Learn to swim with O’Fallon Swim Academy! Our program is built on teaching aquatic and safety skills in a logical progression with the goal of teaching children and adults how to swim and be safe in and around the water.
O’Fallon Swim Academy (old)
Learn to swim with fun programs for all ages and abilities
Which class is right for my child?
To ensure your child’s success in the O’Fallon Swim Academy program, it’s important to register youngsters for the appropriate level. Children who have participated in the swimming program should register according to the last class successfully completed. Each child must pass a particular level before proceeding to the next.
Each of the level of the O’Fallon Swim Academy is described thoroughly in our quarterly Parks & Rec Guide. If you still have questions, please reach out to the Aquatic Specialist at 636-474-8131 and they will help you decide.
Types of Classes
Private Lessons
Need more individual instruction than our group lessons allow? Private one-on-one swimming lessons are available on a limited basis for swimmers of all ages. Class meets for three 30-minute sessions. To register for scheduled private/semi private lessons, please call 636-474-2732.
Semi-Private Lessons
If you want to learn to swim with a friend or family member, our semi-private lessons are just the thing. Participants must be at approximately the same skill level. Class meets for three 30-minute sessions. To register for scheduled private/semi private lessons, please call 636-474-2732.
Adult Swim Classes
Don’t put it off any longer. If you are an adult who wants to learn to swim, here’s your chance. Our instructors will have you enjoying the water in no time! Class meets for 35 minutes twice a week for four weeks. To provide a safe environment, student teacher ratios are approximately 8:1.
Youth "Group" Swim Classes
The following classes meet meet twice weekly for four weeks and last 35 minutes. Saturday morning sessions at the Renaud Center last 40 minutes and meet for seven weeks.
- Shrimp (previously Shrimp I) – This class develops swimming readiness by leading parents and children in water exploration with the objective of having fun and becoming comfortable in and around the water. Couple/teacher ratio is approx. 8:1. Child must be at least 6 months old. Parent-child or guardian participation in the water is required.
- Starfish (previously Shrimp II) – This class develops swimming readiness by leading parents and children in water exploration with the objective of having fun and becoming comfortable in and around the water. Couple/teacher ratio is approx. 8:1. Child must be at least 18 months old. Parent-child or guardian participation in the water is required.
- Pufferfish (previously Pollywog) (ages 2–3) – This transitional class is for children who have passed Shrimp 2 but who are not quite ready for the Turtle class. The Pufferfish class is designed to help swimmers gain confidence and independence as they master introductory skills and learn safe practices. Parents or guardians should be prepared to assist their child during the first four classes.
- Turtle (ages 3–4) – This class will focus on introductory swim skills and on having fun in the water. The skills taught include: water adjustment, back and front floats with support, blowing bubbles and full body submerging. Student/teacher ratio is approx. 6:1. Children must be at least 3 years of age (some exceptions may apply).
- Seahorse (ages 3–5) – This introductory course focuses on water basics including: breath control, front and back floats with minimal support, kicking on front and back, forward arm motion, and water safety. Student/teacher ratio is approx. 6:1. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Turtle class.
- Jellyfish (previously Explorer, Level 1) (ages 4+) – Beginning swimmers will explore the fundamentals of aquatic activities. This course focuses on swim skills such as: unsupported floats, front crawl, and an introduction to back crawl. Student/teacher ratio is approx. 6:1. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Seahorse class.
- Sea Lion (previously Submarine, Level 2) (ages 5+) – This course focuses on swim skills such as: swimming front and back crawls with no support and how to retrieve objects with eyes open. Student/teacher ratio is approx. 6:1. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Jellyfish or children should be able to float independently and swim front crawl a minimum of 5 yards.
- Stingray (previously Clipper, Level 3) (ages 5+) – This course focuses on swim skills like: treading water, swimming front and back crawl with no support, retrieving objects in deeper water, and will be introduced to rotary breathing. Student/teacher ratio is approx. 6:1. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Sea Lion or children should be able to fully submerge themselves for a minimum of 10 seconds and be able to swim front crawl for at least 10 yards and back crawl for at least 5 yards.
- Marlin (previously Sailor, Level 4) (ages 6+) – Children will learn to tread water as well as swim front and back crawls with proper breathing techniques. This course will also introduce the breaststroke and butterfly. Student/teacher ratio is approx. 8:1. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Stingray or children should be able to swim front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke for a minimum of 10 yards. Children are also expected to tread water and swim with proper breathing techniques.
- Dolphin (previously Adventurer, Level 5) (ages 6+) – Children will work on the techniques of all swim strokes (front, back, breast, fly, and elementary back) and will learn to tread water for a minimum of 30 seconds. Student/teacher ratio is approx. 8:1. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Marlin or children should be able to swim with all strokes (front, back, breast, fly, and elementary back) for at least 5 yards.
- Shark (previously Barracuda, Level 6) (ages 6+) – This level is for kids who wish to continue working on techniques for all strokes. In this class, children will get a taste of what a competitive swim team is like. Children will work on stroke refinement while increasing their stroke power and endurance. Student/teacher ratio is approx. 8:1. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Dolphin.
Swim Team Prep • Ages 6–12
Want to get a jump start on swim team this summer? Here’s your chance to boost your endurance and improve your strokes, flip turns and finishes before the swim team season starts. The program is spread out over four weeks with eight classes overall.
O’Fallon Swim Academy FAQs
How do I sign up for private or semi-private lessons?
Sign up by calling the Renaud Center front desk at 636-474-2732, or print and complete the Private Lesson Request from the website. The form is also available at our facility. We ask for your name, child’s name, phone number, age, what days and times you would like and any other information you think would be helpful for us to know. The form is then given to the Aquatic Specialist and who will then assign a guard to call and set up the three lessons based on both of your schedules. Pleaset note: this process can take about one to two weeks; during the summer, it may take up to three weeks for someone to reach you.
How are private lessons different than semi-private lessons?
Private lessons are one-on-one lessons with your child and the instructor. A semi-private lesson is for two children and the instructor. Participants of semi-private lessons are requested to be approximately at the same skill level.
What is the difference between customized private lessons and scheduled private lessons?
Customized private lessons give you ultimate flexibility! You and the instructor decide what days and times work best for each of you. Scheduled private lessons are days and times that are already published in the Parks & Rec Guide. You may sign up for these lessons online or in-person. An instructor will be ready to meet you and your swimmer on the first day of lessons.
Who do I contact if my child needs one-on-one help during swim lessons?
You are encouraged to reach out to the Aquatic Specialist at 636-474-8131 or speak to Brita Weight, St. Charles County Coordinator of Inclusive Recreation, at 314-359-9970 or [email protected] We are happy to help and assist your child!
What level of the O’Fallon Swim Academy is best for my child?
Each of the level of the O’Fallon Swim Academy is described thoroughly in our quarterly Parks & Rec Guide. If you still have questions, please reach out to the Aquatic Specialist at 636-474-8131 and they will help you decide.
