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    • When are Swim School lessons offered?

      View our current class schedule here. Lesson offerings vary based on the academic semester. During the school year, lessons are generally offered on Saturday mornings and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings after 530pm. During the summer, lessons are generally offered on Saturday mornings and Monday-Friday after 530pm.

    • How many classes are included in a Swim School session?

      5 classes are included in a session. Shortened sessions include 4 classes; these may be offered due to scheduling restrictions. Adjusted pricing will reflect.

    • How much do Swim School classes cost?

      UAB University Recreation Member: $50 per session
      Non-Member: $60 per session

      Session costs are dependent upon the participant’s membership affiliation with UAB University Recreation. For more detailed information regarding session costs and membership types click here.

      *Some semesters, shortened sessions (4 classes) will be offered due to scheduling restrictions. Adjusted pricing will reflect.

    • How much do make-up classes cost?

      Free! Make-up classes are offered at no cost. Pre-registration is required and only available in person. To register, visit the Membership services desk during facility operation hours.

    • How do I get a refund on my swimming lessons?
      • Refunds are not issued for Rec Swim School.
      • Refunds are only granted in cases where there is a documented medical condition that precludes completion of the program. If a refund is warranted, it is pro-rated based upon the program start date.
      • Programs are transferable, for the full amount, within the same academic semester it is purchased and if there is space available.
      • Rec Swim School registration fees are not transferrable to private or semi-private lessons.
      • Full refunds are only issued if UAB University Recreation cancels a program, class, or activity.
    • How do I register myself and/or my child for Rec Swim School classes?

      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.

    • Who is eligible for a membership?

      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.

    • What class should my child enroll in?

      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.

    • Rec Swim School classes have already began. Can I still sign up?

      Registration closes the day after classes begin. If there is still space available and instructors, late registrations may be accommodated. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about late registration.

    • I missed a group swim lesson due to sickness or injury. How can I make up the lesson I missed?

      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.

    • How do I sign up for make-up lessons?

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

    • Why is my child not progressing?

      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.

    • My child has been in Swim School for several sessions now. When will they move to the next class?

      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.

    • How do I get a refund on my swimming lessons?

      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.

    • What is the different between Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons and Rec Swim School (group lessons)?

      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.

    • Where do lessons take place?

      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.

    • Do I have to get in the water with my child during Swim School Lessons?

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

    • What should I bring/wear to class?

      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.

    • Where should I park?

      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.

    • How do I access the facility for lessons?

      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.

    • Can my child swim before lessons?

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

    • Can I swim on days that are not lesson days?

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

    • How can I keep record of Rec Swim School progress?

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

    • I missed the last day of lessons (testing day). Will I receive an electronic progress report?

      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.

    • What to Bring:

      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.

    • Arrival to Class:

      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.

    • Parking & Directions:

      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.

    • Level Assessment:

      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.

    • During Class:

      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.

    • Swimming After Class:

      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.

    • Participant Electronic Progress Reports:

      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.





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