aquatics
Learn to swim, improve your technique, or take your workout to the pool!
Aquatics programs at acac Charlottesville
With swim lessons for children, masters group swimming for adults, swim teams, and family open swim times, acac has something for every type of swimmer. Get in the water and get moving with our certified swim instructors and try one of our aquatics programs below.
Elite Performance Program
The Elite Performance Program is designed for athletes striving to elevate their training and unlock their full potential. Small groups …
More infoElite Performance Program
The Elite Performance Program is designed for athletes striving to elevate their training and unlock their full potential. Small groups instructed by expert coaches include land-and water-based training specifically designed to meet the swimmer’s needs. This progressive program is ideal for athletes looking to advance their swim skills. Email [email protected] to sign up.
PRE-SUMMER CLINIC
Dates: April 6 – May 25 (8-week sessions)
Times: Saturdays at 11:30am – 12:30pm
Pricing: $200 members | $230 nonmembers
Give your swimmer a head start! The EPP Pre-Summer Clinic prepares swimmers for the challenges of a competitive team environment. It’s the perfect way to start for those who are not quite ready to swim a full competitive schedule but are looking for more than just a swim lesson. These practice-style classes focus on refining all four competitive strokes, starts, and turns while building endurance!
Dolphin Swim School
The Dolphin Swim School is an ideal learn-to-swim program for novice swimmers ages 3+. Our instructors are trained in the Starfish Aquatic …
More infoDolphin Swim School
The Dolphin Swim School is an ideal learn-to-swim program for novice swimmers ages 3+. Our instructors are trained in the Starfish Aquatic International Swim School curriculum, focusing on creating safer swimmers by developing swim and safety skills. The program includes 8, 30-minute classes designed to help students develop a foundation of swimming skills in a child-centered environment. Group size may range from 3 to 6 participants, meeting 1/week for 8 weeks.
Spring registration now open!
Available at acac Albemarle Square, Downtown, and Crozet Park Aquatics & Fitness Center.
Member | $155
Non-member | $185
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training & Certification
Learn to respond to aquatic emergencies with this comprehensive training. Upon completion, participants receive certifications in Lifeguard …
More infoAmerican Red Cross Lifeguard Training & Certification
Learn to respond to aquatic emergencies with this comprehensive training. Upon completion, participants receive certifications in Lifeguard Training, First Aid, CPR for the Professional, and AED.
All classes use a blended learning model, requiring students to complete eLearning modules at home. All students should complete this coursework 2 days prior to the start of the course. Participants not prepared for a class must transfer to a later class date.
Once registered, a letter will be sent out via email 10 days prior to the start of class explaining how to access online work. Please read and follow the directions carefully. Failure to follow these directions will cause a move to another class and a $65 change.
Students must be 15 years old by the last day of the course to participate.
Students must pass a preliminary pre-requisite swim test to continue with the rest of the course. This test includes a swim-tread-swim and timed-event sequence.
**Students should be able to comfortably swim 350 yards before participating. Those who do not pass the prerequisite resting will receive a 50% refund.
For questions, please email [email protected].
UPCOMING TRAININGS
Lifeguard Certification Course – Albemarle Square
February 7 – 9
Members: $250 | Non-members: $290
Email [email protected] to register!
Limited spots available. Contact us for more information.
Group Swim Lessons
acac offers group lessons for children ages 6 months to 9 years old. acac Albemarle Square *Swim …
More infoGroup Swim Lessons
acac offers group lessons for children ages 6 months to 9 years old.
acac Albemarle Square
*Swim lessons are available, but there is a current waitlist. Please fill out the interest form to be placed on the waitlist.
Swim Levels:
Level 1 – Cannot swim at all, will not get face wet, fear of the water
Level 2 – Cannot swim but loves the water
Level 3 – Can swim on the surface or underwater for short distances unassisted
Level 4 – Can swim on front and back 10 or more yards, comfortable in deep water
Level 5 – Can swim 25 yards on front or back, working on improving technique
Level 6 – Can swim 100 yards nonstop ready to build endurance and further improve technique
. . .
Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday sessions – Once per week for 4 weeks
DOLPHIN BABIES | AGES 6 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS
One parent or caregiver must be in the water with each child. Swim diapers are required.
- Thursday | 9:30-10:00 AM
- Saturday | 9:30-10:00 AM | 10:15 – 10:45 AM
. . .
MINI DOLPHINS | AGES 3 TO 5
[ 4:1*] | Levels 1 – 2
- Tuesday | 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | 6:00 – 6:30 PM
- Thursday | 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | 6:00 – 6:30 PM
- Saturday | 10:50 – 11:20 AM | 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
* Max. swimmer to instructor ratio
. . .
DOLPHINS | AGES 5 AND OVER
[5:1*] | Level 3
- Tuesday | 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | 6:00 – 6:30 PM
* Max. swimmer to instructor ratio
[5:1*] | Level 4
- Saturday | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
* Max. swimmer to instructor ratio
. . .
Price per session – includes 4 30-minute lessons (Dolphin Babies & Mini Dolphins)
- Member: $60
- Non-member: $70
Price per session – includes 4 45-minute lessons (Dolphins, ages 5 and up)
- Member: $80
- Non-member: $95
. . .
acac Downtown
MINI DOLPHINS | AGES 3 YEARS TO 5 YEARS
One parent or caregiver must be in the water with each child. Swim diapers are required.
- Sunday | 2:45 PM-3:15 PM | Level 1-2
- Thursday | 5:10 PM-5:40 PM | Level 3-4
Cost | $88 for 4 lessons *must commit to 3 sessions—no make-up lessons.
Location | Downtown Warm pool & Activity Pool.
Coaches | Svetlana Vanyo, Athena Vanyo, Iris Rodriguez, Debbie JO McGowan.
BABY AND ME SWIM CLASS | AGES 6 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS
One parent or caregiver must be in the water with each child. Swim diapers are required.
- Sunday | 4:00 PM
Cost | $88 for 4 lessons *must commit to 3 sessions—no make-up lessons.
Location | Downtown Warm Water Pool
Coach | Athena Vanyo
acac Adventure Central Waterpark | 2023
Private Swim Lessons
Quality, individualized instruction for all levels and ages of swimming.
- Six 30-minute classes or Four 45-minute classes
- Scheduled at your convenience
30-Minutes:
1 pack | Members $45 | Non-members $52
6 pack | Members $220 | Non-Members $270
45-Minutes:
1 pack | Members $66 | Non-members $77
4 pack | Members $200 | Non-Members $245
…
Semi-Private Lessons
Semi-private lessons allow you to have more quality time with your instructor while having the support of another swimmer. Two swimmers are required.
- Six 30-minute classes or Four 45-minute classes
- Scheduled at your convenience
30-Minutes:
1 pack | Members $31 | Non-members $38.50 (per person)
6 pack | Members $160 | Non-Members $200 (per person)
45-Minutes:
1 pack | Members $46 | Non-members $55 (per person)
4 pack | Members $143 | Non-Members $182 (per person)
…
Special Group Lessons (3 People)
Special Group lessons allow you to have more quality time with your instructor while having the support of other swimmers. Three swimmers are required.
- Six 30-minute classes or Four 45-minute classes
- Scheduled at your convenience
30-Minutes:
4 pack | Members $68 | Non-members $80 (per person)
45-Minutes:
4 pack | Members $91 | Non-Members $108 (per person)
…
Mini Dolphins
Ages 3-5 | Levels 1-4 | 30-Minute Group Lesson
Mon-Thurs 9:50-10:20am
Member $70 | Non-Member $80
…
Mighty Dolphins
45-Minute Group Lesson
Member $80 | Non-Member $100
Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Semi-private swim lessons allow you to have more quality time with your instructor while having the support of another swimmer. Two …
More infoSemi-Private Swim Lessons
Semi-private swim lessons allow you to have more quality time with your instructor while having the support of another swimmer. Two swimmers minimum required.
- Six, 30-minute lessons
- Scheduled at your convenience
Rates
- Members | $169/per child
- Non-members | $209/per child
Private Swim Lessons
Quality, individualized instruction for swimmers of all ages & levels. Six, 30-minute lessons Scheduled at your …
More infoPrivate Swim Lessons
Quality, individualized instruction for swimmers of all ages & levels.
- Six, 30-minute lessons
- Scheduled at your convenience
Rates
- Members | $230
- Non-members | $279
Family Swim
At acac, we want community members of all ages to feel comfortable enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle–including youth …
More infoFamily Swim
At acac, we want community members of all ages to feel comfortable enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle–including youth and young adults.
Family Swim time is a dedicated time for our youth members and their families to enjoy the warm water pool.
Click here for the full aquatics schedule and to see updated time slots for Family Swim at acac.
Family Swim Policies:
1. Families (with children under 13) are allowed to use the warm water pool, for recreational swimming, only during designated Family Times. Children under the age of 14 need to be supervised by their parents when in the Aquatics Center when there is not a guard on duty. Additionally, we do not cancel family time if there is not a guard available. During these times parents MUST closely monitor their children.
2. Outside of Family Time, families with children, who can swim a lap independently, may reserve both sides of a lane (A&B) for lap swimming or to work with their kids on swimming (we do not allow outside swim instructors to provide instruction within acac). We do not allow families to reserve a lane for recreation during or outside of Family Time.
3. During Family Time, we ask that all swimmers be mindful of all members using the space, regardless of why they are using the space. We do not allow “horse-play,” this would include chicken fights, play fighting with equipment, excessive breath holding competitions, etc.
4. Families with children under the age of 8 need to be next to their children, preferably in the water at all times.
5. Lifeguards, at any time, may ask weak swimmers to perform a swim test before being allowed into the deep portions of the pool.
6. Children who are not potty-trained are required to wear swim diapers.
7. Families with swimmers in swim lessons, outside of family time, may not use the warm water pool with their other children who are not in lessons at the time.
Masters Swimming
Calling all beginner, intermediate and advanced lap swimmers: Masters Swimming continues with acac’s experienced …
More infoMasters Swimming
Calling all beginner, intermediate and advanced lap swimmers: Masters Swimming continues with acac’s experienced coaches.
- Individual training sets in a group ‘swim team’ atmosphere (without the swim team commitment)
- Great for triathletes, former swimmers and new lap swimmers
- Train at your level
- Free with membership
…
acac Albemarle Square
- Tuesdays | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
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Terrified Adults Swim Lessons | acac Downtown
Are you an adult who’s always wanted to learn how to swim but feel held back by fear? acac is here to help! …
More infoTerrified Adults Swim Lessons | acac Downtown
Are you an adult who’s always wanted to learn how to swim but feel held back by fear? acac is here to help! Our specially designed 8-week course offers a supportive, patient environment to help you conquer your fear and build swimming skills. Sign up today by emailing [email protected] and start your journey to becoming a confident swimmer!
Session Dates
January 5 – February 16 | Sundays at 1:00pm
Rates
- Members | $155
- Non-members | $185