Aquatics

Milwaukee Recreation is an authorized provider of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program.

Lifeguards and swim instructors are Red Cross-certified, and trained to provide quality swim instruction. Class sizes are limited to 10 students per instructor to ensure a quality experience. It is the goal of Milwaukee Recreation to offer affordable opportunities to every family.

Each season, our youth swim programs feature eight lessons, offered for just $37. This price is reduced for those families who qualify for free/reduced lunch programs. Please see the current program guide for details.

Milwaukee Recreation offers lesson programs that teach hundreds of adults each year how to swim. Participants can choose from a standard course which offers one instructor for every 10 participants or select an "Aqua Conquer" semi-private lesson, which can give you the personalized attention needed to overcome anxiety of being around water.

Both beginners and intermediate adult swimmers are encouraged to enroll. Please see the current program guide for details.

Milwaukee Recreation offers aquatics classes for those as young as six months old!

Infant classes - for children between 6-18 months - orient your little one to the pool environment through songs, games, and activities.

For toddlers 18-36 months, check out our Lil' Squirts class that will start to teach primary aquatic skills.

Preschoolers ages 3-4 are ready to learn more skills in our Tiny-Tot class and can graduate to Advanced Tiny-Tot (ages 4-5) when they can submerge their head and kick independently with a board.

All parent/child courses require a parent or person 16 years or older to accompany the child in the water for each swim class. Our affordable eight-lesson program will cost just $33* and again is eligible for discount if your family qualifies. Please see the current program guide for details.

*The Advanced Tiny-Tot class has a $37 fee.

Milwaukee Recreation is an authorized American Red Cross lifeguard training provider.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training will give you the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. This course includes water rescue skills, first aid, AED and CPR PRO. Several prerequisites will be tested on the first day of class:

• Swim 150 yards, then tread two minutes without hands, then swim another 50 yards, all in succession (swim must be front crawl and/or breakstroke without stops or flip turns).
• Retrieve a brick from 7-12 feet in 100 seconds or less.

Successful participants from this class may be considered for immediate employment opportunities. You must be at least 15 years old to particpate. Register here for American Red Cross Lifeguard Training.

Dive into the world of youth competitive swimming with Milwaukee Recreation's swim teams! Competitive swim is a great way to become a team player, meet new friends, and have fun while working out. Our three swim clubs (Krakens, Piranhas, and Tidal Waves) offer beginner, intermediate, and experienced swimmers with opportunities grow their skills and compete against other swimmers of similar ability throughout the surrounding Milwaukee area. Explore our full list of youth competitive swim team offerings here.

Adults who miss the competitive swim environment from earlier days, are looking for a program to stay in shape, or are training for a triathlon should join the Master's swim team.

Currently coached by an extraordinarily talented team of professional swimmers, the master's program will give you the chance to refine your strokes, build endurance, and compete in master's events. We have several options in the early morning with addition options in the evenings and weekend. Click here for more information.

Adults

Milwaukee Recreation is excited to have a group of triathlon-focused adults train at Riverside Univ. High School three seasons per year.  Join the Triathlon Cross Training program in the winter to work on strength and endurance through stair climbing, weight lifting, indoor cycling, and swimming.

Continue into the spring with our Triathlon Prep course, which gets athletes outdoors running and biking while continuing to improve swim skill in the pool.

The summer allows the program to meet twice a week for Tri-Training and works all three sports in different combinations. Classes are best suited for novice and amateur level triathletes.

Teens

Experienced coaches will personally train and teach each student (11-18 years old) based on their ability and comfort level on how to swim, bike, and run in preparations for a triathlon.

We work with every pre-teen and teen based on their personal levels of ability.  Teen Triathlon Training will also include the following dry-land fitness exercises, not limited to: spinning, jogging, core strength, bosu ball, jump rope, and stair climbing. Coaches will incorporate other exercise to meet the abilities of all participating youth. 

Click here for more information.

With multiple pool locations throughout the city of Milwaukee, you will not need to travel far to attend your favorite water aerobics class.

Choose from deep-water and shallow-water options. Our fitness classes range from high-intensity workouts to slow-paced yoga and restorative classes. Classes include aqua-ZUMBA, cardio splash, aqua boot camp, YoQUA Fusion, aquanatal classes for expectant or postpartum mothers, and more. New classes are added regularly.

Each one of these classes will help you get in shape or stay in shape without the impact of land aerobics. We provide the equipment and instructors; you bring your energy and enthusiasm! Please refer to the current Recreation Guide for course descriptions and offerings.

Keep yourself in shape by logging your miles in the pool. Available at locations across the city. Click here for more site-specific information.

Need a swimsuit to wear for your Milwaukee Recreation swim class or aqua fitness program? We’ve got you covered, as supplies are available.

Milwaukee Recreation has received donations of new and gently used swimsuits for youth and adults, available by request for registered participants. Please complete this form here to initiate the process.

Are you an advanced swimmer and are interested in sharing your gifts with the community? You can apply to join Milwaukee Recreation's team today!

Milwaukee Recreation has a variety of part-time positions and training courses available with the aquatics department. Train or apply today to become a lifeguard, swim instructor (WSI), competitive swim/triathlon coach, or aqua fitness instructor. Learn more about available positions here.