Washington University in St. Louis

WashU Rec's experienced swim staff will provide swim instruction for any swimming ability. We offer Private Lessons and Small Group Lessons. Our Small Group Lessons have a maximum of three participants per lesson. Private Lessons and Group Lessons are available to all Sumers Recreation Center members as well as WashU affiliated non-members.

Affiliate Non-Member:
An individual affiliated with WashU, such as faculty, staff, alumni, or a spouse or partner, who is eligible to purchase a WashU Rec membership but does not currently maintain an active membership. 

Swim Lesson Levels:

Our swim lessons are organized into three categories: Level 1, 2, and 3. Private lessons will be titled with the levels that correspond with the instructor's skill strengths. Small Group lessons will be titled based on level. Please reference the lesson descriptions below before you make your final decision. If you are unsure of what the best lesson would be for your needs, please contact WashU Rec: rec@wustl.edu

Level 1
This level is for participants with little to no experience in the water. Its focus is on developing comfort in the water along with basic swimming safety skills. Goals and skills for this level can be individualized for each participant. A few example of what we aim to offer in our Beginner swimming lessons are as follows: comfortable in water, able to swim 25 yards, able to float, learning to tread, and more.

Level 2
Prior to level 2 lessons, participants should have the ability to swim 25 yards (one pool length) continuously on front or back and demonstrate comfort in the water. The goal of this level is creating proficiency in different style strokes and building endurance. 

Level 3
Prior to level 3 lessons, participants should show proficiency in swimming 50 yards (2 pool lengths) continuously using either front crawl or back crawl. The goal of this level is to continue to build expertise in all strokes, increase endurance, and learn to use swimming for personal fitness. Skills and goals for this level can be individualized for each participant and can range from improving stroke techniques and speed all the way to preparing for a triathlon.

What to Expect:

When you come to class, please ensure that you bring all of the items necessary for you to swim. First and foremost, proper swimwear must be worn in order to participate in your lesson. This is due to non-swimwear items causing damage to our filtration system. Goggles are recommended as well in order to make you more comfortable in the water. However, due to sanitary reasons, goggles will not be provided. We do have goggles available to purchase at the Sumers Front Desk. For your convenience, we also have towels available for all members to check out at the equipment desk located on the 2nd floor of Sumers Recreation Center.  Many people also prefer to bring items to shower with after their lesson, including flip flops or sandals to be worn inside of the locker rooms and showers. 

When you Arrive:  

We recommend you arrive to Sumers Recreation Center at least 20 minutes before your lessons begin. This is to allow you time to check out towels, navigate to the locker rooms, change into swimwear, and be ready on the pool deck for your lesson. 

When you arrive to Sumers, please check in to the center by swiping your ID or App. If you are not currently a member, you will have to show your ID and our Recreation Service Host at the front desk will check the swim lesson roster. Once you are in, you will then navigate to the first floor. If you are able to take the stairs, follow the staircase in Sumers all the way down to the first floor. Once you reach the first floor, turn left and follow the blue line at the end of the hallway where you will find locker rooms.

Once you are all dressed in your swimwear, please proceed through the door at the other end of the locker rooms to reach the pool deck. Please note that these doors are locked until the open swim begins. Once you are on the pool deck, you will find your swim instructor in front of the lanes ready for you. Please check in with them and they will get you started! 

Cancellation and Make Up Policy:   

Please review our cancellation and make-up policy below:

• Participant Absences: We do not offer make-up lessons, refunds, or credits for missed classes, including those due to personal scheduling conflicts or no-shows.

• Late Arrivals and No Shows: If a participant does not arrive within the first 15 minutes of their scheduled lesson, the lesson may be canceled. A late Arrival or No Show will not be offered a make up session to cover the missed lesson.

• Facility Cancellations: If WashU Rec cancels a lesson due to unforeseen circumstances, a make-up session will be provided. Make-up lessons will be held at the same time and day in the week following the completion of the regularly scheduled swim session.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact us.