The University of South Florida Campus Recreation Department's Learn to Swim Program is designed to teach children how to swim in a safe and fun environment. Children three and older will learn swimming, water survival, and water safety skills. Lessons are conducted in our indoor pool by qualified instructors, with no more than six children per instructor. In addition, a supervisor and certified lifeguard will be on deck during all classes. Children are encouraged to learn on an individual, rather than class basis, motivated with positive reinforcement by each instructor.
Our energetic and well qualified staff is ready to make learning to swim a meaningful and fun experience for your child. The program is under the supervision of Kimberly Mallard, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation and LTS Coordinator, Ashley Ballester. All of our staff are experienced swim Instructors and certified lifeguards.
*Class level and skill ability will be determined on the first day of the session by our Learn to Swim qualified swim instructors. BLUE FISH- Swimmers who have never had lessons or have very basic skills (blow bubbles, kicks, etc.) They may have some fear of the water and need to start from the beginning. YELLOW FISH- Swimmers who have some swimming ability and lesson experience. They may know the front crawl but need to learn more technique. Student in this class should know back floating. RED FISH- Swimmers with good swimming ability that may need to learn more technique and different strokes.
Cancellations made two weeks prior to the start of the session will be refunded with a cancellation fee of $20. If cancellations are made after that time or during the first week of the session, refunds will be made with a $50 cancellation fee applied. Cancellations made after the first week will not be refunded.
If you plan to park at USF, a PARKING PERMIT is REQUIRED. The deck supervisor will hand out parking decals (IF PURSCHASED) and explain where to park on the first day of class. Once we issue you a parking decal, Learn to Swim and the Campus Recreation Department is not responsible for any parking tickets from USF. Please park in designated area (Lot 6). We will give you free parking for the hour before your classes start and one hour after classes are done. This will allow parents to drop off and pick up the kids.
Age: Child must be at least three years of age to participate.
Skill Evaluation: On the first day of class we will evaluate your child’s skill level to make sure they are placed in the correct class. Parents will not be responsible for choosing a class or skill level for their child.
Observing your child: As an observer, we ask that you stay seated on the bleachers and do not sit near the pool deck. This will allow for the instructor to build trust with your child to help them be a better swimmer.
Make-up classes: We do not offer make-up classes for classes that are missed by individual child. Due to the different progression of individual classes and the child/instructor ratio, we will not be able to add your child to another class for make-up. We want to provide all children with the adequate time with instructor. Please consider this when signing up for classes.
Inclement weather policy: Inclement weather or facility cancellation may occur. Due to these possibilities we may add time to your child’s lesson to make-up for minutes. We often try to wait out the storm so we can get as much time in during that class. We also reserve Friday for a make-up day, if needed.
We are here for you!: Learning to swim is an exciting time for both parent and child; we are pleased to be a part of this experience. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to ask the supervisor on deck or contact our Assistant Director, Kimberly Mallard (813) 974-8234.
