FAQs Answered Clearly
Helpful answers for families and swimmers.
Why Us?
Charles River Aquatics offers a competitive technique-based program designed to build a solid foundation for life-long swimming. Charles River Aquatics challenges swimmers to develop efficient technique, increasing safety and efficiency in the water. Charles River Aquatics has offerings for the entire family from toddlers to triathletes!
Lessons, Clinics & Camps
Instructional programming at Charles River Aquatics emphasizes stroke development and water safety. Charles River Aquatics has a unique comprehensive approach to instruction. In-water and on-deck coaching support and small class sizes yield individualized instruction with proven results. All Charles River Aquatics Instructors are provided extensive and ongoing training in the Charles River Aquatics approach and philosophy guaranteeing a high-quality consistent experience for students. The positive, encouraging environment, coupled with a cumulative, tiered curriculum, assures swimmers achieve their goals in the water.
Youth Swim Team – Dragons
The Charles River Aquatics Dragons Youth Swim Team is a comprehensive swim program committed to teach, train, and motivate age group swimmers to excel at all levels. The positive team atmosphere is conducive to individual development and growth, empowering each swimmer to achieve his/her potential in the sport. The youngest training groups begin at 5 years old with an emphasis on development of efficient technique. As an organization we foster sportsmanship and fair play and demand respect for others both on the team and in the larger community. The Dragons focus on teamwork within the program while simultaneously encouraging individual development as an athlete.
Masters Team
The Charles River Aquatics Masters Team provides a diverse group of athletes, ages 18 and over, with the opportunity to improve fitness and technique. The training environment offers options for all levels--whether a first-time Masters swimmer, an Olympian, or somewhere in between. The Charles River Aquatics Masters workouts are physically and mentally stimulating, tiered to accommodate all abilities and training goals.
Questions?
Contact the registrar at registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com or call at (617) 939-8078
What is the Tuition for Group Lessons?
School Year Season | Sept-June | Group Lessons
Cost:
- Small Group Youth Lessons: 30 min., $160/month
- Teen Beginner: 60 min., $225/month
- Team Prep: 2 X 60 min., $300/month
- Technique & Training Tune Up (T3U), (youth): 60 min., $225/month
- Adult Beginner Lessons: 60 min., $225/month
- Adult Small Group Coaching: 60 min., $225/month
How am I billed for tuition?
Tuition is billed during the first week of each month. To cancel, email registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com. Thirty days notice is required to cancel. Charles River Aquatics does not prorate tuition.
Summer Lesson Season: A one-time tuition payment is due at registration.
What is the Charles River Aquatics Tax ID?
Charles River Aquatics Tax ID number: 20-3305391
What Should Swimmers Wear?
Swim Attire:
- One piece swimsuits for females, comfortable board shorts for males
- Swim shirts are discouraged as they obstruct the full range of movement necessary when learning to swim
- Goggles are required for Level 1 and above, and encouraged for Splash swimmers
- Swim caps are encouraged for all swimmers and required for those in Level 3 and above. All Technique & Training Tune Up participants are required to wear swim caps at all times
- All athletes practicing with swim teams must wear swim caps at all times
How Do I Cancel My School Year Season Class or Change the Day and/or Time?
Thirty days notice is required to drop School Year Season Group Lesson Enrollment. Charles River Aquatics does not prorate tuition.
School Year Season Group Lesson changes may be requested at any time. Mid-month changes incur a $10.00 administrative fee per registration.
To cancel or make changes, email registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com
What is the Charles River Aquatics Policy Regarding Illness?
At Charles River Aquatics the health and safety of our patrons and staff is of the utmost importance.
Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, if you have a communicable disease, you may not swim.
Please stay home if you are not feeling well.
Your adherence to this policy is essential to the health and safety of everyone.
Thank you!
Does Charles River Aquatics Offer Refunds or Make-Up Opportunities for Missed Lessons?
Charles River Aquatics does not offer refunds or make-up lessons.
Review Charles River Aquatics Policies for details.
How Does Charles River Aquatics Communicate Important Information?
Charles River Aquatics shares important information regarding schedule changes and new program opportunities via email and social media. Time-sensitive messages are emailed, texted and/or communicated by phone.
Charles River Aquatics recommends not opting out of email, text, or phone contact, as these are the only methods used to share important information.
Charles River Aquatics will not share personal information.
When Are Lesson Blackout Dates?
Are Instructors Consistent?
Consistency of instruction is a central goal in the Instructional Swim program. A student will generally have the same instructor throughout an entire level, although he/she will occasionally have a substitute or may experience a change in teacher.
As students advance, each level brings a new instructor. At every lesson, detailed progress notes are recorded, guaranteeing continuity of instruction throughout a student's entire tenure. Charles River Aquatics instructors are specifically trained in the technique-based instructional approach, maintaining consistency and high quality of the Instructional Program.
Can I Request a Specific Instructor?
We welcome requests for specific instructors and, while we cannot guarantee, will attempt to accommodate.
All instructors are specifically trained in the technique-based instructional method.
Your student will thrive with any of our Charles River Aquatics Instructors!
If a Swimmer is Afraid, How Will Charles River Aquatics Help?
Having fear associated with water is not unusual for children and adults alike. Charles River Aquatics strives to have all swimmers feel safe, comfortable, and confident in the water. Extra encouragement and patience are essential and Charles River Aquatics instructors bring this to each and every lesson.
My Swimmer is a True Beginner. Can He/She Still Enroll in a Clinic or Camp?
Charles River Aquatics camps and clinics are part of the Instructional Swim Program. Many students who attend camps and clinics are true beginners who thrive with supportive, patient instruction. Students ages 3 years and up may participate.
Attending a Charles River Aquatics camp or clinic is a great way to start the journey to becoming a confident, safe, and efficient swimmer.
Are Parents/Guardians Permitted to Observe Programs?
Spectators, including parents/guardians of youth participants, are not permitted during any instructional or team programming.
Parents/guardians of youth Enrolled in Instructional Swim Lessons will be periodically invited for a visiting day. Observation is not permitted during summer/vacation camps or clinics.
Spectators are not permitted during any swim team practices.
The presence of spectators at events is assessed for each individual event. Decisions regarding the presence of spectators will be made in advance and shared by event organizers.
Where Are Instructional Swim Progress Reports Posted?
Progress reports are posted in Charles River Aquatics accounts. Log in to view and click "Evaluations":
How Long Does It Take to Advance to the Next Instructional Level?
Learning to swim does not occur on a set timeline. Each swimmer is a unique learner and individually tracked through the instructional levels. As skills are achieved and consistently demonstrated, students advance.
What Happens When My Swimmer Advances to the Next Instructional Level?
Once requirements for advancement are satisfied, swimmers immediately begin the skills in the next level. Class schedule is not disrupted.
When We Arrive at the Boston Sports Institute, How Do We Get to the Pools?
Upon arrival at the Boston Sports Institute (BSI), enter via the main entrance, proceed straight ahead through the foyer, past the reception desk and turn left. Walk down the hallway to the wet corridor (glass double doors) entrance to the natatorium.
What is the Procedure for Arrival/departure of Participants?
Spectators, including parents/guardians of youth participants, are not permitted during instructional programming, camps/clinics, or team practices.
Youth Instructional Swim Arrival/Departure:
Upon arrival at BSI, park in a legal spot and walk students into the facility. Enter via the main entrance, proceed straight ahead through the foyer, past the reception desk, and turn left. Walk down the hallway to the wet corridor (glass double doors) entrance to the natatorium.
When arriving for Instructional Swim, students are greeted by a Charles River Aquatics Staff Member at the wet corridor entrance; at that point, parents/guardians must depart.
To collect swimmers at the conclusion of a lesson, park in a legal spot, enter the facility, and queue outside the double glass doors at the end of the wet corridor (drop-off point). Do not enter the wet corridor.
Staff will open the doors at the end of each program, at which point you may meet your swimmer.
Parents/guardians assisting young swimmers in the Family Changing Room may enter the wet corridor when staff signal that the lesson has concluded. Parents/guardians may then accompany swimmers into the changing room.
No one may linger in the wet corridor at any time.
Live parking for pickup along Route 9 is NOT permitted for youth instructional programs.
Adult Instructional Swim Arrival/Departure:
Adults entering for programming will access the natatorium via the wet corridor and check in at the deck entrance. Adults depart via the wet corridor.
Youth Swim Team Arrival/Departure:
Athletes arriving for swim team practice enter via the wet corridor and check in at the deck entrance. Parents/guardians accompanying athletes must depart at the wet corridor entrance. Youth athletes depart via the wet corridor.
Parents/guardians meeting athletes at the conclusion of practice park in a legal spot, enter the facility, and queue outside the double glass doors at the end of the wet corridor. Do not enter the wet corridor.
Brief live parking is permitted along the front (main entrance) for pickups. Do not block fire lanes or handicapped spots.
Does Charles River Aquatics have a USA Swimming Youth Team?
Charles River Aquatics has a large and competitive USA Swimming Youth Team, the Dragons.
More information: Dragons Website
Does Charles River Aquatics Have a Masters Swim Team for Adults?
Charles River Aquatics has a large active US Masters Swim Team.
More information: CRA Masters Website
What Other Programming Does Charles River Aquatics Offer?
In addition to Instructional Swim lessons (youth and adult) and team opportunities (USA Swimming Youth Team, the Dragons, and Charles River Aquatics Masters), Charles River Aquatics offers:
- Summer/School Vacation Week Swim Camp
- Instructional Swim Clinics (Starts & Turns, Beginning Dives, and more)
- Private Swim Lessons
- Charles River Aquatics Recreational Swim Team
- Technique & Training Tune-Up (T3U)
- Adult Small Group Coaching
- Comp Lap Swim
- Teen Beginner Lessons
- Warm Pool Lap Swim
- Family Recreational Swim Rental
- Toddler and Preschool Lessons
- Aquatic Fitness Classes
More Questions?
Contact Sarah at registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com or call (617) 939-8078