Learn to swim and develop your strokes at the Rec Pool! 🏊🏼‍♀️Swim lessons are offered year-round for UC Davis students, and seasonally for youth and community members.
Swim Lessons
Adult Community Swim Lessons
Registration for summer 2026 is available now!
Dive into our newest program design for adult (18+) community members! This 3:1 group class welcomes swimmers of all ability levels. Our instructors create a supportive and flexibly learning environment with a tailored approach to your swimming goals. Classes take place in the Leisure Pool (3.5 ft depth), a relaxed, accessible space that’s great for all experience levels. All lessons are taught by UC Davis student instructors trained in water safety, stroke mechanics, and effective hands‑on instruction.
Sessions
Our Adult Community Lessons run in two‑week sessions from June 22–September 10, 2026, with eight 30‑minute classes per session.
Fees
Group Lessons
- $175 per session
Registration Questions? Send us a message at [email protected].
Student Group Swim Lessons
Registration for Summer Session I 2026 is available from May 27th at 12pm through June 17th at 11:59pm.
Registration for Summer Session II 2026 is available from July 8th at 12pm through July 29th at 11:59pm.
Looking to get more comfortable in the water or level up your stroke technique? UC Davis student group swim lessons are free for enrolled students — all you need is a refundable $15 registration fee. Show up for 80% of your classes, and you’ll get the deposit back at the end of the session.
With a 4:1 class ratio, these group lessons are flexible and tailored to each student, giving you plenty of support no matter your starting point. You’ll work on everything from basic water safety to more advanced stroke skills, at a pace that feels right for you. Classes take place in the Leisure Pool (3.5 ft depth), a relaxed, accessible space that’s great for all experience levels. All lessons are taught by UC Davis student instructors trained in water safety, stroke mechanics, and effective hands‑on instruction.
Lessons are offered year‑round, with formats that fit your schedule:
- Academic Year: One 45‑minute class per week for eight weeks
- Summer Sessions: Two 45‑minute classes per week for four weeks
Questions? Send us a message at [email protected].
Student Individual Swim Lessons
Registration for Summer Session I 2026 is available from May 27th at 12pm through June 17th at 11:59pm.
Registration for Summer Session II 2026 is available from July 8th at 12pm through July 29th at 11:59pm.
If you’re looking for one‑on‑one support in the water, our UC Davis Student Individual Lessons offer a personalized way to build skills and confidence. Priced at $250 per session, these lessons provide dedicated time with an instructor who tailors each class to your goals. Whether you're brand‑new to swimming or aiming to sharpen your technique, Individual Lessons give you the space, support, and personalized coaching to make real progress in the pool.
With a 1:1 ratio, you’ll get direct, focused guidance at your own pace. Lessons are taught in the Leisure Pool (3.5 ft depth), creating a comfortable and accessible space for all experience levels. All sessions are led by UC Davis student instructors trained in water safety, stroke mechanics, and effective hands‑on teaching.
Individual lessons are offered year‑round, with flexible scheduling options:
- Academic Year: One 45‑minute class per week for eight weeks
- Summer Sessions: Two 45‑minute classes per week for four weeks
Questions? Send us a message at [email protected].
Youth Swim Lessons
Registration for Summer 2026 is open now!
Welcome to swim lessons at the UC Davis Recreation Pool! Our youth program is designed with flexibility in mind, helping young swimmers build confidence and learn skills ranging from basic water safety to more advanced stroke techniques.
Classes take place in the Leisure Pool (3.5 ft depth, kept at a warm 80°) — an inviting and accessible environment for swimmers of all experience levels. Each lesson is taught by our team of UC Davis student instructors, all trained in water safety, age‑appropriate lesson planning, and effective verbal and hands‑on teaching strategies. Whether your child is just starting out or ready to refine their strokes, we’re here to help them grow, splash, and have fun along the way!
Sessions
Our Youth Swim Lessons run in two‑week sessions from June 22–September 10, 2026, with eight 30‑minute classes per session.
Level Offerings
Tadpoles (6 months–3 years) – Parent & Tot
Our Tadpoles class gives little ones their very first splash into the water! This 6:1 class ratio is designed for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Swimmers explore water safety, gentle acclimation, and early motor‑skill development. and parents learn supportive holding and guiding techniques. Expect lots of songs, splash-friendly games, and simple water activities that help your child build confidence while you learn supportive holding and guiding techniques.
Prerequisite: Parent or guardian participation required; no swim experience (for parent or tot) needed.
Starfish (3–5 years)
Starfish is the perfect first step for young swimmers who are ready to explore the water on their own! This beginner‑friendly class helps children build a positive, safe, and comfortable relationship with the water, supported by a 4:1 class ratio. Starfish swimmers explore sensory activities, breath control, buoyancy, and learn how to submerge and float with confidence. Lessons include bubble games, treasure hunts, kickboard adventures, and plenty of fun to keep kids engaged and excited.
Prerequisite: No prior swimming experience needed, but swimmers must be able to enter the water on their own and participate without a parent or guardian.
Sea Horses (5–7 years)
Sea Horses is ideal for swimmers who already feel comfortable in the water and are ready to move independently. This 4:1 class ratio builds the foundation for longer, more coordinated swimming by focusing on front crawl arm movements, coordinated kicking, and rolling to get a breath. Swimmers build skills through imaginative games, playful challenges, and fun technique‑focused activities that help them move confidently through the water.
Prerequisite: Swimmers should be able to comfortably submerge and float independently.
Manta Rays (7–12 years)
Manta Rays is designed for swimmers ready to turn their basic water movement into real stroke development. With a 4:1 class ratio, this level helps swimmers refine their skills and gain confidence in longer distances. The curriculum focuses on freestyle pull, kicking, and side‑breathing, while introducing backstroke and breaststroke movements. Practice includes stroke‑building drills and games that make learning the competitive strokes fun.
Prerequisite: Swimmers should be able to swim independently for 5 yards (15 feet).
Individual Class (3–17 years)
One‑on‑one youth swim lessons are designed to meet each child exactly where they are—whether they’re just getting comfortable in the water or refining advanced skills. Every session begins with an assessment of your child’s current abilities, learning style, and confidence level. From there, our instructor creates a personalized lesson plan that focuses on skill development, water safety, and fun.
Class Options & Fees
Group Lessons
- $175 per session
Individual Lessons
- $300 per session
Registration Questions? Send us a message at [email protected].
