Youth Programs
Age 4 months - 3 years old with a Parent or Guardian
Warm Teaching Pool
$40/month
Prerequisites: Must be at least 4 months of age and wear a swimmy diaper AND a rubber/plastic swim diaper cover on top
Pool Playtime is the perfect opportunity for your little one to gain comfort in the water while in the arms of a parent or caregiver.
This is not an instructed program but the lifeguard will be happy to provide information about safe ways to get into the pool with an infant. Parents/caregivers and infants are encouraged to socialize with other parents/caregivers and infants during the class.
Age 6-18 months old with a Parent or Guardian
Warm Teaching Pool
30 minute lesson
$170/month
Prerequisites: Must be at least 6 months of age and wear a swimmy diaper AND a rubber/plastic swim diaper cover on top
Bond, splash, and play in the water! This class introduces infants ages 6-18 months to the pool through gentle floats, assisted rolls, front and back tows, and safe parent-supported entries and exits. Designed for fun and comfort, this class builds water confidence while strengthening the parent-child bond through positive early swim experiences.
Age 18036 months old with a Parent or Guardian
Warm Teaching Pool
30 minute lesson
$170/month
Prerequisites: Must be at least 18 months of age and wear a swimmy diaper AND a rubber/plastic swim diaper cover on top
A fun, active water class for toddlers and parents! Children ages 18-36 months practice assisted floats, rolls, tows, safe entries and exits, plus early kicking, reaching, and movement along the pool edge. This class builds independence, coordination, and water confidence while strengthening safety skills and comfort in the water through positive parent-supported experiences.
Please note that children must be three years old to advance to the next level. However, they are welcome to repeat this class as many times as they'd like.
Ages 3 & 4 without an Adult
Class Size: 5
Warm Teaching Pool
30 minute lesson
$170/month
Prerequisites: Must be 3 or 4 years of age, toilet trained, and able to be independent of a caregiver for 30 minutes
This program is ideal for young students that benefit from being in the pool during quieter times. This class is offered in the morning/afternoon times when we have less school-aged children involved. Students develop confidence and independence while learning basic water safety skills and having fun.
Level 1 – Water Comfort and Safety
This level helps swimmers feel safe and confident in the water. Swimmers learn to enter and exit the pool safely, blow bubbles, submerge their face, and float with support. Equipment such as kick boards and noodles are used as tools to help with body position and movement. The focus is on building comfort, trust, and basic water awareness as the foundation for all future swimming skills.
Adaptive Swim Lessons for Kids with Developmental Disabilities
Please complete our intake questionnaire is required to help us best understand and support your child’s needs.
CLASS SIZE: 2 swimmers (each with an Aide/Guardian) to 1 instructor
Warm Teaching Pool
30 minute lesson
$270/month
Description:
Our Adaptive Swim Lessons are specially designed to support children with developmental disabilities in building water safety, confidence, and basic swimming skills in a supportive, inclusive, and sensory-aware environment.
Taught by instructors trained in adaptive aquatics and supported by a low student-to-instructor ratio, each lesson is tailored to meet the unique needs, abilities, and learning styles of every child. Through individualized instruction, visual aids, and consistent routines, we help swimmers develop comfort in the water while promoting physical coordination, communication, and social interaction.
Whether your child is brand new to swimming or continuing to build on existing skills, our goal is to create a safe, fun, and empowering aquatic experience that fosters water safety, independence and joy.
Ideal for:
Children ages 4–17 with developmental disabilities including (but not limited to) autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and sensory processing challenges.
It is necessary for an aide or parent to attend the first class. If it is necessary for an aide or parent to attend every class going forward, you may be expected to be in the water.
Class Features:
- Visual supports and structured routines
- Swimmers will be evaluated at their first lesson
- Individualized instruction based on each child’s needs
- Focus on water safety, floating, kicking, and breath control
- Small groups of swimmers; each with an aide/parent if necessary
- Warm, welcoming environment with sensory-friendly accommodations
Class Details:
Water Adjustment: Introduce activities to help swimmers become comfortable in the water, such as entering and exiting the pool safely, submersion, floating, and breathing control.
Training sessions will consist of:
- Warm-up: Begin each lesson with a warm-up to prepare the body for swimming.
- Skill Practice: Dedicate time to practicing specific skills.
- Treading Water: Practice treading water in shallow and deeper water to build endurance and confidence.
- Basic Kicks: Introduce kicking techniques for various strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke) using kickboards or other flotation devices.
- Endurance: Gradually increase the distance and intensity of swimming to build endurance.
- Flexibility: Be flexible and adjust the lesson plan based on the needs and progress of the swimmers.
- Considerations: Sensory Sensitivities: Be mindful of sensory sensitivities and provide a calming environment with appropriate lighting and noise levels.
- Communication: Use clear and concise language and provide visual cues to enhance understanding.
- Patience and Flexibility: Be patient and understanding, allowing swimmers to progress at their own pace.
- Be prepared to modify the day’s activities, your teaching style, and the equipment that you will have the athlete use based on individual needs and preferences.
- Cool-down: End each lesson with a cool-down to help the body relax.
Any Skill Level - Ages 3 -12
Class Size: 5
Warm Teaching Pool
$170/month
Prerequisites: Must be at least 3 years of age, toilet trained, and able to be independent of a caregiver for 30 minutes.
Students are evaluated at their first class and grouped accordingly and work on the appropriate skills with a goal of efficient, independent swimming.
Proficient Swimmers | Age 8-17
Class Size: up to 4 swimmers per lane
Competition Pool
60 minutes
$250/month
Prerequisites: Students must be proficient in all four competitive strokes and able to maintain a legal freestyle for at least 200 consecutive yards.
This is an endurance building coached workout for swimmers looking to improve technique, stamina and general fitness.
Beginner & Intermediate | Age 10-17
Class size: 8
Warm Teaching Pool
60 minutes
School Year Season | Sep - Jun
Weekly hour long lessons
$250/month
Summer Season | Jul & Aug
MON-WED weekly 3 day sessions
5:15-6:15pm
$170/3 day session
Our Teen Lessons program is designed specifically for middle and high school swimmers who want to learn and improve in an age-appropriate setting. Swimmers work on the same core skills taught throughout our lesson curriculum, including body position, breathing, kicking, stroke technique, turns, and overall water safety, but they do so alongside other teens rather than younger swimmers.
Instruction is tiered by ability, so athletes are placed with peers at a similar skill level and progress at an appropriate pace. This program supports true beginners building comfort in the water, developing swimmers refining fundamentals, and more experienced teens working toward stronger efficiency and endurance for fitness, tryouts, or future team participation. Each tier follows clear goals and measurable benchmarks to ensure consistent improvement and meaningful advancement.
A Comprehensive Approach to the Development of Proper Technique
-30 minute semi-private lesson $135*
-30 minute semi-private coaching $200*
CRA offers small group lessons and private (one swimmer with one instructor) or semi-private lessons (two swimmers of same level/close in level with one instructor).
*PLEASE NOTE: PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE FOR ANY REASON
CRA Family Open Swim is the perfect time to splash, play, and relax together in the pool.
Join us for a fun, low pressure swim time where families can enjoy the water, practice skills, or just cool off.
To keep everyone safe and comfortable, please note:
- Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times– in the water, on the pool deck, and in the changing rooms.
- A supervising adult (18+) must be within arms reach of non-independent swimmers and younger children while in the water.
- Each adult may supervise up to 3 children during family open swim.
- All swimmers are expected to follow lifeguard instructions and posted pool rules.
- Coast guard approved lifejackets and flotation devices are welcome; no inflatable toys.
Bring your towels, goggles and your whole crew for some fun in the pool!
Cost:
1 participant: $15 each
2 participants: $12.50 each = $25
3 participants: $11 each = $33
4 participants: $10 each = $40
5+ participants: additional $7 each
Tryout Required: Click to pursue a tryout
Kindergarten - 3rd grade
Class Size: 20
TEACHING POOL
SPARKS: Ages 5-8 - (1) 45 minute class plus athlete must also be enrolled in one of our youth group lessons
MON 6:30-7:15pm OR WED 5:15-6:00pm
+ the group lesson of your choice
$100/month
EMBERS: Ages 9-12 - (2) 60 minute classes plus athlete must also be enrolled in one of our youth group lessons
TUE and THU 6:25-7:25pm
+ the group lesson of your choice
$175/month
Team prep serves as a bridge between our swim lessons program and our competitive CRA swim teams. Team prep groups are divided by the athletes age. SPARKS are 5-8 yrs old and EMBERS are 9-12 yrs old. Team Prep is designed for athletes who have successfully completed level 3 of our swim lessons or above, this program introduces the exciting world of competitive swimming with the goal of eventually joining a recreational or USA Swimming team. The primary focus of the program is equipping swimmers with the technical and fitness skills that are foundational to team success. Swimmers will work with instructional staff to sharpen their technique across all 4 competitive strokes, work on starts and turns, and learn how to navigate a structured team-like workout. Swimmers, upon completion, will look to be assessed or invited to transition into either our CRA Wyverns Rec. Program or the CRA Dragons USA Swimming program.
Tryout Required: Click to schedule a tryout
Proficient Swimmers | Age 8-17
CLICK HERE FOR THE WYVERNS PROGRAM CALENDAR
COMPETITION POOL
75 minutes
SCHOOL YEAR SEASON
THU, SAT and SUN
$405/month during our School Year Season
SUMMER SEASON
Tue/Thu 3:45-5pm & Sun 9:40-10:55am AUGUST 4-27 $405
Prerequisites: Students must be proficient in all four competitive strokes and able to maintain a legal freestyle for at least 200 consecutive yards.
CRA WYVERN Fitness Program is a fun team atmosphere where athletes can improve swim skills without competing against other teams.
Adult Programs
Warm Teaching Pool
and
Shallow Lanes in Competition Pool
Class size: 8
School Year Season | 60 minutes/weekly | $250/month
Summer Crash Course | 90 minutes | $75/class - pick and pay per class
This program is ideal for adults with little to no swim experience through intermediate skilled swimmers.
COMPETITION POOL
Class size: 7
60 minutes
$250/month
This program is for adult swimmers looking to fine tune their technique. You can let your coach know what you prefer to work on or let the coach guide you.
A Comprehensive Approach to the Development of Proper Technique
-30 minute semi-private lesson $135*
-30 minute semi-private coaching $200*
CRA offers small group lessons and private (one swimmer with one instructor) or semi-private lessons (two swimmers of same level/close in level with one instructor).
*PLEASE NOTE: PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE FOR ANY REASON
coming soon!
Family Recreational Swim Rental
Enjoy a one hour private rental of the Teaching Pool (23.5 x 44 feet, depth of 4 feet).
IMPORTANT: This program is limited to a maximum of 12 people in the pool area--in the water and on deck.
WHERE:
Teaching Pool
Boston Sports Institute,
900 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA
WHEN:
Click HERE to view availability and book a Private Family Recreational Swim.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Towel
- Goggles
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Loads of fun splashing and playing with family in the warm Teaching Pool.
A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT A PRIVATE FAMILY RENTAL:
- Everyone in attendance during your private rental, must be registered with CRA. This process ensures that everyone who swims has a release form on file. When you click the registration link, you will complete the release process for your immediate family. Anyone outside of your immediate family who will join you for your rental, must create a CRA account and complete the registration/release process. Share this link with those individuals. https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/charlesriveraquatics/dashboard
- Changing of clothing on deck is NOT permitted. Changing rooms are open.
- When you arrive, please enter by the wet corridor where a CRA staff member will check you in for your swim. Feel free to arrive about 10 minutes before your pool time to get organized and ready to swim.
COST:
$95/hour for a maximum of 12 participants
CRA Family Open Swim is the perfect time to splash, play, and relax together in the pool.
Join us for a fun, low pressure swim time where families can enjoy the water, practice skills, or just cool off.
To keep everyone safe and comfortable, please note:
- Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times– in the water, on the pool deck, and in the changing rooms.
- A supervising adult (18+) must be within arms reach of non-independent swimmers and younger children while in the water.
- Each adult may supervise up to 3 children during family open swim.
- All swimmers are expected to follow lifeguard instructions and posted pool rules.
- Coast guard approved lifejackets and flotation devices are welcome; no inflatable toys.
Bring your towels, goggles and your whole crew for some fun in the pool!
Cost:
1 participant: $15 each
2 participants: $12.50 each = $25
3 participants: $11 each = $33
4 participants: $10 each = $40
5+ participants: additional $7 each
Triathlon training class – Swim/Run focus
11am-12pm
TUE SEP 22 - NOV 17 $180
THU SEP 24 - NOV 19 $180
This one hour high intensity class combines both swim and run workouts. The first 30 min will be a coached swim workout focusing on swim technique, intervals, and endurance. It will be followed by a 30 min high intensity deep water run workout. Water running is a great way to develop and improve aerobic fitness and build strength while minimizing joint stress.
This class is taught by Jen Scalise-Marinofsky, CRA Masters head swim coach. Jen is also an accomplished triathlete competing in the sport for over 30 years and coaching for 17. She is a perennial USAT All American triathlete and has qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona 10 times.
Youth Instructional Skill Level Descriptions
Baby Dragons | Age 6-18 months
Bond, splash, and play in the water! This class introduces infants ages 6-18 months to the pool through gentle floats, assisted rolls, front and back tows, and safe parent-supported entries and exits. Designed for fun and comfort, this class builds water confidence while strengthening the parent-child bond through positive early swim experiences.
Little Dragons | Age 18-36 months
A fun, active water class for toddlers and parents! Children ages 18-36 months practice assisted floats, rolls, tows, safe entries and exits, plus early kicking, reaching, and movement along the pool edge. This class builds independence, coordination, and water confidence while strengthening safety skills and comfort in the water through positive parent-supported experiences.
Preschool Program | Age 3 & 4 yrs
Offered at quieter times at the pool in a group with only young peers. Preschool swimmers work on Level 1 skills: swimmers build water confidence by blowing bubbles, floating, gliding, kicking, rolling, and jumping into the pool with instructor support. They'll also learn important water safety skills and proper pool entry and exit, all while having fun and getting ready for the next level.
Swim Lesson Level Descriptions | Age 3+
Level 1
Splash into swimming! In Level 1, swimmers build water confidence by blowing bubbles, floating, gliding, kicking, rolling, and jumping into the pool with instructor support. They'll also learn important water safety skills and proper pool entry and exit, all while having fun and getting ready for the next level.
Level 2
Ready for more independence? In Level 2, swimmers build on their water confidence by floating, rolling, gliding, and jumping into the pool on their own. They'll practice front and back kicks, begin using straight-arm pulls, retrieve objects from underwater, and continue developing the skills needed to become stronger, safer swimmers.
Level 3
In Level 3, swimmers take the next step by learning the foundations of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke kick, and butterfly kick. As they gain strength and confidence, they'll improve their technique, breathing, and coordination while swimming longer distances and becoming more efficient in the water.
Level 4
Level 4 builds efficient stroke technique in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, with a focus on body position, breathing, and coordination. Swimmers refine their kick, pull, and rotation while increasing distance and consistency. They also learn kneeling dives with a tight streamline and controlled entry. By the end of this level, swimmers demonstrate stronger technique, better efficiency, and improved endurance. Within this level, swimmers become ready to explore opportunities in Team Prep, Wyverns Swim Program, or Dragons Swim Team.
Level 5
Level 5 is the transition into advanced training, with a focus on stroke efficiency, endurance, and competitive performance across freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Swimmers refine technical details such as body position, timing, breathing control, and propulsion to meet team-ready standards. Training also introduces and develops more skills including flip turns, open turns, and standing dives, with emphasis on tight streamlines, strong underwater work, and fast, efficient wall transitions. By the end of Level 5, swimmers show readiness for team-level training with improved speed, control, and competitive execution across all strokes and skills.
Adult Instructional Skill Level Descriptions
Class Size: Max 5
New to the water? Hesitant or fearful? Can’t float, or swim?
Beginner 1 students focus on safety and comfort in the water, and skills for correct body position and breathing for efficient swimming.
Successful completion requires:
- Put face in the water and blow bubbles
- Fully submerge head/bobs/ring off the bottom
- Moving from horizontal to vertical position (swimming to standing)
- Sculling (lateral motions of the hand/arm to produce lift and propulsion)
- Independent front float (hold for 10 sec)
- Independent back float (hold for 10 sec)
- Introduction to front and back flutter kicks and basic freestyle (moving from point A to point B with arms and legs)
- Shallow jumps/aided deep water jumps
Class Size: Max 5
Students learn correct body position, propulsive flutter kick on front and back, and are introduced to freestyle with side breathing and basic backstroke.
Successful completion requires:
- Hip driven leg flutter kicking on front and back (T-Press)
- Streamline/glides on front and back
- Introduction to breaststroke arms
- Introduction to freestyle with side breathing
- Introduction to backstroke
- Foundation of treading water
- Unaided deep water jumps
- 25 yards continuous swimming
Class Size: Max 5
Students continue to develop freestyle fundamentals with an emphasis on breathing, timing, and forming the correct pull pattern. Backstroke skills continue to build and students progress to sculling with breaststroke and dolphin kicks.
Successful completion requires:
- 50 yards thumb touch catch up freestyle
- 50 yards backstroke with rotation
- 25 yards 6 kick and roll on back
- 25 yards breaststroke kick
- 10 yards underwater streamline on front
- Introduction to underwater back streamlines
- Introduction to somersaults
- 1-minute treading
Class Size: Max 5
Students continue to develop freestyle with the addition of rotation, high elbow catch, and improved breathing. At this point, a combination of technique and fitness elements are introduced. Students will be competent enough to begin swimming longer distances in freestyle and backstroke, maintaining a steady kick--increasing cardio output while continuing to master technique. Lessons will shift to include drills and continuous swimming, averaging 500 to 1000 yards per session.
Successful completion requires:
- 100 yards of freestyle with correct body position, pull pattern, 6 beat kick, and rotation
- 50 yards backstroke with correct body position, pull pattern, 6 beat kick, and rotation
- 25 yards breaststroke
- Underwater streamlines on front and back
- Continue dive progression
- Introduction to flip and open turns
- 200 yards continuous flutter kicking
Class Size: Max 6
With increased confidence, students at this level are now able to swim longer distances in both freestyle and backstroke, while continuing to work on technique. The pace clock will be used as a tool for managing workouts and gauging overall times. Flip turns and breaststroke pullouts are introduced.
Successful completion requires:
- 100 yards freestyle with flip turns
- Backstroke flip turns
- 50 yards breaststroke with pullouts
- Racing starts
- Dolphin kick
Class Size: Max 6
Students at this level should feel confident attending a Master’s Team program workout, comfortable swimming multiple repeats of varying distances in three of the four strokes. Fitness becomes increasingly important. Students will be able to complete 500 yards of continuous swimming, freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, and will be introduced to interval sets.
Successful completion requires:
- 500 yards freestyle with flip turns
- Starts and breakouts
- 10 x 50 yards kicking at 1:00 w/fins
- 100 yards breaststroke with pullouts
- Optional intro to butterfly work