Gain swimming skills and build confidence in the water with Campus Rec’s Learn to Swim Program! With the mission of being active, being well, and belonging, Campus Rec ensures that there are opportunities for everyone within the URI community, beyond just students.
Taught by American Red Cross-certified instructors, this program provides a safe and stress-free environment to help kids, from infants to teens, get acclimated and comfortable in the water. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate swimmer, the course is sure to provide new skills and build confidence in the water. Classes will begin January 23rd and run until April 25th, holding sessions on Mondays and Fridays from 4:00-6:30 p.m., along with Saturdays from 9:00-11:30 a.m. With various levels, Learn to Swim is inclusive of ages from infants to teens.
Swimming is not just an exercise, but a critical life tool to have, especially here in the Ocean State!This course will not only be a fun experience for your child, but is a safety tool that is important for all kids to know. Swimming is a fundamental tool for children. It is a critical skill to be able to stay afloat if an accident were to arise.
Swimming has proved to be one of my favorite athletic activities, and has provided me with many opportunities. Growing up participating on swim teams, swimming has led me to meet many friends and opened several doors along the way. Campus Rec allows students to continue swimming competitively with the URI Club Swim Team, encouraging students to get involved in the URI community, and allowing for students to continue being competitive with their sport. Campus Recreation fosters opportunities for involvement for those of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Swimming does not have to be competitive, but allows for a lifelong connection with the water. Being able to be confident in the water is an incredibly useful tool, especially here in Rhode Island, where the beach is so close. By signing up your children for Learn to Swim, you are supporting their ability to learn a basic skill that will allow them to make many memories, and widen their future.
Dive into Fitness
Campus Rec instills the values of being active, being well, and belonging within the URI community. With this, our mission is not just limited to URI students, but reaches to the community of parents. With multiple facilities and programs to enhance our mission, the Tootell Aquatic Center being one of them, community members are encouraged to become active with Campus Rec. Being active and belonging does not begin or end in college, but is a lifelong accomplishment. Register for Learn to Swim online through Campus Recreation here.In addition to Learn-to -Swim, Campus Rec provides Hydro Fitness classes, open swim, along with Senior Water Exercise classes. Senior Water Exercise, a course for adults 55+, is now open for registration. Learn more here. Hydro Fitness is another water exercise class, open to both local community members, and URI students. This course is a fast-paced, challenging workout. For more information about Hydro Fitness, check out our website. All of these programs will begin January 2026, and continue through April. With these aquatic programs, Campus Recreation encourages community members to build confidence in the water, and enhance their lifelong wellness.
By Erin Mullaney
Major: Political Science and Criminal Justice
Graduating May 2026