Swim Classes

Below you will find information about signing up for and participating in Swim Classes with Harvard Recreation!

General Information
Pricing
FAQs

Our Swim Classes are only available to Harvard Recreation Members
- Find out if you are eligible for a membership here
- You will need to have an active membership to purchase and participate in the classes
Before purchasing a session, be sure to look at our Level Flow Chart to ensure you will be in the proper class
If you have any questions regarding swim classes, please contact MaryGrace Plasko (mplasko@fas.harvard.edu).

Adult Swim Classes

8 Lessons

Undergraduate Students: $120 ($15/lesson)

General: $160 ($20/lesson)

Youth Swim Classes

8 Lessons

$200 ($25/lesson)

How do I register for swim classes?

You can see all of our offerings and sign up for a class here.

The class I wanted is full. What can I do?

You can join the waitlist for the class.
If there is another offering of the same level, you can join that one!

How long are the classes?

Adult Classes are 50 minutes and Youth Classes are 40 minutes.
Classes run twice per week for 4 weeks, unless otherwise stated.

What facilities will be available?

Swim classes will be held at either the Malkin Athletic Center pool or Blodgett Pool.

What is the temperature of your pool?

We keep our pools at a competition temperature of around 79-81°F. The American Red Cross suggests the temperature for swim lessons be at least 89.6°F for those under age 6 and 84.2°F for those aged 15 and older, in order to prevent hypothermia. Before signing up for swim lessons, especially youth lessons, it is recommended that you come in and test the water at our facilities during recreational swim hours.

Adult & Youth

Swim Classes

Adult Level 1: Intro to Water Skills

This course is designed for those with no swimming experience or water-related fears. We will focus on buoyancy, safety, and comfort in the water.

Learning Objectives

Increase general comfort in and around water
Front and Back Float
Front and Back Glide
Body Position and Control
Water Safety

Adult Level 2: Stroke Development

This course is designed for those wishing to learn fundamental swimming skills. Students will gain confidence in the water as well as be introduced to the front crawl and elementary backstroke.

Learning Objectives

Front Crawl Fundamentals
Elementary Backstroke
Streamline Starts
Treading
Dolphin Kick

Adult Level 3: Stroke Improvement

This course is designed for those with basic swimming knowledge who are ready for deep water. We will focus on technique for front crawl—with emphasis on flutter kick and rotary breathing—backstroke, changing direction in the water, and survival swimming.

Learning Objectives

Rotary Breathing
Front Crawl
Backstroke
Underwater Swimming
Open Turns

Adult Level 4: Stroke Refinement

This course is designed for those with moderate swimming abilities who are looking to do all four strokes and increase stamina. We will focus on lap swimming, butterfly, and breaststroke, as well as perfecting the front crawl and backstroke.

Learning Objectives

Breaststroke
Butterfly
Sculling
Surface Dives
Swimming to prevent injury

Adult Level 5: Skill Proficiency

This course is designed for those wishing to perfect their swimming technique and build endurance in the water, enabling students to swim with greater ease, efficiency, and power across longer distances.

Learning Objectives

Understanding and application of training principles
Development of endurance and speed
Stroke technique refinement for all four strokes
Distance Swimming
Flip Turns

Youth Beginner

This course is designed for those with little to no swimming experience. We will focus on buoyancy, safety, and fundamental aquatic skills.

Learning Objectives

Increase general comfort in and around water
Front and Back Float
Front and Back Glide
Body Position and Control
Front Crawl Fundamentals
Treading

Youth Intermediate

This course is designed for those with moderate swimming abilities. We will focus on technique for front crawl, elementary backstroke, backstroke, changing direction in the water, and overall improvement of stroke technique.

Learning Objectives

Building Endurance
Front Crawl
Elementary Backstroke
Backstroke
Dolphin Kick
Open Turns

Youth Advanced

This course is designed for those wishing to perfect their swimming technique and build endurance in the water. Ideal for those looking to join a competitive team. We will focus on flip turns, lap swimming, butterfly, and breaststroke, as well as perfecting the front crawl and backstroke.

Learning Objectives