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Find the appropriate swim lesson level based on the participant’s age and swimming skills. Swim lessons are progressive, beginning at the preschool level (ages 3-5).
Find the appropriate swim lesson level based on the participant's age and swimming skills. Swim lessons are progressive, beginning at the preschool level (ages 3-5). The instructor will tell you which lesson to sign up for next. If the participant has not had swimming lessons for more than three months, they should repeat the last level they took as a refresher.
All classes are 30 minutes long. Please note that swim lesson classes are limited and vary by pool. Not all levels are offered at all times. Private and semi-private lessons are not available.
- Use the Recreation Activity Guide to find and register for activities, including Swim Lessons, offered in each area of Portland.
- Read more information about PP&R Swimming Pools, including pool rules and policies.
Child with Adult (ages 6 months to 2 years)
An adult must participate with the child.
| Class | Description | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Angelfish | For children ages 6 to 18 months, with an adult. Water adjustment and basic skills development are emphasized as the instructor guides caregivers and children through this level. | Check availability |
| Starfish | For children ages 18 months to 2 years, with an adult. Water adjustment and basic skills development are emphasized as the instructor guides caregivers and children through this level. | Check availability |
Preschool (ages 3 to 5)
| Class | Description | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Goldfish | For the non-swimmer, comfortable in the water without a parent. | Check availability |
| Pre-Penguin | For the non-swimmer who can put their face in the water and blow bubbles. | Check availability |
| Pre-Otter | Must be comfortable in the water and be able to do a front glide with a kick for 5 feet and unassisted back floats. | Check availability |
| Pre-Seal | Must be able to do back glides with kicking for 5 feet, Front Crawl with no side breathing for 10 feet, and five side breathing breaths with arms on the wall. | Check availability |
Youth (ages 6 to 14)
| Class | Description | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Penguin | For the non-swimmer who can put their face in the water and blow bubbles. | Check availability |
| Otter | Must be comfortable in the water and be able to do a front glide with a kick for 10 feet and unassisted back floats. | Check availability |
| Seal | Must be able to do back glides with kicking for 10 feet, Front Crawl with no side breathing for 15 feet, and five side breathing breaths with arms on the wall. | Check availability |
| Polar Bear | Must be comfortable in deep water and be able to swim Front Crawl with arms and side breathing for 30 feet and Backstroke with arms for 30 feet. | Check availability |
| Sea Lion | Must be comfortable in the deep water and able to swim Front Crawl with side breathing for 50 feet and Backstroke for 50 feet. | Check availability |
| Dolphin | Must be comfortable in the deep water and be able to swim Front Crawl with side breathing for 25 yards, Backstroke for 25 yards, and Elementary Backstroke for 25 yards. | Check availability |
| Park Shark | Must be comfortable in the deep water and be able to dive into the pool and swim Front Crawl, Backstroke, and Breaststroke for 50 yards. | Check availability |
Teen and Adult (ages 11 and older)
| Class | Description | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Teen Beginner | For the beginner swimmer aged 11 to 17. Learn front crawl, back crawl, and basic water safety in lessons designed just for you. | Check availability |
| Adult Beginner | For the beginner swimmer aged 18 and older. | Check availability |
| Adult Stroke Improvement | For swimmers aged 18 and older, looking to improve their skills. | Check availability |
Inclusion Services
Inclusion Services provides meaningful access to people living with disabilities. The program aims to provide every individual access to all registered PP&R classes and activities within their chronological age group. Each support plan is established on an individual basis.
Please submit your request for an accommodation at least 10 business days before the start date of the class. In the summer, this policy is extremely important. Staffing and availability of inclusion assistants can be limited. Requests made fewer than 10 days in advance should still be submitted, and all efforts will be made to provide accommodation.
To request inclusion support with swimming:
- Pick which pool you are interested in having inclusion at and sign up for the lesson level that you think best suits your child.
- Contact that pool and ask for the Lead Instructor or Pool Manager. Notify them that you signed your child up for (x) class and that you will need accommodation.
- East Portland Indoor Pool | 503-823-3450
- Matt Dishman Indoor Pool | 503-823-3673
- Mt. Scott Indoor Pool | 503-823-3183
- Southwest Indoor Pool | 503-823-2840
Summer only:
- Creston Outdoor Pool | 503-823-3672
- Grant Outdoor Pool | 503-823-3674
- Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool | 503-823-3680
- Montavilla Outdoor Pool | 503-823-3675
- Peninsula Outdoor Pool | 503-823-3677
- Pier Outdoor Pool | 503-823-3678
- Sellwood Outdoor Pool | 503-823-3679
Tips for Caregivers
- Communicate with your child's swim instructor. There are 5 minutes before and after class for you to discuss your child's progress with the instructor.
- De-emphasize passing or failing a class. No child fails a swim class; they all improve. It is not uncommon to have to take one swim lesson several times.
- Bring your child to Open Play Swim or Family Swim to work on the skills being taught in the class. Schedules are published on each pool's webpage.
- Please have your child use the restroom before swim lessons.
- Bring a large towel and warm clothes for your child after the lesson.
- Secure your child's hair from their face before the lesson.
- Provide some kind of head covering for wet hair and ears after the lesson.
- Allow only light meals before lessons.
- If you notice your child crying or not paying attention to the instructor, it may be best to withdraw from the child's view or not watch every lesson.
- Be positive at home concerning swimming. They will be looking for your positive attitude and encouragement.