Swim Lessons at BG City Pool

The Bowling Green Parks & Recreation Department provides swim lessons for children of all ages every Summer.   Registration is open to Residents & Non-Residents, Pool Pass Holders and Non-Pass Holders.  Review the class descriptions below to determine which program(s) interest you.  For more information, you can contact our Front Desk at (419)354-6223.

Parent and Child Water Exploration & Safety      Ages 1-2

This class is an introduction to water safety and Basic water skills for both parent and child.  It is not a swim lesson but rather a  water exploration and safety class meant to allow the child to explore the water in a supervised and fun environment with guidance from the instructor and parent.

Preschool (Level 1)                                                       Ages 3-5

The purpose of this class is to help students aged 3-5 feel comfortable in the water without the presence of a parent. Students Continue to learn elementary water skills and safety tips that will stay with them throughout all swim lesson levels. Sophie the Safety Seal's Water Smart rules are enforced for increased water safety.

Beginner (Level 2)                                                        Ages 5-11

This Beginner class builds on elementary water skills previously learned in level 1, and teaches students the skills needed to   complete a 25 yard swim for each of the following: elementary back stroke, front crawl, and back stroke.  All elementary water skills are reinforced so that they become second nature to the students.  All water safety rules are discussed as well.   

Advanced Beginner (Level 3)                                    Ages 6-12

The Advanced Beginner class builds from Level 2, and  teaches children how to master stroke development and requires them to complete 50-yard swims of elementary backstroke and basic backstroke.  Students are also asked to complete 25 yard swim of breaststroke and front crawl with rhythmic breathing.  We          introduce scissor kick and  sidestroke at this swim level as well.

Intermediate: (Level 4)                                                Ages 6-13

Building from Level 3, The Intermediate class strengthens students' coordination of key strokes.  They are asked to   complete 50 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing, 75 yards of backstroke, 50 yards of breastroke, 50 yards of sidestroke, 75 yards of elementary backstroke, and 25 yards of butterfly. We introduce sidestroke, butterfly and the act of    treading water at this level.

Advanced: (Level 5)                                                     Ages 6-14

The Advanced Class polishes strokes learned in previous levels so students swim with more ease, power and smoothness over greater distances.  At this level, swimmers should be able to complete 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing, 100 yards of backstroke, 100 yards of breaststroke, 100 yards of sidestroke, 100 yards of elementary backstroke, 50 yards of butterfly, and three minutes of treading water.

Advanced II (Level 6)                                                   Ages 15 +

Basic swimming and self rescue skills are taught in an environment that is within your comfort zone.  The class size is designed to be small so that every   swimmer gets the  attention needed to achieve swimming goals.

Click here to watch a video about BG Parks & Recreation Swim Lessons.

To view a list of our available swim lessons and to register, please visit our Online Activity Registration Link.