Learn to Swim Programs

2025 Winter Session Registration Date: Wednesday, December 18 @ 9:00 AM

2025 Spring Session Registration Date: Wednesday, March 12 @ 9:00 AM

In the event a lesson is sold out, you will see the option to join the waitlist next to the time slot. We are actively working this waitlist.

FMC Learn to Swim Program

The FMC Learn to Swim Program is offered to swimmers of all abilities to learn fundamental stroke techniques and water safety. We provide instruction for swimmers' ages 4-12 years old with lifelong swim skills and teach the importance of being safe, but also having fun in the water.

Our program consists of 5 levels that are designed to improve your child’s swimming skills. Students' progress through the levels at their own pace mastering the skills in one level before advancing to the next. Click on each level to read about the goals.

Every student will learn skills at different rates. You should never look at another child and wonder why your child is not learning at the same pace as others. Swimming is a skill that takes time, patience, and plenty of practice. Therefore, children will be evaluated regularly to determine if they have mastered the skills required in conjunction with a particular class level. Instructors will promote children to the next level when they believe they are ready.

Once they jump in, the skills begin!

Level 1

Level 1 is a beginner level class for students with no swim experience. Swimmers will learn basic safety skills, submerging under water with and without goggles and assisted back float.

To complete level 1 swimmers should be able to submerge under water with and without goggles and start to gain comfort on their back floating.

Level 2

Level 2 swimmers will learn body position, streamline, independence in the water, and straight leg kicking.

Swimmers can advance to the next level once they show independence in the water, float independently, correct body position, straight leg kicks, and unassisted streamline kicking front and back.

Level 3

Level 3 builds on skills introduced in level 2, begin freestyle arms, swim-float-swim, and begin backstroke.

To advance to the next level, swimmers must show confidence in the water, and be able to swim backstroke and swim-float-swim independently halfway across the pool and back.

Level 4

Level 4 swimmers begin to build on their endurance and start to swim 25-yards of freestyle and backstroke. They will learn drills for side breathing, build backstroke endurance, and dolphin kick.

Swimmers can advance to the next level once they can swim freestyle with the correct side breathing, 25-yard backstroke, and 25-yard dolphin kick.

Level 5

Level 5 builds on skills in level 4, introduction to butterfly and breaststroke. Swimmers will refine all four competitive strokes, build endurance, learn swim vocab and proper lane etiquette. To complete the Learn to Swim Program, swimmers need to be able to swim all four strokes efficiently.

What's next?

Swimmers who graduate from the Learn to Swim Program have two options. For swimmers who want to continue swimming for leisure activity, they can register for the Developmental Stroke and Endurance. For swimmers who graduate the Learn to Swim Program and are wanting to try out for the swim team, they can register for the Pre Team class.

Have questions? Please learn more in our Group Swim Lesson FAQs

Please read our policies prior to your purchase.

All lessons are non-refundable: we do not offer any make-up lessons or allow rescheduling. If you need to cancel a session of group lessons before the start date, we will offer a gift card if the lessons are sold, minus a $20.00 administrative fee. You must follow up with us after the date of lessons to confirm receipt of a gift card.

Age Policy: Our group lessons and developmental stroke technique are designed for children 4 - 12 years old.

Lesson Time Slots: You can only reserve 1 time slot/30 minutes per child on any given day. Young children should only be booked for 30-minute time slots due to their short attention span, physical fatigue, and temperature fatigue.

Cost:: Group Lessons & Developmental Stroke classes cost $20.00 per class for non-residents. For Westmont Park District residents, the cost is $14.00 per class. You are signing up for the whole session. Summer sessions are two weeks long.

Equipment: For levels 4 and 5 please have your child bring a pair of fins. If your swimmer has long hair, please have them wear a swim cap.

Who is a Westmont Park District Resident?

Only residents living within the Westmont Park District taxing boundaries are considered to be Westmont Park District Residents and are eligible for the discount. Individuals owning a business or working within the Park District boundaries are not eligible for the discount.
Members may be asked to provide residency documentation.

You can check your residency by clicking here. If you have questions or are unsure, please give us a call at 630-537-1188.
*Persons failing to indicate accurate residency status will be automatically charged the non-resident rate.