The Chicago Park District aquatics division offers a great deal of water readiness and water safety programming. Through our partnership, WSC and the Chicago Park District aim to promote existing opportunities and help direct funding and resources towards those communities still in need of additional aquatic readiness and learn-to-swim support.
Below is a list of programming and brief descriptions offered by the Chicago Park District aquatics division.
Tiny Tots
This program is divided into three levels:
- Tiny Tot I, for children 18 months to 3 years, is the first step for aquatic education for the community. Tiny Tot I includes water adjustment and basic skills. A parent MUST accompany the child in the water.
- Tiny Tot II, for ages 3 to 5 years, is the second step of aquatic education for the community and prerequisite is enrollment in Tiny Tot I.
- In the Tiny Tot III class, tots are given instruction in beginning swimming and aquatic skills. Tots MUST be able to stand on their own in the shallowest depth of the pool for this level III class.
- Parent and Tot Swim, for children 18 months to 3 years, is a non-instructional swim offered for parents and tots to explore aquatic readiness for future instructional classes.
Learn to Swim
All participants will be introduced to aquatic activities through water exploration. Individuals will learn basic swimming techniques, as well as mechanics of the four basic strokes (freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke). Participants are grouped according to skill level. Classes for youth and teens (ages 6 to 17 years) are free of charge. Adult and senior classes are also offered.
During the summer season, programs designed for parents and their children to explore the water and learn basic swimming skills are offered. ;Parent and Child Learn to Swim for 4 to 7 year olds is a class that offers swimming techniques in a non–formal class setting.
Junior Lifeguards (ages 8 to 15 years, summer only)
This is an aquatic sports camp with an emphasis on learning the skills necessary to become a future lifeguard. Participants learn to row a boat, paddle a rescue board, and various rescue techniques at select beach locations throughout the city. Junior Leaders (ages 12 to 13 years) and Safety Leaders (ages 14 to 15 years) have an opportunity to learn CPR and other safety skills. A swim skills test is required of all participants.
If you feel that your community remains under-served and would like to partner with us to find additional resources for the important life skills of water readiness and water safety, please contact us today.