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Swim Lessons

Want to learn how to swim or know someone who wants to learn how to swim? If so, be sure to sign up for swim lessons! Each session lasts for four weeks and includes eight classes. You can choose between Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursday or Monday - Thursday sessions. If you are unsure what level to sign up for, keep reading to learn more! So sign up and learn how to swim in a fun and safe environment!

Garden City Parks and Recreation currently runs swim lessons through June and July at Garden Rapids At The Big Pool. Our American Red Cross based swim program creates an ideal environment to learn the fundamentals of water safety, as well as, stroke development and refinement. Participants will be given a report card to track their progress and indicate if they are ready to advance to the next level.

  • Proper swim attire is required; no additional clothing (rash-guards are okay) as this inhibits proper movement when learning to swim.
  • Make-up classes will not be offered unless GCPR has to cancel a class day.
  • No refunds will be given after the first class.
  • If GCPR cancels a class, we will make every effort to make up the class on one of the regular scheduled lesson days; however, there is a possibility that classes would have to be made up on a weekend.

All swim lessons are held at Garden Rapids at the Big Pool located at 504 E Maple.

2026 Swim Lesson Summer Schedule

SessionsMonday - Thursday
(2 weeks | 8 Classes)
Monday & Wednesday
(4weeks | 8 Classes)
Tuesday - Thursday
(4 weeks | 8 Classes)
Session 1June 1 - June 11June 1 - June 24June 2 - June 25
Session 2July 6 - July 16July 6 - July 29July 7 - July 30

$35 for the entire session$35 for the entire session$35 for the entire session
Parent & Child 6 Months - 3 Years

10:30 am - 11 am6:15 pm - 6:45 pm
Pre-School  3 - 5 Years
Starfish10:30 am - 11 am6:15 pm - 6:45 pm6:15 pm - 6:45 pm
Turtle10:30 am - 11 am
6:15 pm - 6:45 pm
6:15 pm - 6:45 pm
Seal10:30 am - 11 am
6:15 pm - 6:45 pm
6:15 pm - 6:45 pm
School-Age 5 - 17 Years
Level 111:15 am - 12 pm7 pm - 7:45 pm7 pm - 7:45 pm
Level 2
11:15 am - 12 pm
7 pm - 7:45 pm
7 pm - 7:45 pm
Level 3
11:15 am - 12 pm
7 pm - 7:45 pm
7 pm - 7:45 pm
Level 411:15 am - 12 pm

7 pm - 7:45 pm
Adult
Learn to Swim
7 pm - 7:45 pm
7 pm - 7:45 pm


2026 Swim Lesson Descriptions

LessonAgeClass LengthDescription Prerequisite 
Parent and Child6 months to 3 years30 minutesOur certified instructor guides parents as they introduce their children to the water in a positive, non-threatening manner, ensuring children have fun while learning basic water skills.None
Starfish3 years old to 5 years old30 minutesParticipants learn to be comfortable with their head underwater, blow bubbles, float and glide with help.Child must be capable of participating and paying attention in a group setting.
Turtle3 years old to 5 years old30 minutesParticipants learn to float and glide on their own.  They also learn basic swimming on their stomach and on their back, as well as treading water.Child must meet Starfish prerequisites.  They must also be comfortable with their head underwater, must be able to leave a pool by ladder without help, and be able to float and glide with assistance.
Seal3 years old to 5 years old30 minutesParticipants are introduced to deep water and learn the beginnings of different swimming strokes and treading water for a longer time.Must meet Turtle prerequisites, as well as be able to roll from 
Level 15 years old to 17 years old45 minutesWater adjustment and learning how to float, glide, blow bubbles and go underwater independently as well as treading water.Must be ready to participate in a group setting.
Level 25 years old to 17 years old45 minutesReinforce their independence with floats and glides. Introduction to front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke and diving.Comfortable going underwater, can blow bubbles through their mouth and nose, and are able to float and glide on their own.
Level 35 years old to 17 years old45 minutesFurther develop all strokes, especially side-breathing, introduction to breaststroke, dolphin kick, and more advanced dives.Can swim at least 10 yards of both front crawl and back crawl, 10 yards of elementary backstroke, and can tread water for 15 seconds.
Level 45 years old to 17 years old45 minutesFurther develop technique and endurance for all strokes; begin learning butterfly, open-turns and flip turns.Can swim at least 15 yards of both front crawl and back crawl, 25 yards of elementary backstroke, demonstrate basic breaststroke, and can tread water for 30 seconds.
Adult Lessons5 years old to 17 years old45 MinutesLearn the basics of swimming stroke and skills needed to stay safe and help keep others safe in and around the water. Instruction will develop the participant's front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke and turns to build endurance.None
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