading water and endurance

Sessions

Dolphin

Stoke Refinement (Ages 3+)

This level takes all the skills students have learned and uses them to have the student swim 15 meters in all 4 strokes. This level introduces sitting and kneeling dives, dolphin kicks and underwater streamline glides. 1:6 Instructor to Student Ratio.

  • Advanced Swimmer
  • Stroke refinement (all 4 strokes)
  • Preparing for swim team or advanced skills

Sessions

Adult

Beginner Level – Water Comfort & Confidence

Perfect for adults who are new to swimming or feel fearful in the water. This class focuses on building trust and comfort through foundational skills. Participants will learn how to blow bubbles, submerge their face, and begin simple floating and treading techniques. Our goal is to help you feel safe, relaxed, and in control in the water.

Sessions

 

Intermediate Level – Movement & Skill Development

Designed for adults who are comfortable in the water, but want to improve their ability to move independently. Swimmers will work on floating and gliding, as well as flutter and frog kicking using kickboards. This level introduces beginner swim techniques and builds endurance with treading and controlled movement.

Sessions

 

Advanced Level – Stroke Technique & Efficiency

For adults ready to take their swimming to the next level. This class focuses on refining stroke mechanics for freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, along with an introduction to butterfly kicking. Swimmers will also develop rotary breathing and improve overall efficiency, coordination, and endurance in the water.

Sessions

Private Lessons

Ready to make a splash? Private swim lessons can now be booked online for a quicker and easier registration experience!

Families can purchase single lessons or multiple lesson blocks and choose from a variety of instructors, days, and times that work best for their schedule.

If you would like to schedule more than one swimmer in the same private lesson time slot, please contact the aquatics department directly so we can assist with booking and ensure proper instructor placement.

Visit our online registration portal to get started!

  

Registration

Create Account or Log In

What is a RDF fee?

In recognition that City of Winchester residents support our department through their city taxes, the City offers residents a discounted fee (RDF). Must reside in the 22601 zip code. All those outside of the 22601 zip code pay the regular Fee.

 

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