FMC Natatorium - group-swim-lessons

Learn to Swim Programs

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

2025 Summer Session 1 Registration Date: Wednesday, April 2 @ 9:00 AM

2025 Summer Session 2 Registration Date: Wednesday, April 9 @ 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Group Swim Lessons FAQ’s

What age does my child need to be to register for swim lessons
- For our private and group lessons we require the swimmers to be ages 4-12 years old. Swimmers younger than four years old may check out our Infant and Toddler Self-rescue lessons.
How do I register for swim lessons?
- To register for swim lessons, please visit our website at www.fmcnatatorium.org. If you have an account with us please make sure you are logged in. Click on the “Youth Programs” tab and select “Group Swim Lessons.” Select the desired lesson you would like to purchase and checkout.
When do new sessions become available online?
- We announce registration dates on our website. Please keep checking our website for more information.
It is my first time coming to the pool, what should I do?
- Make sure you check in for your lesson and inform the supervisor it is your first time at FMC.
Can I be on the pool deck during my child’s lesson?
- We do not allow parents on the pool deck during lessons. We have a large parent viewing room where you can watch your child.
How will I know how my child is doing?
- We believe in strong communication. After every lesson, the instructor will bring your child out to meet you and share feedback on their skills and if they mastered the skills to progress to the next level.
What do I need to bring to my lesson?
- Please bring a swimsuit and towel.
Does my child need equipment?
- When your child is in level 2 or higher, we do allow the swimmers to wear goggles. Fins and swim cap are required for levels 4 and 5.
What level is my child in?
- Please go to our website and under the group swim lessons tab you will find our Learn to Swim Program where we have each level listed with a description. Please be sure to read each level to get an idea of what level your swimmer may be at. First-time swimmers in our program will be placed in a level and evaluated by the swim instructor. The swim instructors determine the placement of the swimmer’s level.
Will my child have the same instructor every lesson?
- Your child will experience different instructors often. It gives the swimmers a new perspective on a variety of skills they are learning. We try our best to have our instructors with the same swimmers, but it is not guaranteed.
Do you allow makeup lessons?
- There are no make-up classes for missed lessons. If FMC needs to cancel lessons, we will notify and accommodations will be communicated.
Can I switch my group lesson date?
- We keep our sessions at maximum capacity. If you would like to be on a waitlist, please visit our website to add your information to our form. The waitlist is not a guarantee for registration. We will contact you when a spot becomes available.
What is your cancellation policy for Group Lessons?
- We do not offer any reimbursements or make-up lessons for canceled or missed lessons.
What if my child or family member is sick with COVID-19 and we cannot attend their group lessons?
- If your child or a family member is feeling ill, please stay home and get well. If your child has been exposed to COVID-19, please abide by the CDC guidelines.
When is my child ready to join a swim team?
- Once your swimmer can swim all 4 strokes efficiently, please head to our website to try the Stroke Developmental class or Pre Team class to improve on technique and build endurance. After these classes, we recommend the swimmer to try out for a swim club team.

PLEASE READ OUR POLICIES PRIOR TO YOUR PURCHASE

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.