Registration is open online or on-site at the UAB Campus Recreation Center during facility operation hours. A current member or guest account is required. Registration closes 1 day after the start of a session.

If you are affiliated with UAB as a student, alumni, or are one of our colleagues (working for one of the hospitals – see membership desk for who are our colleagues), you can obtain a membership. If you are currently not affiliated, you can contact the Alumni office and put in an applications and pay the Alumni membership fee and you can then get an Alumni membership.

New swimmers should review class descriptions and the age requirement on the main swim school webpage. Enroll in the class that best represents age and ability. Instructors will evaluate skill level on the first day of class in order to place in the most appropriate level within the class. Not sure what level to register for? Complete our Swim Level Quiz .

Returning swimmers should refer to their most recent online progress report. This will be indicated at the bottom of the progress report. If they move up, we will guarantee they have a spot.

Registration closes the day after classes begin. If there is still space available and instructors, late registrations may be accommodated. Contact aquatics@uab.edu to inquire about late registration.

Make-up days are scheduled each semester for classes missed or canceled due to student illness, weather, or unforeseen pool closures. During make-up lessons, there is no testing done and instructors may be different from your regularly scheduled days. Offerings vary based on schedule and pool availability. Due to this, make-up lessons may not be offered immediately after the conclusion of a particular session.

Pre-registration is required and only available in person. To register, visit the Membership services desk during facility operation hours.

Every child progresses at a different rate depending upon their age and their physical capabilities. It takes at least 1 session (of 5 classes), but more often several sessions, to get through each stage.

The Swim School has 5 levels. It takes at least 1 session (of 5 classes), but more often several sessions, to get through each level. Plan on your child being in each class for 6 months to one year. Swim School is equivalent to the first 3 levels of American Red Cross classes.

Full refunds are issued if UAB University Recreation cancels a program, class, or activity. If a refund is warranted, it is prorated based upon the program, class, or activity start date in addition to a $15 administrative fee from the refund amount. Review the full Refund Policy here.

Private & Semi-Private Swim lessons are offered for the individual who needs more flexible and individualized program. Online requests are required prior to instructor matching. Instructors follow the UAB Swim School curriculum and tailor lessons to the goals of the individual. These 30 minute lessons are great for adults, children, and special needs individuals. Packages of 1, 3, 5, or 10 lessons are available.

Rec Swim School (group lessons) are pre-scheduled within the academic semester and occur on the same repeating day until a session has ended.

Lessons take place at the UAB Campus Recreation Center Pool. Please arrive ready to get in the water or arrive early to provide enough time to change. Locker rooms and gender neutral changing rooms are available right outside the pool area.

Parents/guardians are only expected to get in the water for Swim Babies or Swim Tots classes.

Swim suit and towel. Goggles are not required but recommended for Swim School 4,5 and all Adult classes. Swim floats are not recommended.

Note: Towels are provided for UREC members only, please remember to bring a towel if you are a non-member.

Parking is available across the street from the Recreation Center in Lot 5A at an hourly rate. There is street parking around campus but is very limited. For additional information regarding parking and directions, click here.

All swim lessons are held in the UAB Campus Recreation Center Pool.

Enter through the main facility entrance and proceed to the turnstiles:

UREC Members: Use ID card, key fob, or UAB Campus Recreation app to enter through turnstiles
Non-UREC Members: Check in with customer service attendant at the turnstiles by providing the participant’s name and that you are here for group swim lessons. Then proceed down the staircase to the pool area.

This is not recommended as they often get cold which will distract from lesson time.

You will need a membership to swim outside of lesson days.

Review the most recent online progress report. These are sent to the email associated with your UAB University Recreation membership account.

Yes, you will receive an electronic progress report. However, the report will only outline skills tested by instructor and may be uncompleted due to missing the main testing day. Deck Instructors will begin testing on the last 2 days of a session.

Session costs are dependent upon the participant’s membership affiliation with UAB University Recreation. Lessons can be purchased in packaged of 3, 5, and 10. View detailed pricing chart here.

Private & Semi-Private Swim are offered nearly year round. Requests will be temporarily closed near the end of each academic semester and reopen at the start of a new semester. A calendar of closures is included on line. Times available for private lessons vary based on pool availability and instructor schedules. Private lessons are not conducted during times scheduled for group lessons or rentals. For more detailed information click here.

Requests are required first. Private lesson information and the online request form can be found online here. Please allow 5-7 business days from the date of your request before you expect to begin lessons. Once an online request is received you will be contacted within 24-48 hours. If there are no available instructors who meet your requested lesson day and time, you will be notified and may be placed on the waitlist.

No, lesson requests may be closed temporarily for scheduled periods of time and or high demand/ low instructor availability.

30 minutes long

No, individuals must have their own partner to begin. Semi-private lessons are for 2 persons of equal abilities.

Cancellation of a lesson must be communicated with the instructor and done 12 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment to be eligible for a rescheduled appointment. Otherwise, the lesson will be considered rendered.

Swim suit and towel. Goggles are not required but recommended for Swim School 4,5 and all Adult classes. Swim floats are not recommended.

*Note: Towels are provided for UREC members only, please remember to bring a towel if you are a non-member.

Please arrive ready to get in the water or arrive early to provide enough time to change. Locker rooms and gender neutral changing rooms are available right outside the pool area. We ask that you remain outside the pool deck area, in the lobby area until the Deck Instructor (Green Polo) checks in with you. Do not let your children enter the pool until the class is scheduled to begin. This is for their safety and the safety of the other children in lessons.

All swim lessons are held in the UAB Campus Recreation Center Pool. Learn more about parking here. Enter through the main facility entrance and proceed to the turnstiles:

UREC Members: Use ID card, key fob, or UAB Campus Recreation app to enter through turnstiles

Non-UREC Members: Check in with customer service attendant at the turnstiles by providing the participant’s name and that you are here for group swim lessons. Then proceed down the staircase to the pool area.

Not sure what level to register for? Complete our Swim Level Quiz

Participants new to the program will be assessed on the first day. They will be placed into the appropriate level based on their comfort in the water and current swimming abilities. Returning participants, will be placed in a level according to their most recent progress report.

The deck instructor will greet you and facilitate the check in process. Non-participants must remain in the lobby, on the patio, or in the adjacent wet classroom.

Available for all registrants. We ask that you be considerate of the ongoing classes and not intrude in their space or interrupt the class. Children in the pool after the class are the responsibility of the parent/guardian. If a child is unable to swim on their own they must be attended by the parent in the water or wear a lifejacket. If non-UREC members, parents must pay the guest pass fee to use the pool after lessons.

Will be sent to the email listed on CSI account at the end of each group lesson. This report will identify those skills that the student is able to complete, those that they can almost complete, and those they are unable to complete or were not introduced. The class level they are to sign up for next will be identified.