Recreation

IMA Pool Programming

Aquatic-based classes are an excellent way to stay fit no matter your age or physical fitness. It is never too late to learn to swim or sharpen your skills and enjoy this lifelong recreational pursuit. Continue reading for descriptions of our group levels, private offerings, and additional pool activities!

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Need Financial Assistance to participate?

Apply for up to an 80% discount via the Student Recreation Fund!

Private Swim Lessons

Private swim lessons provide 3 hours of 1-on-1 instruction with an experienced swim instructor! Instruction will be divided into 6, 30 minute sessions scheduled between you and your assigned instructor after registration.

Prices:

  • $120 for students (with Rec Membership)
  • $160 for employees/+1s (with Rec Membership)

Group Swim Lessons

Don’t like learning alone? Group swim lessons are a great way to increase your confidence in the water and improve your stroke techniques, alongside peers of the same swim level. Group classes have 3-6 participants to one instructor. Each level of swim lessons has pre-determined skills you can expect to learn over the course of the class, but the instructor will do their best to work with your individual goals as well. We recognize that everyone learns at a different pace, so you may benefit from taking the same level multiple times.

Group classes are scheduled for two sessions a week, for three weeks; there are two total classes available per quarter. It is recommended that you attend all sessions of your class to get the most out of it! Participants must attend the first session of the class.

Continue reading for descriptions of the different levels available. If you are unsure which level to take next, ask us at recaqua@uw.edu! For specific class days and times available, and to register, click the purple button above.

Prices:

  • $45 for students (with Rec Membership)
  • $80 for employees/+1s (with Rec Membership)

Level 1: Getting comfortable

Level 1 is for individuals with no previous swim experience. It is designed to give swimmers the time and assistance needed to feel more comfortable and confident in the water.  

Pre-requisites: 

  • None 

Learning goals: 

  • Entering and exiting the water 
  • Being comfortable in the water 
  • Submerging your face under water 
  • Floating on your back 
  • Floating on your front 
  • Blowing bubbles 
  • Flutter kick 

While these classes are designed to cover all material within the timeframe, everyone learns at a different pace. You may have to take one level multiple times before moving on to the next level – and that’s ok! Please look through all course descriptions before making your selection.

Level 2: Intro to Freestyle

Level 2 is for individuals with little to no previous swim experience. It is designed for swimmers who are comfortable in the water but have no practical understanding of swimming. 

Pre-requisites: 

  • Comfortable in the shallow end (4ft) 
  • Can submerge face underwater 

Learning goals: 

  • Blowing bubbles 
  • Floating on your back unassisted 
  • Floating on your front unassisted 
  • Safety Rolls 
  • Elementary backstroke 
  • Flutter kick 
  • The beginning of frontcrawl 

While these classes are designed to cover all material within the timeframe, everyone learns at a different pace. You may have to take one level multiple times before moving on to the next level – and that’s ok! Please look through all course descriptions before making your selection.

Level 3: Improving strokes

Level 3 is for individuals who want to learn the basics of crawl stroke, backstroke, and breaststroke. Swimmers must be able to float on their front and back unassisted, and feel fully comfortable submerging their face underwater.  

Pre-requisites: 

  • Comfortable in the shallow end (4ft) 
  • Can submerge face underwater  
  • Unsupported back float 
  • Unsupported front float 

Learning goals: 

  • frontcrawl
  • backstroke 
  • breaststroke 
  • Treading water in the deep end 

While these classes are designed to cover all material within the timeframe, everyone learns at a different pace. You may have to take one level multiple times before moving on to the next level – and that’s ok! Please look through all course descriptions before making your selection.

Level 4: Stroke Technique, Endurance, and Butterfly

Level 4 is for individuals who can perform crawl stroke, backstroke, and breaststroke. This class focuses on improving efficacy and endurance while swimming. Swimmers will also be introduced to butterfly stroke.  

Pre-requisites: 

  • Able to swim one length of crawl stroke 
  • Able to swim one length of backstroke 
  • Able to swim one length of breaststroke 

Learning goals: 

  • Improve stroke efficiency for three strokes 
  • Learn the basics of butterfly 
  • Improve endurance while swimming 
  • Introduction to flip turns 

While these classes are designed to cover all material within the timeframe, everyone learns at a different pace. You may have to take one level multiple times before moving on to the next level – and that’s ok! Please look through all course descriptions before making your selection.

Level 5: Introduction to Fitness Swimming

Level 5 focuses on stroke technique for the four main strokes and a small emphasis on learning how to swim for fitness.  

Pre-requisites: 

  • Comfortable swimming 50 yards each (without stopping) of crawl stroke, backstroke, and breaststroke 
  • Understanding of butterfly 

Learning goals: 

  • Improving stroke techniques using drills 
  • Using a pace clock to track stroke efficiency, speed, and increase workout 
  • Lap swim etiquette (sharing a lane, circle swimming) 
  • Set building 

Please look through all course descriptions before making your selection.

Swim Conditioning

This program is part of the Rec Class Pass; see details and how to register here: https://www.washington.edu/ima/rec-class-pass/

Grab your goggles and jump in to an instructor-led lap swim workout. Each hour-long class will involve a warm up, main set, and cool down. Participants should be able to swim two pool lengths of each stroke (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke) and one pool length of Butterfly.  

H2O Cardio

This program is part of the Rec Class Pass; see details and how to register here: https://www.washington.edu/ima/rec-class-pass/

Join us for fun in the H2O! This class combines buoyancy and water resistance to tone your muscles in a cardio-focused workout. We alternate using shallow and deep water for a variety of moves to get your whole body working! Participants joining us for the deep-water days must be able to tread water confidently.  

Lifeguarding + CPR

We offer American Red Cross safety courses with certified ARC Instructors, open to the public. Anyone interested in being more prepared for emergencies, learning how to provide care, or who spends a lot of time around water should consider getting certified! All classes happen at the IMA.

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuers with First Aid is offered every quarter.

Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuers with First Aid is offered in Spring quarter to members and non-members. For more information on these programs, see our registration page.

Intramurals

Check out our aquatics-based Intramural programming!

 

To see a list of current classes, times, and to register, click the Register Here button:

Register Here

Work for  Aquatics

For more information and to apply, please visit the employment page, or contact us at recaqua@uw.edu.

FAQs

What group swim lesson should I sign up for?

There are several different options for you in regards to group lessons.  We offer levels 1-5 to accommodate various skills levels and interests.  Take a look at the class descriptions to see what group would be the best fit. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss them further, contact the Aquatics Manager (jvklay@uw.edu).

Are the private lessons better than the group lessons?

Private lessons are not better or worse than the group lessons.  It really depends how best you as a student learn.  If you learn better in a group, then the group lessons are a good fit.  If you prefer more of a one on one interaction, the private lessons would be the better fit.  The skills covered in both types are the same.

Can I ask for a specific instructor for private lessons?

You can ask for a specific instructor, but there is no guarantee that you will be placed with them.  You can wait on that instructor to have some space in their schedule but it may take more time than you are willing to wait.

How long are the lessons?

Group lessons are each 30 minutes, twice a week, for three weeks (6 total classes). Private lessons are scheduled between yourself and the instructor: each single session can be 30 or 45 minutes long.

How do I purchase sessions?

Lessons can be purchased online through our online portal. If you are having trouble accessing the website or seeing correct prices, please reach out to recinfo@uw.edu.

If I fit some parts in the group level description but not all, do I need to retake the level?

If you do not fulfill the pre-requisites for the next level, then you should retake the level again or go into private instruction.

What if I am not on the same skill level as the rest of the swim lesson group?

If you find that you are not on the same level as the rest of the group, talk with the instructor. We will do our best to ensure the class fits your level and needs, or move you to a different class level.

Questions About Accessibility?

The University of Washington makes every effort to honor disability accommodation requests. UW Recreation encourages everyone to participate in our department offerings; please contact us at (206) 543-4590 or at recinfo@uw.edu for more information on how to get involved. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance of the event as possible, preferably at least 10 business days.

Request Disability Services Office

To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office at:

Request Disability Resources for Students

Or the Disability Resources for Students Office at:

Insurance

UW Recreation does not provide accident or medical coverage for participants. It is recommended that participants obtain their own personal coverage. Students may obtain additional information on student accident/sickness insurance by contacting:  Insurance & Cost | Husky Health & Well-Being (uw.edu)

Questions About Refunds?

For questions about program or membership refunds check the Registration page or contact recinfo@uw.edu.

Have feedback?

Kudos? Comments? Complaints? We want to hear from you. Fill the Recreation Feedback Form.

Contact Us

Aquatics

206.543.7393

recaqua@uw.edu