Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Why Charles River Aquatics?
Charles River Aquatics (CRA) offers a competitive, technique-based program designed to build a strong foundation for lifelong swimming. We challenge every swimmer to develop efficient technique, increasing both safety and performance in the water. CRA offers programming for the entire family — from toddlers to triathletes.
What Other Programming Does Charles River Aquatics Offer?
In addition to Instructional Swim Lessons (youth and adult) and our team programs — the Dragons (USA Swimming Youth Team) and CRA Masters — CRA offers:
- Summer & School Vacation Week Swim Camp
- Instructional Swim Clinics (Starts & Turns, Beginning Dives, and more)
- Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons
- CRA Recreational Swim Team
- Technique & Training Tune-Up (T3U)
- Adult Small Group Coaching
- Competition Lap Swim
- Teen Beginner Lessons
- Warm Pool Lap Swim
- Family Recreational Swim Rental
- Toddler and Preschool Lessons
- Aquatic Fitness Classes
My Swimmer is a True Beginner. Can They Still Enroll in a Clinic or Camp?
Yes. CRA's camps and clinics are part of our broader Instructional Swim Program, and many participants are true beginners who thrive with supportive, patient instruction. Swimmers ages 4 and up are welcome to enroll — camp or clinic enrollment is a great way to begin the journey toward becoming a confident, safe, and efficient swimmer.
If My Swimmer is Afraid, How Will Charles River Aquatics Help?
Fear of the water is common among children and adults alike, and there's no need to worry. CRA is committed to helping every swimmer feel safe, comfortable, and confident. Our instructors bring extra patience and encouragement to every lesson, and progress is always paced to the individual swimmer's comfort level.
Are Instructors Consistent?
Yes. Consistency of instruction is a central goal of our Instructional Swim Program. Swimmers generally keep the same instructor throughout a given level, though an occasional substitute is possible. As swimmers advance to a new level, they'll typically be paired with a new instructor for that stage. Detailed progress notes are recorded at every lesson, ensuring continuity of instruction throughout a student's time at CRA. All CRA instructors are trained in our technique-based instructional approach, which helps maintain consistency and quality across the program.
Can I Request a Specific Instructor?
We're happy to consider instructor requests and will do our best to accommodate them, though we can't guarantee a specific placement. Rest assured — every CRA instructor is trained in our technique-based method, so your swimmer will receive high-quality instruction with any member of our team.
Tuition, Billing & Cancellations
What Is the Tuition for Group Lessons?
- Tuition is found on the page of each program.Â
- Join the CRA Instructional Swim Program at any time during the School Year Season. Enroll for your preferred class and you will be charged for the following month and begin swimming on or after the first of the following month (disregard the start date generated by the registration system).
- Your enrollment will continue through the entire season and you will be automatically charged each month unless you ask to discontinue by emailing registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com. 30 days notice required.
- Monthly tuition represents an average monthly cost based on the total number of lessons offered during the School Year Season.
How Am I Billed for Tuition?
School Year Season: Tuition is billed automatically during the first week of each month.
Summer Lesson Season: A one-time tuition payment is due at the time of registration.
How Do I Cancel or Change My School Year Class?
- To cancel: CRA requires 30 days' written notice to registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com. Tuition is not prorated.
- To change class day/time: Requests may be made at any time; mid-month changes incur a $10 administrative fee per registration.
Does CRA Offer Refunds or Make-Up Lessons for Missed Classes?
CRA does not offer refunds, credits, or make-up lessons for missed classes. Full details are available in our complete Policies document.
Health, Safety & Facility Policies
What Should Swimmers Wear?
- One-piece swimsuits for females; comfortable, form-fitting board shorts for males
- Swim shirts are discouraged, as they can restrict the range of motion needed to learn proper technique
- Goggles are required for Level 1 and above, and encouraged for Splash-level swimmers
- Swim caps are encouraged for all swimmers and required for Level 3 and above; all T3U participants and swim team athletes are required to wear swim caps at all times
What Is CRA's Policy Regarding Illness?
The health and safety of our patrons and staff is a top priority. Per Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance, individuals with a transferable disease may not enter the pool. If you're not feeling well, please stay home — your cooperation helps protect the health of our entire community.
When Are Blackout Dates?
- Blackout dates are days when a special event is scheduled at the pool and regular programming is cancelled. A complete, up-to-date list is available on our calendar.
Does CRA Offer Refunds or Make-Up Lessons for Missed Classes?
CRA does not offer refunds, credits, or make-up lessons for missed classes. Full details are available in our complete Policies document.
Are Parents/Guardians Permitted to Observe Programs?
Spectators, including parents/guardians of youth participants, are not permitted during instructional programming, camps, clinics, or team practices. Parents/guardians of youth Instructional Swim Lesson participants will be periodically invited to a designated visiting day. Spectator access at special events is evaluated individually and communicated in advance by event organizers.
What is your policy for classes cancelled due to snow or other emergency closures?
- CRA closures do not always align with local school district closures.
- Closures due to inclement weather or mechanical/facility issues will be posted on CRA's Facebook page: facebook.com/CharlesRiverAquatics.
- Questions: (617) 939-8078.
Arrival, Departure & Facility Access
How Do I Get to the Pools, and What's the Arrival/Departure Procedure?
Upon arrival at the Boston Sports Institute (BSI), enter through the main entrance, walk straight through the foyer past the reception desk, and turn left. Follow the hallway to the wet corridor (glass double doors) leading to the natatorium.
Youth Instructional Swim:
- Parents/guardians should park legally and walk students into the facility, following the route above.
- A CRA staff member will greet students at the wet corridor entrance; parents/guardians must depart at that point.
- For pickup, park legally, enter the facility, and queue outside the glass double doors at the end of the wet corridor. Please do not enter the wet corridor itself.
- Staff will open the doors at the end of the lesson so you can meet your swimmer.
- Parents/guardians assisting young swimmers in the Family Changing Room may enter the wet corridor once staff signal the lesson has ended.
- Lingering in the wet corridor is not permitted at any time.
- Live parking along Route 9 for pickup is not permitted for youth instructional programs.
Adult Instructional Swim: Adults enter and check in at the deck entrance via the wet corridor, and depart the same way.
Youth Swim Team:
- Athletes enter via the wet corridor and check in at the deck entrance; parents/guardians must depart at that entrance.
- For pickup, park legally, enter the facility, and queue outside the wet corridor's glass double doors (do not enter the corridor).
- Brief live parking near the main entrance is permitted for pickup — please avoid blocking fire lanes or accessible parking spots.
Is parking available on-site?
Yes! Charles River Aquatics is located inside the Boston Sports Institute, which offers a large on-site parking lot. We just ask that you park in a legal, designated space before heading in.
Progress & Advancement
Where Are Instructional Swim Progress Reports Posted?
Progress reports are available in your CRA account. Log in and select "Evaluations" at portal.iclasspro.com/charlesriveraquatics/dashboard.
How Long Does It Take to Advance to the Next Level?
There's no fixed timeline for learning to swim. Every swimmer is a unique learner, and progress is tracked individually. Advancement occurs once a swimmer has achieved and consistently demonstrated the required skills for their current level.
What Happens When My Swimmer Advances to the Next Level?
Once the requirements for advancement are met, swimmers begin working on the next level's skills immediately, without any disruption to their existing class schedule.
Teams & Other Opportunities
Does CRA Have a USA Swimming Youth Team?
Yes — the CRA Dragons is our competitive USA Swimming Youth Team. Learn more by visiting: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/necra/page/home
Does CRA Have a Masters Team for Adults?
Yes — CRA Masters is our active US Masters Swim Team for adult swimmers. Learn more by visiting https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/mnecmsch/page/home
Administrative & Contact Information
How Does CRA Communicate Important Information?
CRA shares scheduling updates and new program information via email and social media; time-sensitive messages may also be sent by text or phone. We recommend keeping all three communication channels enabled, as they are our only means of sharing important updates. CRA will never share your personal information with outside parties.
What Is CRA's Tax ID Number?
20-3305391
I Have More Questions — Who Do I Contact?
Reach our registrar at registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com or by phone at (617) 939-8078.
More Questions?
Contact Sarah at registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com or call (617) 939-8078