Swim lessons can save a life, build a child’s confidence, and introduce little ones to a lifelong habit of exercise. Our instructors are carefully selected and trained, and our curriculum is expertly planned by our team of experienced managers. Whether your child is fearful of the water or just wants to perfect a particular stroke, we have the right class for you!
Our highest priority is to provide all swim lesson participants with a safe and comfortable place to learn swimming skills that are appropriate for their needs and abilities. We ask that you choose the lesson level that best fits your child. The suggested ages listed are designed to serve as a guide but should not be the main determinant in selecting a class for your child.
WEATHER: In case of inclement weather, make-up days are on Fridays for weekday sessions, and on August 4 for Sunday morning sessions. If the number of rain days exceeds the number of make-up days, we will not offer refunds for the remaining days.
INSTRUCTIONS: To register, please review the class descriptions and choose the class you think your child is ready for. Once you have chosen the class, please see the available times for the class. Note that if the class is full when you go to register, please add your child to the wait list. Depending on registrations for the time slot you want to choose, we may be able to offer your child a spot in a class.
Swim Lessons
Weekday M-TH lessons occur between 8:30-11:45am
Evening M-TH lessons occur between 7-8pm
Sunday Morning lessons occur between 8:30-10:45am
Sunday Evening lessons occur between 7-8p
Swim Lessons
Parent + Toddler Exploration
Ages 6 months-2 years with a parent
Learn to interact with your toddler in the water in our zero-depth pool. Instructors guide you and your child as they explore the water, getting comfortable in a safe environment. The focus is on water safety, gaining familiarity with the water, and learning basic water skills. This is a guided lesson, guardians will be in the water with their swimmers!
Fee (R/NR): $53/$79.50
Preschool
Ages 3-5
An introduction to basic water skills for those not comfortable in the water yet. Primary skills that will be emphasized are kicking, submerging their face in water, water safety, and floating. Children should be comfortable taking instruction without a parent intervening.
Fee (R/NR): $57/$85.50
Beginner
Suggested Minimum Age 4
Building off of the skills learned in the preschool lesson, swimmers will focus on kicking and arm strokes for front crawl and backstroke. Swimmers should be comfortable putting their face into the water and taking instruction without parent intervention.
Fee (R/NR): $66/$99
Advanced Beginner
Suggested Minimum Age 6
Lessons will focus on mastering breathing to the side for front crawl and introducing breaststroke and dolphin kicks for butterfly. Swimmers must be comfortable putting their face in the water, and floating/swimming front crawl and backstroke unassisted.
Fee (R/NR): $66/$99
Intermediate/Advanced
Suggested Minimum Age 8
Focused on building strength and endurance in strokes and introducing butterfly to the swimmer. Swimmers will swim laps of the pool in this lesson and should be able to swim the length of the pool unassisted.
Fee (R/NR): $66/$99
Adult
Ages 15+
Whether you have a fear of water, never had the opportunity to learn to swim, or are looking to improve your technique, let our instructors help!
Fee (R/NR): $66/$99
Private Swim Lessons
Looking for a more personalized approach or more flexible scheduling for swim lessons? Our private swim lesson program offers one-on-one or small group lessons that are tailored to meet your personal needs. All lessons are 30 minutes and are available by appointment only. For more information or to schedule your lessons, please email ryan.hays@champaignparks.org starting May 15. Lessons must be paid at time of lesson.
Fee (R/NR) per swimmer
- Private (1) $32/$48
- Semi-Private (2) $23/$34.50
- Semi-Private (3) $19/$28.50
Date: June 5 – August 3
More Aquatics Programs
Tiny Tots Splash Time
Ages 0–5 with parent/guardian
One of Champaign-Urbana’s “best kept secrets,” Tiny Tots Splash Time provides a wonderful opportunity for you to spend some quality water play time with your little one before the afternoon rush. Only the kiddie pool will be available for Tiny Tots. This is a paid activity and is not part of swim lessons or swim team.
*Siblings 1-2 years older are welcome to join. However, the other pools and slides will not be open for public use at the program’s allocated time. Tiny Tot Splash Time gives priority to children 0-5 years old with parent/guardian due to the size of the area and for the safety of our tiny tots.
Date: June 3 – August 11, 2024*
Time: M-F: 8:30a-11:30a, Sa/Su: 8:30 – 10:45a
No Program*: June 8, June 22, June 29, July 1, July 27, August 7
Location: Sholem Aquatic Center
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50 per person or FREE for pool pass holders! Children ages 3 and under are free with a paying adult.
Questions: ryan.hays@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3985
Water Aerobics
Ages 15+
A guided aqua fitness class by our long time instructor Jo Rodriguez that is perfect for increasing flexibility, strength, and energy! This workout is arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and back-pain friendly as the water relieves pressure on the joints. Swimming skills not required but should be comfortable in the water.
WEEKDAY WATER AEROBICS:
Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR)
- June 3 – July 5* | M/W/F | 11-11:45a | $98/$147
- June 4 – July 2 | Tu/Th | 7-7:45p | $63/$94.50
- July 8 – August 9* | M/W/F | 11-11:45a | $70/$105
- July 9 – August 8 | Tu/Th | 7-7:45p | $68/$138
WEEKEND WATER AEROBICS:
Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR)
- June 1 – June 30 | Su | 10-10:45a | $35/$52.50
- July 6 – August 10* | Sa | 10-10:45a | $35/$52.50
No Class*: July 1, July 27, August 7
Location: Sholem Aquatic Center
Instructor: Jo Rodriguez
Questions: ryan.hays@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3985
Lap Swim
Dedicated lane space for those interested in swimming laps. M-F AM sessions have 8 lanes available and do not share the space with swim team or swim lessons. Sa/Su and evening sessions lanes are limited depending on other program usage. First come first serve but please circle swim!
Date: June 3 – August 11
Time: M-F: 6:30-8a, Sa/Su: 8:30-10:45a, Daily: 7-8p
No Lap Swim*: June 8 (am), June 22 (am), June 29 (am), July 27 (am)
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50 or free with season pass
Location: Sholem Aquatic Center
Questions: ryan.hays@champaignparks. org or 217-819-3985
River Run/Walk
All Ages
Self-guided tour around the lazy river. Go with the flow or against the current! Bring a friend and socialize while you stroll or focus on the task at hand! Water shoes may be helpful for traction. Please be respectful of other participants (playing with toys, swimming, splashing). 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
Date: June 3 – August 11
Time: M-F: 8:30-11:30a*, Sa/Su: 8:30-10:45a*, Daily 7-8p
No Program*: June 8, June 22, June 29, July 1, July 27, August 7
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50 per person or FREE for pool pass holders.
Questions: ryan.hays@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3985
Junior Lifeguard Academy
Ages 13-14
Is your teenager interested in becoming a lifeguard? Our Junior lifeguard program is a two-week course where we will introduce Jeff Ellis lifeguarding skills. They will learn in the water rescue techniques and CPR. Making the certification process easier when they are 15 and ready to become a lifeguard.
Date: July 29 – August 9
Days: Monday-Friday
Time: 9:30-11:30a
Fee (R/NR): $40/$60
Location: Sholem Aquatic Center
Questions: ryan.hays@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3985
Sensory Friendly Swimming
Ages 0-22 with parent or guardian
Enjoy a day of family fun and sensory friendly swimming at Sholem Aquatic Center! Please see CUSR’s program guide or visit www.cuspecialrecreation.org or call the CUSR Center at 217-819-3980 for more information.
- June 26 | 8-10p
- July 1 | 9:30-11:45a
- August 7 | 9:30 -11:45a
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50
Location: Sholem Aquatic Center
