Swim Lessons

Many swimmers and parents of swimmers inquire about whether private or group swim lessons are appropriate for them. Just like them, the answer is unique and our recommendation depends needs and circumstances.

However, by considering goals, you may be better equipped for deciding between group or private swim lessons. Some do better with individualized attention, while others would rather join their peers to accomplish goal. Sometimes, people need one-on-one time to get started with a new skill, and then thrive in a group environment later. The team at UB Aquatics understands that individuals have varying needs.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not have a family changing room. Alumni Arena, built as a Division 1 athletics training facility in 1983, and was not designed for children.  The pool water is kept at 77 degrees which is ideal training temperature for Division 1 athletics swimming. Our swim lessons generally cater to our adult UB student population. Most pediatricians would probably recommend pools kept between 83 and 86 degrees.

Trust and Comfort – For people who are apprehensive about the water, one-on-one time with a trained instructor may be the best option for developing that trust. As a person’s confidence increases, it may become more helpful to be among other people who are also learning similar skills.

Improving Confidence – Depending on the person’s experiences and abilities, confidence may first need established in private lessons, where the person is learning the basics. However, that confidence can grow rapidly when the person joins group swim lessons and starts to benefit from a team environment.

Skill Building – Children especially are like little sponges when it comes to knowledge, and for those who are building upon their skills, it can be very beneficial to be among other swimmers. Little swimmers are incredibly adept at watching how other people are moving in the water, and group lessons allow them the opportunity to mimic the motion. Some instructors may even assign ‘practice’ between lessons for either on land or in water to give different approaches to a swimming skill.

Overcoming Challenges – For nearly all swimmers, a time will come when they find a particular skill challenging. Swimmers who are enrolled in-group swim lessons can sign up for supplemental private swim lessons to help them work on the skill in a one-on-one setting.

Learning Advanced Skills – Some of our swimmers seek out a more competitive swim team program, wish to compete in a triathlon, or have other more advanced specific goals. For these swimmers, private lessons offer the opportunity to work on techniques unique to their strengths and weaknesses.

Regardless of whether its group or private swim lessons, UB Aquatics swim instructors use an exciting approach to help swimmers of all ages develop a love of the water.