Swim Lessons through Duke Rec & P.E. are designed for individuals new to swimming, those who wish to become more proficient swimmers, and everything in between. We offer both group and individualized instruction options for swimmers of all ages. Pricing and registration can be reviewed on MyRec.

Duke Aquatics Academy

Youth Learn-to-swim

For ages 6 months - 13 years, our Youth Learn-to-Swim teaches fundamental water safety and aquatic skills at an appropriate level of learning in a fun and supportive environment. Duke Rec & P.E. is an American Red Cross Youth Learn-to-Swim facility. Children of current Duke students/Rec & P.E. Members and Non-Members are able to participate.

  1. Water Devils (Ages 6–36 months, parent participation) – Introduces infants and toddlers to the water with a parent, focusing on comfort, back floats, and short underwater swims in a fun, supportive environment.
  2. Little Devils (Ages 2–3) – Builds confidence in the water through playful activities, introducing freestyle and backstroke kick basics while encouraging independent head-down swimming.
  1. Minnows (Ages 3–5) – Focuses on underwater comfort, front and back floating, and short independent swims to prepare for formal stroke work.
  2. Guppies (Ages 3–5) – Introduces streamline position, basic freestyle arms, and backstroke kick while developing strong body position and independence in the water.
  3. Goldfish (Ages 3–5) – Strengthens freestyle with side breathing, develops backstroke form, and introduces breaststroke and butterfly kicks.
  1. Sunfish (Ages 6–12) – Builds underwater comfort and basic floating skills for older beginners, preparing them for stroke introduction.
  2. Angelfish (Ages 6–12) – Refines streamline technique, teaches correct freestyle arms, and introduces backstroke kick to establish a solid stroke foundation.
  3. Otters (Ages 6–12) – Focuses on freestyle with side breathing, improves backstroke technique, and develops proper breaststroke and butterfly kick form.
  4. Dolphins (Ages 6–12) – Expands freestyle skills with non-preferred side breathing, teaches basic somersaults and sit-down dives, and advances butterfly and breaststroke technique.
  5. Sharks (Ages 6–12) – Masters freestyle with bi-lateral breathing, develops flip turns, and polishes butterfly and breaststroke timing with breathing.
  1. Pre-Swim Team Novice Group (Ages 5–17) – Introduces swimmers to the structure and expectations of swim team, teaching pace clock use and correct turns for all four strokes.
  2. Pre-Swim Team Training Group (Ages 5–17) – Builds technically sound swimmers who demonstrate all four strokes with good form, proper turns, and readiness for competitive team training.

ADUlt Learn-to-swim

For ages 13 years and above, our Adult Learn-To-Swim programs help students further master their water skills. Current Duke students/Rec & P.E. Members and Non-Members are able to participate

This adult Learn-to-Swim series is specifically designed for beginners who have very little to no water experience, are uncomfortable in the water, or are learning to swim for the first time. No prior swimming experience is required. The primary focus will be on water adjustment and developing preliminary swimming skills. Progress will vary per individual and time put into practicing skills outside of class. This series may need to be repeated 2-3 times before moving on.

This series is specifically designed for adults who have previous swimming experience and are able to complete one length (25 yards) of freestyle (front crawl) or backstroke. The primary focus will be on techniques for freestyle and backstroke. Progress will vary on time put in on practicing skills outside of class. This class may need to be repeated 2-3 times before moving on.

This series of classes is specifically designed for adults who have no previous breaststroke or butterfly swimming experience and would like to learn, as well as those who have experience and would like to work on bettering their technique. The primary focus will be on techniques for Breaststroke and Butterfly.

Private & Semi-Private Lessons


Programming Note:

Private and Semi-Private lessons are not currently available. You can join our mailing list to be notified once they return: https://forms.office.com/r/eTbyhsySjL


Private Swim Lessons

Private Lessons provide participants one-on-one, individualized instruction based on participant abilities, learning styles and goals. 

Available for all ages and swim backgrounds. Current Duke students/Rec & P.E. Members and Non-Members are able to participate. Can be purchased as a set of 5 or 10 lessons.

Semi-private Lessons

Semi-Private Lessons provide individuals the opportunity to participate in a joint learning setting with participants of their choice.

Available for all ages and swim backgrounds. Current Duke students/Rec & P.E. Members and Non-Members are able to participate. Can be purchased as a set of 5 or 10 lessons.

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Registration

Pre-registration is required for all Swim Lessons on MyRec.

For more information on how to register, review our MyRec Help Page.

Visit the MyRec Portal