University of Vermont Campus Recreation

Click tabs below to read about our lessons types and FAQs.

Small group lessons, offered in two levels and for swimmers aged 4-8 years old,  and focus on the development of specific swimming skills (listed below each group level). 

Level 1 - Pee-Wee Cats

Meeting time: 10:20-10:50am

Level 1 is designed to introduce new swimmers to the water and help them feel comfortable so that they can enjoy the water safely without parent assistance. Goals of Level 1 are: blowing bubbles, going under water, floating, kicking, arm movements, and gliding.

Pre-requisites: None

Level 2 - Water Cats 

Meeting time: 11:00-11:30am

Level 2 is intended to help swimmers develop basic strokes so that can begin to maneuver through the water independently. Goals for Water Cats include: perfecting the front and back glides, introducing the front and back crawl, beginning the rhythmic breathing for front crawl, elementary backstroke, sitting and kneeling dives, and treading water.

Pre-requisites: Feel comfortable and be at least semi-independent in the water; float on own or with minimal assistance; kick with a kick board.

Group Lesson Cost (for 8-week session):

• $205 - Children of UVM students
• $265 - Children of UVM Faculty/Staff/Facility Members
• $285 - Children of Community

A completed participation waiver (included in your registration receipt) must be turned in at the first session.
A parent/guardian of a minor must remain present in the pool area during swim lessons. 
A parent/guardian must accompany minors in the public locker rooms.

Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction for ages 4 and up and are designed to allow the instructor and swimmer to work together to improve swimming skills and meet the specific goals of the swimmer. 

Meeting times (register for one meeting time): 

• 10:20am-10:50am (section 6)
• 11:00am-11:30am (section 7)
• 11:40am-12:10pm (section 8)
• 12:20pm-12:50pm (section 9)

Private Lesson Cost (for 8-week session):

• $225 - UVM students and/or their children
• $305 - Faculty/Staff/Facility Members and/or their children
• $345 - Community and/or their children

A completed participation waiver (included in your registration receipt) must be turned in at the first session.
A parent/guardian of a minor must remain present in the pool area during swim lessons. 
A parent/guardian must accompany minors in the public locker rooms.

Lessons for two people of the same family or household that are of the same skill level.  Semi-private lessons may be requested by contacting Campus Recreation and will be coordinated as the discretion of program staff and based on availability.

Meeting times (take place during a private lesson slot as available): 

• 10:20am-10:50am (section 6)
• 11:00am-11:30am (section 7)
• 11:40am-12:10pm (section 8)
• 12:20pm-12:50pm (section 9)

Contact campus.recreation@uvm.edu to register for a semi-private lesson. 

Semi-Private Lesson Cost (per person; for 8-week session):

• $190 - UVM students and/or their children
• $270 - Faculty/Staff/Facility Members and/or their children
• $310 - Community and/or their children

A completed participation waiver (included in your registration receipt) must be turned in at the first session.
A parent/guardian of a minor must remain present in the pool area during swim lessons. 
A parent/guardian must accompany minors in the public locker rooms.

• Can I choose the days my private lessons take place on?
  • No. Vermont Swim School operates in 8-lesson session formats with pre-set dates and times. Lessons are only available during these scheduled sessions. For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit our Vermont Swim School page.
• Can two of my children take a semi-private lesson together?
  • Yes, as long as both children are at a similar skill level. If there is a significant difference in ability, individual private lessons may be a more effective option.
• A session has already started - can my child join late?
  • No. Participants must enroll in the full 8-lesson session. We are unable to accommodate late additions. If the current session is already underway, please watch for upcoming registration periods. These are typically in August for the Fall Session and December for the Winter/Spring Session. For exact registration dates, visit our Vermont Swim School page.
• Is there a minimum age requirement for swim lessons?
  • Yes. All participants must be at least 4 years old to enroll.
• Are make-up lessons available if one is missed?
  • No. Make-up lessons are not offered. The 8 scheduled sessions listed at registration are the only ones offered.
• How many participants are in a group lesson?
  • Group lessons are limited to a maximum of 4 participants. Actual group sizes may be smaller, depending on enrollment. Please note: Campus Recreation may adjust group placements based on swimmers’ abilities to ensure the best learning environment.