Swim Lessons & Swim Club

Splash into fun year-round with the Sterling Park District! We offer a variety of Aquatics Programs, including swim lessons, open swim, lifeguard certification and recertification classes, camps, and a competitive swim team. Group and private lessons for all ages and skill levels are offered at the Duis Recreation Center. 

All swim lessons are held at the Duis Center. Swim lessons are available to ages 6 months and up. For more information, call the Duis Center at (815) 622-6200.

To register for swim lessons, click here.

SEE SPRING ACTIVITY GUIDE FOR PROGRAM TIMES AND PRICING

Water Exploration (Ages 6m-3yrs)

Parents-join your little ones in the pool as we help them become more comfortable in and around the water. Activities include games and songs geared toward children under the age of 3. 

Level 1 (Ages 3+)

A focus on trust and submersion. Participants will become comfortable in and around the water while learning the basics of floating on the front and back with support from the instructor. Participants will also be encouraged to submerge their face under water.  

Level 2 (Ages 3+)

A focus on body position and air recovery. Participants will learn the basics of floating on the front and back without support from the instructor. Participants will also practice submerging under water and recovering for air in the diving well.

Level 3 (Ages 3+)

A focus on forward movement and direction change. Participants will retrieve objects from the bottom of a 3-foot pool and improve techniques of a freestyle and backstroke. Participants will also begin learning rotary breaking. Jumping off the diving board will be encouraged.

Level 4 (Ages 3+)

A focus on rotary movement. Participants will be introduced to the elementary backstroke, side stroke and breaststroke techniques and taught how to tread water. Participants will also improve on their freestyle techniques and rotary breathing.  

Private Lessons (Ages 3+)

Private swim lessons are a great way for your child to get individual attention. We will create a lesson plan to meet each participant’s individual goals.

Lifeguard Class (Age 15+)

Those seeking the full certification must attend all dates in session. Those seeking recertification only need to attend Thursday. 

Wahoos Swim Team 

Wahoo Aquatic Club is a multiple site USA swimming team in Freeport and Sterling

Bronze Wahoos (Age 6+)

This training group continues to reinforce basic skills and technique. The swimmers are introduced to racing, training and stroke development. Must be able to do flip turns and dive. Travel to Freeport on Thursdays.

Silver Wahoos (Age 6+)

At this level, practices begin leaning towards more conditioning, with less focus on technique. All aspects of competitive swimming are covered from streamlining to breakdown of energy systems. Travel to Freeport on Thursdays.

Gold Wahoos (Age 6+)

This group is for our advanced, senior age & master age swimmers. Participants will be exposed to a full training plan. Practices are held Monday through Friday. Travel to Freeport on Thursdays. 

Duis Recreation Center (815) 622-6200
Contact Stephanie Milnes, Duis Center Manager
(815) 622-2282 or smilnes@sterlingparks.org
Wahoo Swim Club (815) 622-6200