Youth Programs
Age 4 months - 3 years old with an Adult
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 4 months - 3 years old with an Adult
Warm Teaching Pool
$160/month
Prerequisites: Must be at least 4 months of age and wear a swimmy diaper AND a rubber/plastic swim diaper cover on top
This class will introduce your children to essential swim skills in a fun and engaging environment. They will have the opportunity to practice these skills with your support and guidance.
The goal of this class is not to “drown-proof” infants, as infants cannot be drown-proofed, nor is it to teach infants to swim. This is an opportunity to use movement and repetition of skills to increase comfort in the water and introduce water safety concepts and the elements that make the foundation of swimming that will be beneficial when a child has the strength and cognition to be ready to learn to swim.
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 -5 without an Adult
Class Size: 5
Warm Teaching Pool
$160/month
Prerequisites: Must be 3-5 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.
Any Skill Level - Ages 3 -12
Class Size: 5
Warm Teaching Pool
$160/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.
Skill Level Set up:
Swim Lesson Level Descriptions | Age 3+
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.
Level 2 – Independent Movement and Basic Skills
Swimmers begin moving independently through the water using early freestyle and backstroke movements. They learn unassisted front and back floats, streamlined glides, and kicking with proper form. Equipment is still used as a teaching aid but is gradually phased out. By the end of this level, swimmers should be able to swim short distances confidently without physical support.
Level 3 – Introduction to Competitive Strokes and Kneeling Dives
All four USA Swimming strokes—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—are introduced through a mix of drills and full-stroke work. Swimmers focus on learning correct body position, timing, and breathing for each stroke. Kneeling dives are introduced to help develop safe entry skills. While equipment may be used to reinforce technique, swimmers are expected to swim independently for most of the lesson.
Level 4 – Stroke Development, Turns, and Standing Dives (25 Yards)
Swimmers refine technique and build the stamina to swim 25-yard distances with proper form. They learn and practice flip turns, open turns, stroke-specific finishes, and standing dives from the pool deck. Lessons emphasize consistent, legal technique, stroke corrections, and smooth transitions. Equipment is used minimally, with a strong focus on swimmer independence and preparation for team-based structures like pre-team or rec groups.
Level 5 – Stroke Mastery, Starts, and Team Readiness (50 Yards)
Swimmers work toward mastering all four competitive strokes across 50-yard distances. They learn racing dives from the block and backstroke starts, as well as improve their efficiency in turns and finishes. Team training methodologies are introduced, including how to read and use the pace clock, follow interval-based sets, and pace themselves during workouts. Equipment is used only for targeted stroke refinement. By the end of this level, swimmers are ready to transition into pre-team, rec, or competitive groups such as T3U or Dragons.
Beginner & Intermediate | Age 10-17
Class size: 8
Warm Teaching Pool
$225/month
This program is an hour long class in our warm teaching for beginner and intermediate swimmers looking to learn with older peers.
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
Proficient Swimmers | Age 8-17
Class Size: up to 4 swimmers per lane
Competition Pool
$225/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.
Tryout Required: Click to pursue a tryout
Kindergarten - 3rd grade
Class Size: 20
Warm Teaching Pool & Competition Pool
$300/month
This program functions as a transition between swim lessons and one of the CRA teams. Participants will progress onto the CRA Rec Swim Team or CRA Dragon Team. Team Prep is for swimmers in Kindergarten through 3rd grade and they will not be registered with USA Swimming or compete in meets with other teams. The primary focus of this program is to introduce them to the excitement of the sport while improving their skills in preparation for a team. Team Prep swimmers will work with our instructional and team staff to master the four competitive strokes, starts, and turns and learn important aspects of a team workout and competition.
Tryout Required: Click to schedule a tryout
Proficient Swimmers | Age 8-17
Competition Pool
THU, SAT and SUN
$375/month during our School Year Season
PLUS WEDNESDAY NIGHT ADD ON THIS FALL! Sep 10 - Oct 1 at 7-8:15pm
Prerequisites: Students must be proficient in all four competitive strokes and able to maintain a legal freestyle for at least 200 consecutive yards.
CRA Rec Swim Team is a fun team atmosphere where athletes can improve swim skills without competing against other teams.
Adult Programs
Information coming soon!
Warm Teaching Pool
and
Shallow Lanes in Competition Pool
Class size: 8
$225/month
This program is ideal for adults with little to no swim experience through intermediate skilled swimmers.
Competition Pool
Class size: 7
$225/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
Triathlon training class – Swim/Run focus
Click to enroll!
TUE and/or THU 11am-12pm
Sep 9 - Nov 20 (NO 9/18 or 11/11)
TUE Session $200
THU Session $200
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
Swim Lesson Level Descriptions | Age 3+
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.
Level 2 – Independent Movement and Basic Skills
Swimmers begin moving independently through the water using early freestyle and backstroke movements. They learn unassisted front and back floats, streamlined glides, and kicking with proper form. Equipment is still used as a teaching aid but is gradually phased out. By the end of this level, swimmers should be able to swim short distances confidently without physical support.
Level 3 – Introduction to Competitive Strokes and Kneeling Dives
All four USA Swimming strokes—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—are introduced through a mix of drills and full-stroke work. Swimmers focus on learning correct body position, timing, and breathing for each stroke. Kneeling dives are introduced to help develop safe entry skills. While equipment may be used to reinforce technique, swimmers are expected to swim independently for most of the lesson.
Level 4 – Stroke Development, Turns, and Standing Dives (25 Yards)
Swimmers refine technique and build the stamina to swim 25-yard distances with proper form. They learn and practice flip turns, open turns, stroke-specific finishes, and standing dives from the pool deck. Lessons emphasize consistent, legal technique, stroke corrections, and smooth transitions. Equipment is used minimally, with a strong focus on swimmer independence and preparation for team-based structures like pre-team or rec groups.
Level 5 – Stroke Mastery, Starts, and Team Readiness (50 Yards)
Swimmers work toward mastering all four competitive strokes across 50-yard distances. They learn racing dives from the block and backstroke starts, as well as improve their efficiency in turns and finishes. Team training methodologies are introduced, including how to read and use the pace clock, follow interval-based sets, and pace themselves during workouts. Equipment is used only for targeted stroke refinement. By the end of this level, swimmers are ready to transition into pre-team, rec, or competitive groups such as T3U or Dragons.
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