Classes & Swim lessons
Youth Group Swim Lessons
All swim lessons will be taught using the Starfish Aquatic Institute’s Swim School and Stroke School core competencies. Swimmers will progress from Water Babies/Tots to Tadpoles, and then onto Swim School Red, Yellow, Blue, Green to Stroke School White, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green. It is not necessary for you to know your child’s swim level, as they will be tested on the first day of class, and placed in the appropriate level. We do not offer make-up lessons for missed classes. Please note: Due to staffing requirements, you must register for all swim classes at least 5 business days prior to the start of class. No walk-in registrations are accepted the day class starts. For current offerings please refer to the current seasonal program guide.
Teens & Adults
Private lessons are available for those 16 years and up. For more information, contact Sean Berry at 847.850.2146 or sean@bgparks.org.
Additional Aquatics Programs
Lifeguard Training
The minimum age for Lifeguards is 15 years of age by the end of the course. This course is hybrid; and, the online learning must be done prior to the in-person classes. All lifeguard classes are taught with the StarGuard ELITE program.
Junior Lifeguard Program
The minimum age for Junior Lifeguards is 12 years old. Participants will learn about working at in an aquatic workplace, as well as various soft skills beneficial in a general workplace. This program does not certify participants to become a lifeguard.
Swim Team Prep
Is your child thinking about joining a swim team in the future? This class is structured to give them an exposure to competitive swimming, with extra practice in each of the competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly). In addition, there will be an emphasis on endurance, flip turns and diving ability. Classes will be run clinic-style; and, you can expect to see stroke refinement and improvement in overall performance. Participants must be able to swim 50 yards freestyle continuously, and have passed the Buffalo Grove Park District Learn-to-Swim Stroke School White level or an equivalent. For more information, contact Sean Berry at 847.850.2146 or sberry@bgparks.org.
Cyclones Swim Team – Tryout Required
This is a recreational swim team, and is a great introduction into swim teams. The goal is to provide each swimmer with the technical skills to move to a competitive team. The Cyclones season is June – July and October – February. We offer off-season clinics for swimmers to keep skills fresh.
Hurricanes Swim Team – Tryout Required
This is a competitive swim team that participates in the Northern Illinois Swim Conference A Division for both the summer and fall/winter seasons. Other teams in our division include, Arlington Heights, Vernon Hills, McHenry, Des Plaines and Lincolnwood. The goal of this program is for swimmers to master their strokes, and to further improve techniques to the best of their ability. The Hurricanes season is June – July and September – March. We offer off-season clinics for swimmers to keep skills fresh.
For more information about the Cyclones and Hurricanes teams, visit bghurricanes.org, or contact Sean Berry at 847.850.2146 or sberry@bgparks.org.
