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.
Group Lessons
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.
- Age: 6 months - 3 years
- Ratio: 1:1
- Lesson Length: 30 minutes
This water introduction program guides the parent and child in getting used to the water together. The instructor will guide the parent and child through introductory water skills including water orientation, adjustment, and basic skill development in a fun and positive format. A parent, guardian, or trusted adult must accompany the child in the water. Babies and toddlers who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper.
- Age: 3 - 5 years
- Ratio: 1:4
- Lesson Length: 30 minutes
Pre-school classes will develop and include fundamental water safety and aquatics skills. Through games and activities, students will be introduced to floating, kicking, submerging, controlled breathing, basic swimming strokes, and water confidence.
Pre-School Learn to Swim | Level 1: Students will learn how to feel comfortable in the water with basic water safety and aquatics skills.
Pre-School Learn to Swim | Level 2: Students will learn enhanced water safety and aquatic skills.
Pre-School Learn to Swim | Level 3: Building on Levels 1 and 2, students will continue to improve water safety aquatics skills.
- Age: 5 - 13 years
- Ratio: 1:6
- Lesson Length: 30 - 45 minutes
This program will help your child learn to swim and/or continue to grow as a swimmer. Water confidence, safety, and swimming skills are taught at an appropriate level of learning in a fun and supportive environment. No prior swimming experience is required; those with prior swimming experience will be evaluated and be taught developmentally appropriate skills and drills, as well as refine swimming strokes. View level details below.
Youth Learn to Swim | Level 1: Students will learn aquatics safety, develop preliminary swimming skills, and gain water confidence.
Youth Learn to Swim | Level 2: Students will learn additional aquatics skills and enhance swimming strokes.
Youth Learn to Swim | Level 3: Building on Levels 1 and 2, students will continue to improve swimming strokes and skills
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:
For Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons information, please contact aquatics@duke.edu.
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.
Registration
Pre-registration is required for all Swim Lessons on MyRec.
For more information on how to register, review our MyRec Help Page.