Swimming Lessons

Classes are available at all outdoor pools through the Boise Parks and Recreation Aquatic Lesson Program. Each 2-week session will consist of 6 to 8, 25-minute classes. Days may vary due to holidays and swim meets. Class sizes are limited, and registration is on a first come, first served basis. Preschool classes are available for ages 2-4 years and must be accompanied by an adult in the water. For all other classes, students must be at least four years of age. Please use the descriptions below to place your child in the class that best matches their current skill level.

If you are not sure which lesson is best, please first read through the descriptions below. If you still have questions, call Fort Boise Community Center at (208) 608-7680 and they can assist you with lesson placement.

Tips for Booking Swim Lessons

Please read the descriptions of each class below carefully before booking, so that you can find the best match for your child.
If you plan to book more than one session, we recommend not booking more than two of the same class. Choose one level up on the third session unless your child is enrolled in the Pre-school class, which requires an adult. Example-You could book Session # 1 for Adventurers, Session # 2 for Adventurers and then Session #3 for Explores. These are progressive classes.
Know your child, will they need a break between sessions?
If registration is full for your swimmers age group, be sure and add them to the waitlist to have an opportunity to enroll in your requested session. If a waitlist spot becomes available, you will be contacted prior to the start of the session.

Swim Lesson Registration

Below is where you can register for youth group swim lessons and adaptive group swim lessons. All lessons require advance registration. Narrow your search by location, activity guide number or skill level. Be sure you have the appropriate activity guide number when completing your registration. For questions, please contact us.

Activity registration for Boise residents starts Monday, March 31 and for non-residents on Wednesday, April 2.

View Offerings

Swim lesson with a young girl and female lifeguard at Borah Pool

Inclement Weather Guidelines

In the instances of inclement weather, every effort will be made to reschedule the class that was cancelled due to weather. Refunds for cancelled classes are only issued if the class could not be rescheduled. Refunds are not issued for unattendance to the rescheduled class.

Learn More

Private Swim Lessons

Welcome to our 2025 Private Swim Lesson Season.

Private Swim Lesson Requests are now available. You will be contacted the week of June 9 to schedule private swim lessons starting the week of June 15. If you submit a request after June 9, please allow 3 business days for a response.

Private Swim Lessons are scheduled based on pool and staff availability. We do not offer private swim lessons during group lesson times, and scholarships cannot be used toward private swim lessons. The cost is $20 for a ½ hour lesson and $40 for a 1-hour lesson with a max of 2 students per lesson. All lessons must be paid before the start of the lesson at the pool.

We look forward to a great summer swim season!

Descriptions

Group lessons are designed to include the skills listed in the descriptions. However, each class is unique and every student may not progress at the same level.

Swim Lesson Classes	Description
Pre-School - Ages 2-4 + Adult 1:10 ratio	Adult/child classes introduce children to basic skills, while becoming comfortable and emphasizing fun in the water. Children must be accompanied by an adult in the water at all times.
Adventures - Ages 4-10 1:6 ratio	Children starting this class should be comfortable getting their head wet and going under water. Skills learned in this class include front float/glide independently, back float with assistance, proper kicking, and alternating arm movements.
Explorers - Ages 4-10 1:6 ratio	Children are taught underwater exploration, rhythmic breathing and begin to swim short distances on their front and back.
Propellers - Ages 6-17 1:8 ratio	Children refine their front crawl and concentrate on proper breathing techniques. Children learn to swim the back crawl. Breaststroke and diving are introduced.
Swimmers - Ages 6-17 1:10 ratio	Children continue to work with the front and back crawl and refine breaststroke by swimming longer distances. Diving technique is refined; elementary backstroke, scissor kick and dolphin kick are introduced.
Swimmers/Competitors - Ages 6-17 1:10 ratio	Combined class focuses on increasing endurance and refining techniques with all strokes.
Competitors - Ages 7-17 1:10 ratio	Children work on increased endurance for all strokes and learn proper turns for each stroke. Butterfly and sidestroke are introduced along with diving from a standing position.

If you are interested in learning more about Swim Team, please visit our Swim Team page.

Adaptive Swim Lessons (Borah Pool Only)	Description
Adaptive Swim - Ages 5 and Older, no exceptions	Adaptive swimming lessons are offered to participants with disabilities who would like to develop swimming skills and water safety awareness. Lessons will be under close supervision by the teachers but will not be 1:1. Previous swimming or water experience is not necessary. All lessons will take place at Borah Pool; an aquatic lift is available.

Scholarship Information

Boise Parks and Recreation Department offers scholarships for activities and programs, based on the financial needs of the participant. Scholarships cannot be used towards private swim lessons.

Scholarship Information & How to Apply

Swimming Lessons

Tips for Booking Swim Lessons

Swim Lesson Registration

Private Swim Lessons

Descriptions

Scholarship Information

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