Aquatics Programs through Elmhurst Park District are available during the summer. Information on registering will be available in the Spring/Summer Brochure.
Swim Lessons
This summer East End and Smalley Pools will be utilizing the Starfish Swim School Program ® *, with swim programs for all ages. Starfish Swim School Program ® is through the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI). SAI is an innovative provider of training, certification, and risk reduction programs to the international aquatics community. All swim instructors are certified Starfish Swimming Instructors. The Core Skill Achievement Stage (Levels) and benchmarks are listed above. All participants will be tested the first day to determine what stage they start in. Participants will advance to the next stage once they complete the lead up and benchmark skills; participants may advance through more than one stage in one session. Cancelled Classes: Lessons will be cancelled if there is thunder, lightning or if the temperature drops below 65 degrees. Make-up classes for Monday-Thursday classes are held on Fridays. There are no make-up classes for Saturday sessions. A credit will be issued for any class that is not made-up.
Early Childhood
Starbabies™ (Ages 6-23 months with adult)
The purpose of this course is to develop in very young children a high comfort level in the water while at the same time training the adults who accompany them in water safety and drowning prevention. This course does not teach children to become accomplished swimmers or to survive in the water; it does provide a confidence-building, fun and warm experience. One adult must be in the water with each child. Swim Diapers required.
Startots™ (Ages 24-36 months with adult)
The purpose of this course is to develop in very young children a high comfort level in the water while at the same time training the adults who accompany them in water safety and drowning prevention. This course does not teach children to become accomplished swimmers or to survive in the water; it does provide a confidence-building, fun, and warm experience. One adult must be in the water with each child. Swim Diapers required.
Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Designed to meet the needs of children ages 3 to 5, this course will develop a high comfort level in the water and a readiness to swim. For those children who are developmentally ready, it will teach functional swim skills. Instructors will introduce basic swimming skills through creative, fun activities in the water. Students will work towards achieving the benchmarks of each level at their own pace in a small-group setting.
Youth & Teen
Starfish Swim School for Youth (Ages 6-12)
Students work toward developing the five core swimming competencies using age-appropriate learning activities. Learning is self-paced but challenging. Students work toward developing skills and progress toward achieving the benchmarks in a small group setting. This class is for the beginning to intermediate swimmer.
Stroke School (Ages 6-12)
This class is designed to prepare the swimmer for Starfish Swim Team. Participants will be taught to swim freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. Swimmers must have passed the green stage of swim school, or receive approval from the swim lesson coordinator at swimlessons@epd.org.
Starfish Swim Team (Ages 6-12)
Students learn and refine the competitive stroke plus develop an understanding of basic training principles. A great introduction to competitive swimming in a low-key environment. The Swim Team is for students who have achieved the green Stroke School benchmarks, and/or can swim 25 yards of freestyle with side breathing and 25 yards of backstroke, without stopping. Students will build endurance, learn turns and starts.
Adult Programs
Master's Swim Team (Ages 18 and up)
This non-competitive team is open to all swimmers, regardless of ability. Whether you are looking to increase your fitness level, improve your skills or train for a triathlon, our experience swim coach will develop a workout to help you meet your goals.
Water Fitness (Ages 18 and up)
Perfect for those looking for a challenging, stimulating workout. It's safe, low-impact exercise for effective cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and body toning.
Diving Lessons
(Ages 6-14) Designed for the student with little or diving experience, participants can expect to learn headfirst entry from the side as well as headfirst entry from the diving board. Participants will be introduced to the three-step approach on the board with a jump. All participants should be able to swim at least one full length of the pool by the start of the first class.
Private Swim Lessons
Looking for a more individualized approach? The Elmhurst Park District offers private lessons for participants ages 3 to adult. All swim instructors undergo regular training and are certified Starfish Swim instructors. All Private Swim Lessons are 30 minutes long. Please note: Private Swim Lessons are available from 12-5 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. at East End Pool, and from 12-7 p.m. at Norman P. Smalley Pool.
For registration information, please fill out an application and return it to the Wagner Community Center registration desk or email to swimlessons@epd.org. Please note: Registrations will not be processed until after June 1 due to instructor availability.
For questions please e-mail swimlessons@epd.org or call (630) 993-4724.
Swim Camp
(Ages 6-12) Great opportunity for both the novice and the more experience swimmer to improve swimming skills. Each swimmer will work to improve skills at their own level. Swimmers will be placed into small groups by level to best facilitate learning. In addition to instructional swim, campers enjoy free swim, organized water activities and games and learn about water safety. Campers should bring a healthy snack, water bottle, bathing suit, goggles, sunscreen and towel each day. Each camper will receive a t-shirt.
