Where to Take Swim Lessons in Champaign-Urbana

Resources to help your family develop the skills they need to stay safe this summer

Water safety is no joking matter and we know you want your kids to have the swimming skills they need before hitting the pools

Some skills come in handy, like knowing how to knit. Others, like swimming lessons, could help save your life. If you feel that being comfortable in and around water is a must for your children, below are some options in the area that can help teach you or your children valuable water safety and swim skills. Note that many classes fill up quickly. Some facilities listed below offer classes throughout the year, while others only offer lessons in the summer. It is important to register early in order to secure your spot in class.

Chambanamoms thanks Urbana Park District for bringing us this list of where to find swimming lessons.

Urbana Park District

With both indoor and outdoor swimming facilities, Urbana Park District offers swim lessons year-round. Parent-tot lessons are available for children ages 6 months – 36 months. Progressive classes are available for preschoolers 3-5 and youth ages 6 and up. During the first week of swim sessions, instructors will evaluate and place children in the appropriate swim group. More information on the skills required for group lessons can be found in the current program guide (click here). Private and semi-private lessons are also available for children and adults. Discounts are available for those enrolling more than one child.

Locations: Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center, 102 E. Michigan, Urbana and Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center, 1401 N. Broadway Ave., Urbana

Dates of Programming: Seasonal (June-August) at CLPFAC, rest of year at UIAC

For more information: website or call (217) 384-7665

Champaign Park District

Champaign Park District offers outdoor swim lessons during the summer season. Water and exploration classes for parents and children ages 1-2 are available as well as classes for preschoolers, youth, and even adults. Junior lifeguarding courses are available for teens who desire to become lifeguards upon turning 16. Private lessons for children are also available.

Location: Sholem Aquatic Center, 2200 W. Sangamon Dr., Champaign

Dates of programming: Seasonal (June-August)

For more information: website or call (217) 398-2581

First Strokes Swim Academy

First Strokes Swim Academy is Central Illinois’ certified instructor for Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) swim lessons, led by owner Tina Johnson. First Strokes Swim Academy is committed to delivering customized, safe, effective swimming lessons for children ages 6 months to 6 years by certified ISR instructors. In addition to a focus on survival swimming lessons for infants and young children, First Strokes provides swimming instruction to every age and ability, from beginning swimmers to accomplished Ironman Triathletes.

Location: varies

Dates of programming: Year-round

For more information: website or call (217) 730-3003

Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center

Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center offers three sessions of summer classes, each for two weeks per session. Parent/tot, youth, and adult swim lessons are all available. The recreation department does not handle private lessons, but the pool will arrange contact between interested parties and certified lifeguards.

Location: 320 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul

Dates of programming: Seasonal (June-August)

For more information: website or call (217) 893-5700

Indian Acres Swim Club

Indian Acres offers swimming lessons for three to four swimmers per instructor, starting at age 3. Indian Acres members receive a discount on lessons. Baby and Me lessons are offered as well as lessons for youth ages 3-13. Instructors assess swimmers on Mondays and work with your child to determine their swim skill level. Classes are offered on nine consecutive days, Monday-Friday, with the second Friday reserved for makeup in case it is necessary to cancel class.

Location: 1 Arrow Road, Champaign

Dates of programming: Typically June-July

For more information: website or call (217) 352-9538

Stephens Family YMCA

You do not have to be a member of the Stephens Family YMCA to participate in its swim lessons but a member discount is available. The Stephens Family YMCA has three pools of varying size, privacy and temperature, zero-entry accessibility, and a highly qualified and experienced aquatics staff. Programs are offered for parent and children over 6 months of age up to 12 years of age. Private and semi-private lessons are also available. Nemo swim lessons and/or aquatic therapy for individuals that need additional assistance, accommodations, and more individualized instructions are also available through Larkin’s Place at the YMCA. Lifeguard certification course, advanced techniques, and teen/adult swim lessons are also offered.

Location: 2501 Fields South Dr., Champaign

Dates of Programming: Year Round

For more information: website or call (217) 359-YMCA (9622)

University of Illinois Learn to Swim Program

Sessions are available for both members and nonmembers of Campus Recreation programming. Parent/child lessons are available for ages 6 months to 3 years, youth graduated lessons, swim conditioning, beginner adult lessons, and adult swim for fitness classes. Private lessons are also available. Lifeguard instructor training as well as water safety instructor training is also offered through the University of Illinois campus recreation department.

Location: Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), 201 E. Peabody Dr., Champaign and Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE), 1102 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana

Dates of Programming: Year-round

For more information: website, email, or call (217) 333-3806

Swim programs that we have not yet confirmed for 2022

Miller Aquatics

Miller Aquatics offers recreational swimming lessons and competitive swimming lessons. During the summer, recreational swimming lessons are provided for three groups of swimmers: parent/tot, small group, and semi-private program. Depending on the availability of instructors, small group lessons during the fall/winter and winter/spring semesters may be offered in the Champaign-Urbana area.

Location: 1175A County Road 2500 East, Homer

Dates of programming: varies

For more information: website, email, or call (217) 896-2744

Looking for more information on Champaign-Urbana Area Swimming Pools? Please see our list of swimming pools. We also have a rundown of the swim teams in the C-U area and special toddler swim times. All coming soon!

Resources to help your family develop the skills they need to stay safe this summer

Water safety is no joking matter and we know you want your kids to have the swimming skills they need before hitting the pools

Swim programs that we have not yet confirmed for 2022

Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana: