Swimming

Starfish Swimming

Park Ridge Park District is an independent authorized provider of Starfish Swimming!

The Starfish Swimming curriculum is designed for students ages 6-months to adult.

Benchmarks are established at each stage in the program that combine both swimming and safety skills. Students participate in experiential learning activities that allow them to explore the water in a creative and comfortable environment. Correct swimming techniques are taught from the very beginning, providing an easy transition to swim team.

Starfish Curriculum

Upcoming Aquatics Event

SUNDAE FUNDAY
Sunday, July 20
at Prospect Park Splash Pad

General Lesson Guidelines

Please read the class descriptions and sign your child up for the level that most closely matches their ability.
New students will be tested on the first day to ensure they are in a class that best suits their skill level.
During swim lessons, a pool manager is present to answer any questions. Any other questions regarding swim lessons should be directed to Jenna Jezek at 847-292-8921 or jjezek@prparks.org.
Due to high enrollment and limited pool space, make-up lessons are not provided.
We request that participants bring their own towel and goggles.

Please Note: Parents or chaperones who have a child participating in swim lessons will be allowed to wait on the pool deck during swim lessons, without charge. Street clothes will be allowed in this area while waiting for your child.

Aquatic Classes

StarBabies™ & StarTots™ (6 months-Age 3 with Adult)

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Program listings are currently unavailable while the database is updating, however registration is available at https://ilparkridgeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

Starfish Swim School® for Preschoolers (3-5 without Adult)

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Program listings are currently unavailable while the database is updating, however registration is available at https://ilparkridgeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

Starfish Swim School® for Youth (Ages 5-12)

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Program listings are currently unavailable while the database is updating, however registration is available at https://ilparkridgeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

Starfish® Stroke School (Ages 5-14)

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Program listings are currently unavailable while the database is updating, however registration is available at https://ilparkridgeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

Riptides Swim Team - Seasonal (Ages 6-18)

Think you might be interested in competitive swimming? Our fun and friendly swim team is great a way for ages 6-18 to develop your skills while getting a feel for what it’s like to race against other swimmers.

The Riptides Swim Team is a competitive summer swim team that is part of the Northern Illinois Swim Conference. We practice on weekday mornings and compete against other local park districts on Wednesday nights. Our goal is to provide a competitive team experience at a recreational level. Emphasis is on learning competitive skills, enjoyment of the sport, and a lifelong participation in swimming.

Riptides competitive swim team is a summer program only. Pre-registration for past participants only will open one week prior to general registration. General registration for residents opens on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:30am online. General registration for non-residents opens at 8:30am on Friday, May 9,2025. Please note, general registration may not be offered if capacity is reached during pre-registration. Please contact jjezek@prparks.org with any questions.

Database Updating

Program listings are currently unavailable while the database is updating, however registration is available at https://ilparkridgeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

Riptides Swim Team - Non-Competitive Practices (Ages 5-18)

Past and potential Riptides are invited to participate in Riptides Off-Season. Swimmers can improve their technique and endurance in a non-competitive team environment. As a prerequisite, all swimmers must have freestyle an backstroke skills. Swimmers age 12 & up are required to have butterfly an breaststroke skills. Goggles are required, and swim caps are highly encouraged.

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Program listings are currently unavailable while the database is updating, however registration is available at https://ilparkridgeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

Introduction to Water Polo

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Program listings are currently unavailable while the database is updating, however registration is available at https://ilparkridgeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

Springboard Diving

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Program listings are currently unavailable while the database is updating, however registration is available at https://ilparkridgeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

Private Lessons

Ages 3 & Up
We offer private swim lessons year-round. These classes are set to specific times and days of the week. Just pick the one that works for you. Classes are either one-on-one or in small groups if you choose semi-private (upon request).

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Program listings are currently unavailable while the database is updating, however registration is available at https://ilparkridgeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html

Private Flex Swim Lessons

We offer private flex swim lessons that cater to your schedule and creates custom times. These lessons are available anytime during open swim and are scheduled directly with an instructor. Private flex lessons are $50 per 30 min lesson. They are pay as you go; just stop at the front desk when you arrive for your lesson. Lessons are available to start anytime once you are paired with an instructor, which can take a few weeks depending on instructor availability. If you are interested in scheduling flex private lessons, please contact Jenna Jezek at 847-292-8921 or jjezek@prparks.org and provide the following information:

Participant's name, age, and skill level
Any additional accommodations needed
Parents name, email, and phone number
Your availability for lessons or desired times
Your instructor preference
Number of 30 min lessons requested

School Break Private Lessons -Seasonal

Need something to do while the kids are off school? Sign up for school break private lessons! Some of our most in-demand instructors are offering private lessons over Thanksgiving and Winter breaks. Sign up for just one lesson for a refresher, or sign up for multiple to develop new skills!

Have multiple children wanting to swim? Sign up for back-to-back lessons with the same instructor, or select days and times are offered by multiple instructors at the same time!