Swim Lessons

Family 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.

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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions

Spring registration now open!
Available at acac Albemarle Square, Downtown, and Crozet Park Aquatics & Fitness Center.

Member | $165

Non-member | $195

Albemarle Square’s Dolphin Swim School Lesson Schedule January – May 2026

Session 1: January 5 – February 28

Session 2: March 1 – April 30

Session 3: May 2 – May 31

Dolphin Swim School Fall Schedule and Level Chart at Albemarle Square

Dolphin Babies

Designed for young children and their caregivers, these swim lessons create a fun and safe environment to learn the basics of swimming. Classes focus on building water confidence, encouraging bonding between parent and child, and developing foundational swimming skills through engaging activities and games. Perfect for children 6 months – 3 years old. Please come prepared to get in the water with your child. Fill out our interest form to learn more about Dolphin Babies.

Member | $155

Non-member | $185

Private & Semi-private Swim Lessons

Quality, individualized instruction for swimmers of all ages & levels. Semi-private lessons require at least two swimmers. For both our  Private and Semi-private lesson packages, our most popular option is our 6 pack of 30-minute lessons, which are scheduled at your convenience. ​

Rates

PRIVATE LESSONS

Members

$230

Non-Members

$279

SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS

Members – price per child 

$169

Non-Members – price per child

$209

Elite 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 seeking to enhance their swimming skills. Email [email protected] to sign up.

DIVE CLINIC
Dates: January 10
Times: 8 and under 10:00 am – 10:45 am | 9 and over 10:50 am – 11:35 am
Pricing: $35 members | $42 non-members per class

TURNS CLINIC
Dates: January 24
Times: 8 and under 10:00 am – 10:45 am | 9 and over 10:50 am – 11:35 am
Pricing: $35 members | $42 non-members per class

BUTTERFLY CLINIC
Dates: February 21
Times: 8 and under 10:00 am – 10:45 am | 9 and over 10:50 am – 11:35 am
Pricing: $35 members | $42 non-members per class

PRE-SUMMER CLINIC — TBA
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!

COACHES:

Coach Svetlana: Mon-Fridays at the acac Downtown

Coach Lisa: Sundays at the acac Downtown

Coach Iris: Saturdays at the acac Downtown

American 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 testing will receive a 50% refund.

For questions, please email [email protected].

UPCOMING TRAININGS
October/November/December Lifeguard Certification and Recertification Courses

Certification Course: October 24 – 26, November 7 – 9, December 19 – 21 | Friday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Members: $250 | Non-members: $280

Recertification Course: October 19 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Members: $150 | Non-members: $180

Members can register on the app | Non-members can email Sam at [email protected]

**Participants must have a valid, or recently expired (within 30 days of the course) American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.

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! 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
[coming soon!]

Rates

• Members | $155
• Non-members | $185

Masters 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

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acac Albemarle Square

• Tuesdays |   8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

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