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Learn to Swim Program
(Minimum age: 5 years)

The City of Des Moines Park and Recreation Department will be conducting swimming lessons at Ashworth and Birdland Pools, and Nahas, Northwest and Teachout Aquatic Centers. Children must be five years of age to enroll.

Swim Lesson Schedule:

Session 1

June 21 – July 1

Morning classes only.

Session 2

July 12 – July 22

Morning and Evening Classes

Session 3

July 26 – August 5

Morning classes only.
Nahas, Northwest and Teachout

Classes are Monday – Thursday (Friday if inclement weather)

35 minute classes, morning classes are 8:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Evening classes (session 2 only) are 7:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Swim Lesson Registration:

Saturdays June 5, 19, July 10, 24

10:00am - Noon

Thursdays June 17 July 8

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Fee: $30.00 - scholarships are available. Contact the City of Des Moines Community Service office near you to apply for a Park and Recreation Fun Pass. Fun Pass cards will allow 50% reduction in fees.

Baby Infant and Me (6 months – 4 years)

Our goal is to assist you in helping your child become comfortable and orientated in the water. A parent must accompany each child. Children not toilet trained must wear swim diapers.

Monday – Thursday

July 12 – 15

Nahas and Teachout

6:30 p.m.

Fee: $30.00

Adult Swimming Lessons

Learn basic water safety skills and the ability to be comfortable in and around water. Instructor will work individually with each student to assist with their goals.

Monday – Thursday

Session 2 – July 12 – 22

6:30 – 7:15 p.m.

Fee: $30.00

Want to be a Swim Instructor?

Water Safety Instructor course trains participants to teach water safety and swim lessons.

Minimum age: 16

Classes and Times:

• June 2-4 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• June 10-11 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• June 12 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• June 15 – 18 8:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m.

Ashworth Pool

Fee: $150 (includes books)

If you are hired to teach swim lessons with Des Moines Parks and teach all three session, including the evening classes during Session 2, you will be reimbursed $100 for the class.

Want to be a Lifeguard?

Participants are trained in knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies.

Minimum age: 15

Participants must have the ability to swim 300 yards.

Monday – Friday

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

July 12 – 22

Birdland Pool

Fee: $100 (includes books) – minimum 6