Swim Lessons

Registration for summer 2025 swimming lessons will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7. Swimming lesson options will be published online in the summer Let's Go! Dubuque Activities Guide on Friday, April 25.

Aquatots Class

For children 1 - 3 years of age with a guardian age 14 and older. Children will be encouraged to explore and experience the joys of the water. Guardians will learn how to teach the child basic swimming skills while promoting a safe water environment.

Group Lessons

Lessons are held in two-week sessions, Monday - Friday the first week and Monday - Thursday the second week. The second Friday will be used as a make-up day if needed. Lessons are held rain or shine; however, if severe weather exists, there may be a need to cancel. Please contact Flora Pool at 563-589-4246, or visit the Parks & Recreation  Facebook page for weather cancellations. No refunds are given due to the weather.

Group Lessons Skill Level Guide

  • Preschool Beginner
    For swimmers ages 3-5 years old ANDbe supervised with a guardian age 14 and older who remains in the water. Children in this level will become comfortable to submerge head, jump into pool by self, and complete front and back glides, floats, and supporting arms. Guardians will learn how to make the child confident in the water and receive helpful tips for future trips to the pool! 

  • Advanced Preschool Beginner
    For swimmers ages 3-5 years old who are comfortable in the water with swim instructor and do not require additional assistance with guardian. This class will focus on bobbing, rhythmic breathing, front and back floats with kick, and jumping into deeper water with assistance.

  • Beginner I
    It is not required that the child take Preschool Beginner class first; the level depends on the swimmer’s comfort in the water. Child must be at least 6 years of age. Primary skills are taught to include water exploration, front and back floats, rhythmic breathing, glides with kicks, and jumping into deep water with assistance.

  • Beginner II
    Stroke Readiness: Swimmers will learn to front and back glide the length of the pool, and be introduced to beginner crawl, back crawl, and elementary back stroke.

  • Advanced Beginner I
    Stroke Development: Students will be able to complete 25 yards of the front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstrokes. Deep water exploration will be encouraged with deep water dives, swims, and treading water. 

  • Advanced Beginner II
    Stroke Refinement: Swimmers will demonstrate alternate rhythmic breathing, deep water bobs, and diving from board. Fifty yards of continuous swims will be performed for both front and back crawls, as well as 25 yards of breaststroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke.

  • Intermediate - Skill Proficiency
    These advanced swimmers will perform each stroke continuously for 100 yards without breaks, using flip turns. Pike and tuck dives will be introduced, as well as basic water rescues and safety. 

  • Swimmer - Advanced Skills
    Students in this level are at the most advanced stage. During this session they will be expected to swim 200 yards front crawl, 100 back crawl, 50 side stroke, and become introduced to the Butterfly.

Adapted Lessons

Adapted Swim Lessons are provided to individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. The swimmer will be taught swimming and lifesaving skills based on their ability and goals. Adapted Lessons coincide with the existing swim lesson schedule, and may require the instructor to have physical contact with the swimmer. If a guardian chooses, they may be in the water with the child and receive verbal instruction from the teacher. 

The Parks & Recreation Department’s goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for you and your child. In order to understand the needs and expectations of both the guardian and swimmer, please register online and complete the adapted lessons form. The lesson manager will follow up with you to confirm your adapted lesson dates and times.

Adapted Lessons Fees: $32 Resident, $38 Non-resident

Private Lessons

Private Lessons will be held Monday-Thursday each week, with Friday used as a make-up day if needed. Each session consists of four 30-minute lessons. Please register online and complete the private lessons form. The lesson manager will follow up with you to confirm your private lesson dates and times.

Private Lessons Fees: $80 Resident, $96 Non-resident