Learn-to-Swim Lessons

FREE Swim Evaluations offered at the San Clemente Aquatic Center, Fridays 4:30pm-5:30pm, first come-first serve basis, for evaluations on proper swim level.

The City of San Clemente's Learn-to-Swim Program makes learning to swim affordable and convenient, following American Red Cross (ARC) swim lesson standards and curriculum. Offered year round, Learn-to-Swim classes are taught by our certified WSI, knowledgeable and caring instructors who help swimmers at every level feel comfortable in the water and progress to the next level. View current course offerings and register today!

Please enroll in classes based on the appropriate swim level description and prerequisites. If your child does does not meet the minimum requirements  of the class every effort will be made to transfer them to the appropriate level. If there are no transfer options available, a credit will be processed and your child will be dropped from the class. If a refund request form is submitted, all applicable refund fees will apply.

Learn more with our short video about swim lessons:

Please note that class space is limited. Class times are subject to change. In the event of unsafe weather conditions, classes may be cancelled. Please note that floatation devices (lifejackets, water wings, etc.) are not permitted during class.

One parent is required to be in the water for each lesson of the Parent and Tot Class. Introduces basic skills and water safety topics to parents and children. Parents learn how to work with their children in the water, including how to support their children in the water and encourage their child to participate and try new skills. Children under 3 must wear plastic pants with elastic around the legs at all times.

STARFISH (3-5 YEARS)

Introduces basic independent aquatic locomotion skills. Children improve their coordination and control of combine simultaneous arm and leg actions and altering arm and leg actions. New water safety topics are introduced, and previously acquired skills are reinforced.  Children who are not successfully potty trained must wear plastic pants with elastic around the legs at all times.  

OTTER

Prerequisite: Push off and swim using combine arm and leg actions on front side for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue swimming for at least 5 body lengths. Participants will practice front crawl and elementary backstroke at rudimentary levels. Side breathing , survival floating, scissor-kick and dolphin kick are introduced. Participants learn to enter the water head first from a seated position at poolside. New and previously addressed water safety topics are reinforced.

MERMAID ACADEMY (6-12 YEARS)

Prerequisite: Swim test on first day; completion of 15 years non-stop swimming, 10 yard under water swim, front and back float for 30 seconds, and tread water for 1 minute. Participants enjoy learning mono-fin swimming techniques, beginner synchronized swimming moves, and underwater tricks from our certified "Mermaid" Instructor. Mermaid fin provided during class. 

GUARD IN TRAINING (8-15 YEARS)

Prerequisite: Swim test the first day of class; Each child is required to complete 100 yards swimming (free style/front crawl), 10 yards underwater swim, and tread water for 1 minute. Opportunity to improve swimming conditioning skills, receive basic understanding of water rescue, and continuing education in water safety and hazards in an aquatic environment. Added benefits include providing job skills for the possibility of future employment.