Spring 2008 Session I (Wednesdays 6:30-7:05 p.m.) CLOSED Session II (Saturdays 10-10:35 a.m.) CLOSED Session III (Saturdays 10:45-11:20 a.m.) CLOSED

Application Brochure

Classes Available

Little Swimmers (3-5 year olds)
This level is for children between the ages of 3-5. This is the beginning stage for all swim lessons. Children will be separated into groups based on their comfort level in the water. They will learn how to: go underwater, blow bubbles, front float, back float, flutter kick, bob to safety, do rhythmic breathing, and jump into the pool.

Big Swimmers (5 years and up)
This level is for children ages 5 and older. This group is for children who are not yet at ease in the water or have not yet mastered the "Little Swimmer" skills. This group allows them to improve these skills and their comfort level in the water with children their own age. They will learn how to: go underwater, blow bubbles, front float, back float, flutter kick, bob to safety, do rhythmic breathing, and jump into the pool.

Chicago (5 years and up)
This level is for children ages 5 and older. They have mastered the skills learned in the "Little Swimmers" or "Big Swimmers" group. They will learn how to: swim the front crawl, the arm motions for the elementary backstroke, the back crawl and the breaststroke, the whip kick, and how to jump into deep water.

White (5 years and up)
This level is for children ages 5 and older. They have mastered the skills learned in the "Chicago" group. They will improve their conditioning for the front crawl and will learn how to: swim the back crawl, elementary backstroke and breaststroke, and dive from a squatting position. They will begin to learn the sidestroke and treading water.

Maroon (7 years and up)
This level is for children ages 7 and older. They have mastered the skills of the "White" group. They will refine their front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke and sidestroke. They will learn the rotary kick for treading water, surface dives, and the standing dive.

Phoenix (8 years and up)
This level is for children ages 8 and older. They have mastered the skills learned in the "Maroon" group. They will learn more advanced technique for the freestyle (front crawl), backstroke (back crawl), and breaststroke. They will learn the 4th competitive stroke (butterfly), the racing dive, and how to push off the wall in a streamlined position.

Additional Information

Cost & Application Process
Applications can be found at the front desk of the Ratner Athletic Center or by clicking here. Applications and checks (payable to The University of Chicago) will be accepted at the front desk of the Ratner Athletics Center. Credit Cards are accepted.

• $60 each child

Location
Swimming lessons will be held in the shallow section of the Myers-McLoraine Pool. Advanced groups may utilize the deep water portions of the pool as well. Note: the shallow section of the pool is a minimum of 4 feet deep.

Locker Rooms
Children over the age of 6 may not change in an opposite-sex locker room. Parents needing to accompany their children during changing may use the Family Changing Rooms on the first floor of the Ratner Athletics Center. Parents may then escort their children into the pool through the emergency entrance in the main hallway.

Instructors
Instructors will include the University of Chicago Swim Team coaches and members of the Men's and Women's Varsity Swimming teams at The University of Chicago. Certified American Red Cross certified lifeguards will be on duty at all times.

Access to Facility for Non-Members
Ratner Athletic Center non-members are not eligible to use the Ratner Center facilities, including the pool, during lessons. A parent/guardian must escort their child into the facility (no drop-offs) and be present at all times during the swim lesson. Participants in the classes, escorted by parent/guardian, will be allowed to change into their swimwear in the locker rooms. Once participants are in their swimming suits and ready to participate in classes, parents/guardians are asked to sit in the stands in the balcony on the second floor of the Ratner Athletics Center. All pool and facility rules are in effect during lessons

Questions/Concerns
Please address all questions and concerns to:

Ellen Bator
Assistant Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving Coach/Assistant Aquatics Director
University of Chicago
5530 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60637
(773) 702-3863
ebator@uchicago.edu