Aquatics

With our state of the art leisure pool we strive to meet the needs of students, faculty/staff, and the surrounding community. join us to improve your physical and mental health through the weightlessness of the water.

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About Swim Lessons

Available for all ages, abilities, and skill levels. Our goal for participants to learn the skills of being safe in, on and around the water, lead a life of health and fitness and to open up opportunities for fun in all recreational aquatic programs.

Group Lessons are offered in two sessions during the academic semester. During the summer they are only offered during Summer RAD Camp (register through the Town of Orono).

Private and Buddy swim lessons are 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 and are scheduled with your instructor of choice anytime during the year. Click here for information.

All swim lesson options are available for members and non-members. All group lessons and all youth private and buddy lessons are 30 minutes in length. Adult private and buddy lessons are 60 minutes (1 hour) in length.

Sign up for group swim lessons today via WebTrac or by visiting the front desk. Or email gary.moline@maine.edu for more information.

Please note the following policies that apply to ALL children’s swim lessons.

  1. Up to two (2) of the child’s legal guardians* may accompany the enrolled child to a swim lesson. Any other guests, of any age, must purchase a day pass. (Age 6+ = $12, Age 3-5 = $8, Age 0-2 = FREE but must still be assigned an “infant day pass” for tracking purposes.)
  2. All swimmers, legal guardians, and their guests must check in at the front desk.
  3. Everyone must sign a liability waiver prior to arriving for swim lessons; minors’ liability waivers must be signed by their legal guardian. If anyone in your party does not yet have a current liability waiver signed and on file, please arrive for lessons 20-30 minutes early as there is sometimes a wait. Liability waivers must be signed annually at minimum and will sometimes be required more than once (for example, at activity registration and then again at first visit).
  4. Anyone aged 18+ must present a MaineCard, RecCard, or a government issued picture ID card. Anyone aged 14-17 must present a RecCard, School picture ID, or government issued photo ID, or be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult guardian.

* Please note that if you need someone other than the child’s legal guardian to bring the child to lessons, you will need to email Gary Moline at least 48 hours in advance of the lesson in question. 

Youth Swim Lessons Schedule

Member: $65; Non-Member: $117

Pool is closed to the public.

Saturday 9 am

Session 1: May 31-July 6
Session 2: July 9-Aug. 23

Sunday 9:30 am
Session 1: June 1 – July 7
Session 2: July 20-Aug. 24


Member: $65; Non-Member: $117

MWF (Section A) 5 pm

Session 1: June 2- July 13
Session 2: June 23-July 4
Session 3: July 14-July 25
Session 4: Aug. 8-Aug. 15

MWF (Section B) 5:30 pm
Session 1: June 2-July 13
Session 2: June 23-July 4
Session 3: July 14-July 25
Session 4: Aug. 8-Aug. 15

Member: $65; Non-Member: $117

MWF (Level 1) 5 pm

Session 1: June 2- July 13
Session 2: June 23-July 4
Session 3: July 14-July 25
Session 4: Aug. 8-Aug. 15

MWF (Level 2) 5:30 pm
Session 1: June 2-July 13
Session 2: June 23-July 4
Session 3: July 14-July 25
Session 4: Aug. 8-Aug. 15
MWF (Level 3) 5 pm
Session 1: June 2-July 13
Session 2: June 23-July 4
Session 3: July 14-July 25
Session 4: Aug. 8-Aug. 15
MWF (Level 4) 5:30 pm
Session 1: June 2-July 13
Session 2: June 23-July 4
Session 3: July 14-July 25
Session 4: Aug. 8-Aug. 15

Adult Swim Lessons Schedule

Member: $65; Non-Member: $117

Pool is open to the public.

4:30 pm

Session 1: June 3-July 8
Session 2: July 22-Sept. 2


Member: $65; Non-Member: $117

Pool is open to the public.

4:30 pm

Session 1: June 5-July 10
Session 2: July 24-Sept. 4

Parent and Participation Information

Our Goals for All Participants:

  • Safety in and around all bodies of water
  • Lifelong health and fitness
  • Opening up opportunities for fun in all recreational aquatic environments

What to Expect:

  • Our small class sizes allow for high quality instruction, repeated practice of skills and a positive learning experience.
  • Children should be able to follow instructions in a class environment without a parent present (excluding Little Splashers).
  • We strive to provide a class environment of peers, but there may be an age difference among participants in a class as we sort by ability level, not age.
  • All participants learn at different rates and progress depends on many factors.
  • Because of the shallow depth of the Rec Center Leisure Pool, we do NOT teach or practice any diving and diving is never allowed in any part of the pool.

Registration:

All registration fees are payable at the time of registration. Class sizes are limited, so register early. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. Participants can register at the front desk of the Recreation Center in person, by phone (207) 581-1082, or online by visiting: https://umaine.edu/campusrecreation/webtrac/

Each group swim lesson must meet minimum enrollment of two participants. If the group does not meet minimum enrollment, we will make all efforts to coordinate an alternative solution such as moving the participant to another group (space permitting), or reimbursing the total cost of the course.

What to Bring:

  • Swimsuit (and swim diaper, if participant is not potty-trained)
  • Towel (members must bring their own towels)
  • Goggles are highly recommended for participants higher than Preschool or Learn-to-Swim Level 1.
  • A positive attitude for both parents and participants!

First Day of Lessons:

  • Please be ready on the pool deck 5 minutes before the start time for your lesson.
  • Your instructor will introduce themselves and answer any questions you may have.
  • Please stay and watch your child’s lesson in accordance with facility policy. We encourage you to practice their skills outside of class.
  • Please refrain from interfering with the class or instructor as it can be distracting for the whole group.

Group Lesson Descriptions

These categories are sorted by age and ability. (Children are defined for these purposes as age 6 months to 13 years. Adults are defined for these purposes as age 14+.) To place yourself or your child in the correct group, click here. 

Little Splashers: 6 months – 3 years old

Primary Focus: Water Adjustment and Boundaries. 

Student Goals: Little Splashers introduces basic skills to parents and children. Parents learn how to safely work with their child in the water, including how to appropriately support and hold their child in the water and how to prepare and encourage their child to participate fully and try the skills. Children receive an introduction to basic skills that lay a foundation for learning to swim. In addition, parents are introduced to several water safety topics.

Class size: 6-8 students, 1 instructor

Little Splashers skills

  • Little Splashers Mastery Skills:
  • Hug position
  • Chin Support
  • Shoulder support on front
  • Cuddle position
  • Hip straddle
  • Passing from instructor to parent
  • Cueing
  • Getting wet with toys
  • Enter water by lifting in
  • Enter water by walking in
  • In-water exploration
  • Exit by lifting out

Preschool Aquatics Level 1: 3-5 years old; 2-3 swimmers per group

Primary focus: Comfort and Control. 

Student Goals: Level 1 introduces basic aquatic skills, which children continue to build on as they progress through Levels 2 and 3 of Preschool Aquatics and then Learn-to-Swim. In addition, children start developing positive attitudes and safe practices around the water in Preschool Aquatics Level 1.

Class size: 2-4 students, 1 instructor

Preschool Aquatics Level 1 Mastery Skills

  • Enter water using ramps, steps or side
  • Exit water using ramps, steps, or side
  • Blow bubbles for 3 seconds
  • Submerge mouth, nose, and eyes
  • Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged
    objects
  • Front glide and recover to a vertical position
  • Back glide and recover to a vertical position
  • Back float for 3 seconds
  • Roll from front to back and back to front
  • Arm and hand treading action
  • Alternating and simultaneous leg actions and arm actions on front
  • Alternating and simultaneous leg actions and arm actions on back
  • Combined arm and leg actions on front
  • Combined arm and leg actions on back
  • Enter independently, using either the ramp, steps or side, travel at least 5 yards, submerge to mouth and blow bubbles for at least 3 seconds then safely exit the water (children can walk, move along the gutter, or “swim”).
  • While in shallow water, glide on front at least 2 body lengths, then roll to back and float on back for 3 seconds, then recover to a vertical position.

Preschool Aquatics Level 2: 3-5 years old; 2-3 swimmers per group

Primary Focus: Further Development of Level 1 Skills.

Student Goals: The objectives of Level 2 are to further develop basic aquatic skills. Children begin to perform these skills at a slightly more advanced level (for example, for longer lengths of time, for longer distances or in deeper water). Many skills in Level 1 are performed with assistance. Level 2 marks the beginning of independent aquatic locomotion skills. Children continue to explore using simultaneous and alternating arm and leg actions on the front and back to gain greater proficiency in preparation for performing strokes. Level 2 also builds on the water safety topics introduced in Level 1.

Class Size: 2-4 students, 1 instructor

Preschool Aquatics Level 2 Mastery Skills:

  • Enter water by stepping in from deck or low height
  • Exit water using ladder, steps or side
  • Bobbing 5 times
  • Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged objects
  • Front glide and recover to a vertical position
  • Front float for 3 seconds
  • Back glide and recover to a vertical position
  • Back float for 15 seconds
  • Roll from front to back and back to front
  • Tread water using arm and leg actions for 15 seconds
  • Combined arm and leg actions on front
  • Finning arm action on back
  • Combined arm and leg actions on back
  • Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to back, float
    on back for 15 seconds, then recover to a vertical position
  • Glide on back for at least 2 body lengths, roll to front,
    then recover to a vertical position
  • Swim using combined arm and leg actions on front
    for at least body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds,
    roll to front, then continue swimming on front for at
    least 3 body lengths

Learn-to-Swim: 6-13 years old

Level 1: Introduction to water skills

Student Goals: Level 1 introduces basic aquatic skills, which participants continue to build on as they progress through Learn-to-Swim. In addition, participants start developing positive attitudes, effective swimming habits and safe practices in and around the water.

 Class size: 2-4 students, 1 instructor

Learn-to-Swim Level 1 Mastery Skills:

  • Enter water using ramp, steps or side
  • Exit water using ladder, steps or side
  • Blow bubbles for 3 seconds
  • Bobbing 5 times
  • Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged objects
  • Front glide and recover to a vertical position
  • Back glide and recover to a vertical position
  • Back float for 5 seconds
  • Roll from front to back and back to front
  • Treading water arm and hand actions
  • Alternating and simultaneous leg and arm actions on front
  • Alternating and simultaneous leg and arm actions on back
  • Combined arm and leg actions front
  • Combined arm and leg actions back
  • Enter independently, travel at least 5 yards, bob 5 times, then safely exit the water
  • Glide on front at least 3 body lengths, roll to back, float for 5 seconds and recover to a vertical position

Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills

Student Goals: The objective of Learn-to-Swim Level 2 is to give participants success with fundamental skills. This level marks the beginning of true locomotion skills. Participants learn to glide and float without support and recover to a vertical position. Participants further develop simultaneous and alternating arm and leg actions on the front and back, laying the foundation for future strokes. New water safety topics are introduced, and previously acquired water safety knowledge and skills are reinforced.

Class size: 2-4 students, 1 instructor

Learn-to-Swim Level 2 Mastery Skills:

  • Step or jump from the side into shoulder deep water
  • Exit water using ladder, steps or side
  • Fully submerged and hold breath
  • Bobbing, 10 times
  • Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged objects
  • Rotary breathing
  • Front, jellyfish and tuck floats for 10 seconds
  • Front glide and recover to a vertical position
  • Back glide and recover to a vertical position
  • Back float for 15 seconds
  • Roll from front to back and back to front
  • Tread water for 15 seconds
  • Change direction of travel while swimming on front or back
  • Combined arm and leg actions on front
  • Combined arm and leg actions on back
  • Finning arm action on back
  • Step from side into chest deep water, push off the bottom, move into a treading or floating position for at least 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths, then exit the water
  • Move into a back float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position
  • Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue swimming for at least 5 body lengths

Level 3: Stroke Development

Student Goals: The objectives of Learn-to-Swim Level 3 are to expand proficiency of previously learned skills by providing additional guided practice. Participants learn and practice survival floating and learn to swim front crawl and elementary backstroke at rudimentary proficiency levels. You introduce the scissors and dolphin kicks and extend the time duration for treading water. As in all levels, new and previously addressed water safety topics are included. Participants who successfully complete Level 3 have achieved basic water competency in a pool environment.

Learn-to-Swim Level 3 Mastery Skills:

  • Jump into deep water from the side, submerged, return to the surface then to the side
  • Headfirst entry from the side in seated and kneeling positions
  • Bobbing while moving to safety
  • Rotary breathing
  • Survival float for 30 seconds
  • Back float for 1 minute
  • Tread water for 1 minute
  • Change from vertical to horizontal position on front and back
  • Push off in streamlined position on front, then begin kicking
  • Swim front crawl for 15 yards
  • Swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards
  • Flutter, scissors, breastroke, and dolphin kicks
  • Jump into water from the side, recover to the surface, maintain position by treading or floating for 1 minute, rotate one full turn, then turn as necessary to orient to the exit point, level off, swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards, then exit the water
  • Push off in a streamlined position, then swim front crawl for 15 yards, change position and direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke 15 yards, then exit the water

Level 4: Stroke Improvement

Student Goals: In Learn-to-Swim Level 4, participants improve their aquatic skills and increase their endurance by swimming the strokes learned in Level 3 (i.e., front crawl, elementary backstroke) for greater distances and with more advanced proficiency. Participants add arm actions to the previously learned scissors kick and breaststroke kick to perform the rudimentary sidestroke and to learn the breaststroke. Participants also begin to learn the back crawl and butterfly, as well as the basics of performing a simple open turn at a wall.

Learn-to-Swim Level 4 Mastery Skills:

  • Headfirst entry in compact and stride
    positions
  • Feet first surface dive
  • Swim underwater
  • Tread water, using 2 different kicks
  • Survival swimming for 1 minute
  • Front crawl for 25 yards
  • Breast Stroke for 15 yards
  • Back crawl for 15 yards
  • Butterfly for 15 yards
  • Sidestroke for 15 yards
  • Open turns on the front and back
  • Flutter and dolphin kicks on back
  • Push off in streamlined position on back then begin kicking
  • Perform a feet first entry into deep water, swim front crawl for 25 yards, change direction and position as necessary, and swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards
  • Swim breastroke for 15 yards, change direction and position as necessary, and swim back crawl for 15 yards
  • Submerged and swim a distance of 3 to 5 body lengths underwater without hyperventilating, return to the surface, then exit the water

Adult Swim: 14+ years old; 2-4 swimmers per group

Level 1: Learning the Basics can help teens or adults overcome their hesitation in, on, and around the water and learn the basic skills to achieve a minimum level of water competency.

Level 2: Improving Skills and Swimming Strokes is designed for teens and adults who want to: improve their foundational swimming skills, increase the level of comfort in, on and around the water, enjoy the water with their loved ones, open the door for other aquatic opportunities.

Level 3: Fitness swimming is for teens and adults that want to improve their swimming skills for a variety of reasons. Some may want to use the benefits of water to improve their fitness level, become part of Swim Fit (Masters Swim), or other competitive races such as triathlons or open water swims.

Private and Semi- Private “Buddy” Lesson Packages

Private and Semi-Private “Buddy” swim lessons are a great way to get detailed and personalized instruction to help you overcome any swim hurdle. Swimmers can thrive in an environment that is customized to their needs and goals. Our goal for participants is to learn the skills of being safe in, on and around the water, lead a life of health and fitness, and to open up opportunities for fun in all recreational aquatic programs.

Private and Buddy swim lessons are available to members and non-members of all ages, abilities, and skill levels. They are one-on-one or two-on-one, and are scheduled with your instructor of choice anytime during the year. Instructor availability varies by semester as our instructors are UMaine students. All children’s and youth private lessons are 30 minutes in length. Adult private and semi-private lessons are 60 minutes (1 hour) in length.

Purchase your lesson package at the front desk, then fill out a private/buddy swim lesson appointment form at the front desk. All scheduling is done through the Aquatics Coordinator after the package has been purchased and the appointment form submitted.

Age 0-13:

(30-Min Private Lesson)

3 Child Lessons Member: $49.50 / Non-Member: $65

5 Child Lessons Member: $72 / Non-Member: $98.50

8 Child Lessons Member: $108 / Non-Member: $148.50

20 Child Lessons Member: $247.50 / Non-Member: $347.00

Age 14+:

(60-Min Private Lesson)

3 Adult Lessons Member: $103.50 / Non-Member: $130.00

5 Adult Lessons Member: $154 / Non-Member: $198

8 Adult Lessons Member: $230 / Non-Member: $300

20 Adult Lessons Member: $520 / Non-Member: $698


Semi-Private or “Buddy” swim lessons are an affordable option for you and/or your child to interact with siblings, friends or others of a similar age and ability level. Experience the camaraderie of working in a team while also the individualized attention of a smaller class. Buddy swim lessons consist of two participants and one instructor. Rates below are per person and there is a two-person maximum.

Age 0-13:

(30-Min BuddyLesson)

3 Child Lessons Member: $42.90 / Non-Member: $56

5 Child Lessons Member: $61 / Non-Member: $83

8 Child Lessons Member: $90 / Non-Member: $126

20 Child Lessons Member: $198 / Non-Member: $286

Age 14+:

(60-Min Private Lesson)

3 Adult Lessons Member: $86 / Non-Member: $112.20

5 Adult Lessons Member: $122.10 / Non-Member: $166

8 Adult Lessons Member: $180.50 / Non-Member: $252

20 Adult Lessons Member: $396 / Non-Member: $572

Children’s Swim Lesson Policies

Please note the following policies that apply to ALL children’s swim lessons.

  1. Up to two (2) of the child’s legal guardians* may accompany the enrolled child to a swim lesson. Any other guests, of any age, must purchase a day pass. (Age 14+ = $10, Age 6-13 = $5, Age 0-5 = FREE but must still be assigned an “infant day pass” for tracking purposes.)
  2. All swimmers, legal guardians, and their guests must check in at the front desk.
  3. Everyone must sign a liability waiver prior to arriving for swim lessons; minors’ liability waivers must be signed by their legal guardian. If anyone in your party does not yet have a current liability waiver signed and on file, please arrive for lessons 20-30 minutes early as there is sometimes a wait. Liability waivers must be signed annually at minimum and will sometimes be required more than once (for example, at activity registration and then again at first visit).
  4. Anyone aged 18+ must present a MaineCard, RecCard, or a government issued picture ID card. Anyone aged 14-17 must present a RecCard, School picture ID, or government issued photo ID, or be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult guardian.

* Please note that if you need someone other than the child’s legal guardian to bring the child to lessons, you will need to notify Aquatics Coordinator Joshua Bridges at least 48 hours in advance of the lesson in question. gary.moline@maine.edu

Adult Aquatics Programs

We offer two different aquatic fitness classes. Splash HIIT is a drop in fitness class that is FREE! Swim Fit is a session-based class that is 7 weeks long.

Sign up
participants stretching along pool edge

Splash hiit

Pool exercise is safe, fun, and can be intense, too! This 50-minute class uses a variety of pool equipment, the vortex, and music to splash your way through a high-intensity interval training-cardio workout. Working vertically in the water challenges muscles while protecting joints. Many exercises can be adapted to have low or no impact. The class is appropriate for all fitness levels. The ability to swim is not necessary, but you should be comfortable in shallow water. FREE!

 

swim fit

Swim Fit is a program for adult swimmers who want to enhance their health, fitness, or performance through a dedicated group swim program. Enjoy friendly team camaraderie, helpful stroke instruction, and workouts customized for swim levels intermediate to advanced. (Swimmers must be able to swim a minimum of 25 yards prior to registration.) Swim Fit is made up of individuals who have diverse fitness interests: triathlons, competitive and non-competitive swimming. Participants are required to provide their own goggles. Pool lockers are available for no charge, but there is no towel service. All packages expire in a year from the purchase date.  A FREE week is allowed for newcomers during the first week of each semester.

more Information

Lifeguard Certification Course

Our Lifeguard Certification Course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to ensure safety in aquatic environments. Whether you’re looking to become a lifeguard at a local pool, beach*, or waterpark*, this course provides comprehensive training that meets national certification standards.

*Requires additional training, not offered in this course.

Course Highlights:

  • CPR & First Aid: Learn life-saving techniques for responding to cardiac emergencies, drowning, and other health crises.
  • Water Rescue Techniques: Gain practical skills for rescuing swimmers in distress, from basic to advanced rescue strategies.
  • Emergency Response: Master how to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, ensuring safety for swimmers and bystanders.
  • Prevention and Surveillance: Understand the importance of vigilance, risk management, and how to prevent accidents before they happen.
  • Certification: Upon successful completion, participants receive certification in Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid, which is valid for two years.

Who Should Take This Course:

  • Individuals interested in working as a professional lifeguard.
  • Anyone looking to develop their swimming and rescue skills.
  • Those wanting to enhance their First Aid and emergency response capabilities.

Course Duration:

  • Typically, it spans 3 days(most commonly done on the weekends), with both in-class and practical training sessions.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum age: 15 years old by end of course.
  • Ability to swim 200 meters or yards comfortably.

Ensure the safety of others and gain confidence in emergency response with our Lifeguard Certification Course. Sign up today and take the first step toward becoming a certified lifeguard!

Lifeguard Recertification Course

Stay up to date on your certification preparedness, and safety skills with the American Red Cross Lifeguard Recertification Course. The course allows for individuals to renew a lifeguard certification that is about to expire or has expired within 30 days of the course starting. The course is built to maintain and polish any skills that have already been learned during the full lifeguard certification course.

Course Highlights:

  • CPR & First Aid Refresher: Review life-saving techniques for CPR and First Aid to ensure you’re ready for emergency situations.
  • Water Rescue Review: Reinforce and update your water rescue skills, including victim recognition and efficient rescue techniques.
  • Emergency Response Skills: Refresh your knowledge of emergency response protocols and best practices for handling aquatic emergencies.
  • Prevention and Surveillance: Recap strategies for preventing accidents, spotting potential hazards, and maintaining a safe aquatic environment.
  • Certification Renewal: Upon successful completion, you will receive an updated certification in Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid, valid for an additional two years.

Who Should Take This Course:

  • Current lifeguards looking to renew their certification.
  • Individuals whose lifeguard certification has expired within the last 30 days (check for specific eligibility).
  • Lifeguards working in pools, beaches*, waterparks*, and other aquatic facilities. (*Requires additional training, not offered in this course.)

Course Duration:

  • Typically nine hours in total. One day would be for prerequisites, and the second two days would be refreshing on material that had been previously learned.

Prerequisites:

  • Must hold a current or expired Lifeguard Certification (within 30 days).

Ensure you’re ready to respond when needed with our Lifeguard Recertification Course. Renew your certification today and continue your commitment to aquatic safety!

Questions?

Email gary.moline@maine.edu