The USF Learn to Swim Program, offered in collaboration with the USF Recreation and Wellness department, is designed to teach children how to swim in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Your child will learn essential swimming and water safety skills, helping both you and your child feel confident and safe in and around water.
At USF, we are committed to ensuring your child has a meaningful and safe experience. All of our swim instructors are Red Cross Certified in Water Safety Instruction (WSI) and are also certified in CPR and First Aid. In addition, lifeguards will be on hand to supervise all swim classes, providing an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
USF Learn to Swim Details
Swim Director: Ashley Santurri
Location: USF Tampa - Campus Recreation Pool
Ages: 3 - 13 Years Old and Potty Trained
Time: Varies
Cost: $150
Click below to explore and register for USF Learn-to-Swim programs
Sessions available starting June 9-12 and June 16-19
| Days | Dates | Times | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 6/9, 6/11, 6/16, and 6/18 | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 6/9, 6/11, 6/16, and 6/18 | 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 6/9, 6/11, 6/16, and 6/18 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 6/9, 6/11, 6/16, and 6/18 | 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6/10, 6/12, 6/17, and 6/19 | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6/10, 6/12, 6/17, and 6/19 | 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6/10, 6/12, 6/17, and 6/19 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6/10, 6/12, 6/17, and 6/19 | 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM |
Sessions available starting June 23-26 and June 30-July 3
| Days | Dates | Times | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 6/23, 6/25, 6/30, and 7/2 | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 6/23, 6/25, 6/30, and 7/2 | 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 6/23, 6/25, 6/30, and 7/2 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 6/23, 6/25, 6/30, and 7/2 | 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6/24, 6/26, 7/1, and 7/3 | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6/24, 6/26, 7/1, and 7/3 | 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6/24, 6/26, 7/1, and 7/3 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6/24, 6/26, 7/1, and 7/3 | 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM |
Sessions available starting July 7-11 and July 14-17
| Days | Dates | Times | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 7/7, 7/9, 7/14, and 7/16 | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 7/7, 7/9, 7/14, and 7/16 | 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 7/7, 7/9, 7/14, and 7/16 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 7/7, 7/9, 7/14, and 7/16 | 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 7/8, 7/10, 7/15, and 7/17 | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 7/8, 7/10, 7/15, and 7/17 | 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 7/8, 7/10, 7/15, and 7/17 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 7/8, 7/10, 7/15, and 7/17 | 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM |
Sessions available starting July 21-24 and July 28-31
| Days | Dates | Times | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 7/21, 7/23, 7/28, and 7/30 | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 7/21, 7/23, 7/28, and 7/30 | 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 7/21, 7/23, 7/28, and 7/30 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | |
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 7/21, 7/23, 7/28, and 7/30 | 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 7/22, 7/24, 7/29, and 7/31 | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 7/22, 7/24, 7/29, and 7/31 | 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 7/22, 7/24, 7/29, and 7/31 | 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 7/22, 7/24, 7/29, and 7/31 | 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM |
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Tadpoles
Level 1
Requirement to enter level: Little to no swim experience; must be comfortable in and around aquatic environments.
Requirement to pass level: The swimmer must be able enter and exit the water safely; swim on his/her front and back while both alternating and simultaneously moving his/her arms and legs in a supported position for at least 10 yards; be able to submerge his/her face underwater for at least 3 seconds.
Guppies
Level 2
Requirement to pass level: The swimmer must be able to float on his/her front for 5 seconds and back for 15 seconds; must be able to glide off wall on his/her front and back for at least 2 body lengths; must be able to recover from glides to a vertical position; be able to swim front and back crawl for at least 5 body lengths; be able to roll from back to front and vice versa; comfortable with putting his/her face in the water for at least 5 seconds.
Stingrays
Level 3
Requirement to pass level: The swimmer must be able to make a head first entry into the water (in deep end); be able to float on both front and back for at least 30 seconds; tread water for at least 30 seconds; be able to swim front and back crawl for at least 15 yards without support; be able to submerge his/her head for at least 10 seconds.
Sharks
Level 4
Requirement to pass level: The swimmer must be able to swim underwater for at least 5 body lengths; perform both front and back crawl open turn; swim front and back crawl for 25 yards; swim breaststroke for 15 yards; swim butterfly for 15 yards; be able to tread water for at least 2 minutes.
Dolphins
Level 5
Requirement to pass level: Swimmer must be able to perform a block or shallow water start; perform tuck and pike dives submerging him/herself completely; tread water for at least 5 minutes; swim freestyle, back crawl, and elementary backstroke for at least 50 yards; swim breaststroke, sidestroke, and butterfly for at least 25 yards; perform both front and back flip turns.
Useful Information
General Information
How are the USF Learn to Swim sessions structured, and what are the class options?
The USF Learn to Swim program is divided into four sessions, each lasting two weeks.
Lessons are held Monday through Thursday, with two registration options:
- Option 1: Mondays and Wednesdays during both weeks of the session.
- Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays during both weeks of the session.
Each option offers four time slots to choose from:
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
- 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- 4:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Class sizes are capped at 5 swimmers per time slot, ensuring your child will be in a group with no more than 4 other swimmers.
How is my child’s swim class level determined?
On the first day of class, we will evaluate your child’s skill level to ensure they are placed in the appropriate class for their abilities.
What is the duration of each USF Learn to Swim session and the number of lessons included?
Each session includes four lessons, with two lessons per week for two weeks lasting 30 minutes each.
What are the available time slots for USF Learn to Swim lessons?
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
- 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- 4:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Where is the USF Learn to Swim camp located?
The USF Learn to Swim Camp takes place at the USF Recreation and Wellness Center, conveniently located on the USF Tampa campus next to the Yuengling Center. The facility's address is 12301 USF Genshaft Dr, Tampa, FL 33620.
What is the procedure for drop-off and pick-up?
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Registration
When does registration open for USF Learn to Swim?
Registration for all 2025 summer camps will open on February 1, 2025.
How do I register for the USF Learn to Swim camp?
Registration is available online through the USF Learn to Swim webpage located above.
Lesson Details
What is the maximum lesson size for USF Learn to Swim?
Each USF Learn to Swim lesson has a maximum of 5 swimmers.
Will my child be grouped with swimmers of a similar skill level?
Yes, swimmers are grouped based on their skill levels to ensure appropriate instruction.
What should my child bring to each lesson?
Towels, googles, extra change of dry clothes, and a water bottle.
Are swim caps or goggles required?
Swim caps and goggles are not required; however, goggles are recommended.
Instructors and Safety
Who are the instructors, and what are their qualifications?
Swim Instructors have certifications in the following, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguarding, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer with First Aid
What safety measures are in place during lessons?
In addition to having certified instructors, lifeguards are present to supervise all swim classes, ensuring an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
Are parents allowed to watch during lessons?
Yes, parents can watch from designated viewing areas.
Policies
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email youthxp@usf.edu. If the cancellation occurs 10 business days prior to camp start date, you will receive a refund with the exception of administration fees. However, if the cancellation is received within 10 business days of the camp start date, no refund will be given. No refunds will be issued after the start date of the camp.
We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event that it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If USF cancels the camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules a camp you will have the option to receive a full refund.
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
We do not offer make-up classes for missed lessons. Due to the unique progression of each lesson and the need to maintain the proper child-to-instructor ratio, we cannot add your child to another class for a make-up lesson. This ensures that all participants receive adequate time and attention from their instructor. Please keep this in mind when registering for sessions.
Will weather affect my child’s swim lessons?
All lessons are held in the indoor Rec Center pool and are only impacted by severe tropical weather, such as tropical storms, hurricanes, or tornado warnings. Unlike pools with outdoor pump rooms, our pump room is located inside the Rec Center, ensuring it is safe and unaffected by typical weather conditions.
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