Lessons
At SwimNOVA, we help children ages 3 and up become confident, lifelong swimmers through progressive, skill-based instruction. Whether your child is just beginning their swimming journey or learning all four competitive strokes, our experienced instructors provide a supportive environment that develops strong swimming fundamentals, proper technique, and confidence while preparing swimmers for future success in recreational or competitive swimming. Lessons are taught on weekdays or weekends (weekends are September through May).
Fall 2026 Registration Dates:
August 26 Current Lessons participants Online Registration opens @ 9 am (Jackrabbit)
August 31 Online Lessons registration will close @ 9 am
September 1 New family Lessons registration begins @ 9 am (phone 804-754-3401 x 1)
Weekday Lessons Information
Regency Weekday Lessons Offerings
| Lesson | Days | Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levels 1 - 5 | M/W | 12:15 - 1:00 pm | |
| T/Th | 12:15 - 1:00 pm | ||
| Levels 1 - 5 | M/W | 1:00 - 1:45 pm | |
| T/Th | 1:00 - 1:45 pm | ||
| Levels 1 - 5 | M/W | 1:45 - 2:30 pm | |
| T/Th | 1:45 - 2:30 pm |
Gayton Weekday Lessons Offerings
| Lesson | Days | Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levels 2 - 5 | M/W | 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm | |
| T/Th | 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm | ||
| Levels 2 - 5 | M/W | 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm | |
| T/Th | 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm | ||
| Levels 2 - 5 | M/W | 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm | |
| T/Th | 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm | ||
| Levels 2 - 5 | M/W | 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm | |
| T/Th | 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm | ||
| Levels 2 - 5 | M/W | 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm | |
| T/Th | 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm | ||
| Levels 2 - 5 | M/W | 6:15 pm - 7:00 pm |
*Gayton weekday lessons are restricted to swimmers in elementary school and older
Weekend Lessons Information
Understanding Weekend Lessons:
Weekend Lessons are packaged and billed in separate “sessions” that typically consist of 6-8 classes.
Each weekend session is billed independently five days prior to the start date.
Weekend Lessons are held at our Gayton location on Saturdays and Sundays for the listed dates.
Gayton Weekend Lessons Offerings
| Lesson | Days | Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levels 1 - 5 | Sa/Su | 10:00 - 10:45 am | |
| Levels 1 - 5 | Sa/Su | 10:45 - 11:30 am | |
| Levels 1 - 5 | Sa/Su | 11:30 - 12:15 pm | |
| Levels 1 - 5 | Sa/Su | 12:15 - 1:00 pm | |
| Levels 1 - 5 | Sa/Su | 1:00 - 1:45 pm |
Fall 2026
Weekday Lessons Dates and Pricing
| Month | Day | Dates | Classes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | M/W | 14th - 30th | 6 | $156 |
| T/Th | 15th - 29th | 5 | $130 | |
| October | M/W | 5th - 28th | 8 | $208 |
| T/Th | 1st - 29th | 9 | $234 | |
| November | M/W | 2nd - 23rd, 30th | 8 | $208 |
| T/Th | 3rd - 24th | 8 | $208 | |
| December | M/W | 2nd - 16th | 5 | $130 |
| T/Th | 1st - 17th | 6 | $156 |
*No lessons November 25-26, Happy Thanksgiving
Weekend Lessons Dates and Pricing
| Session | Dates | Classes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall #1 | Sept. 19/20 Sept. 26/27 Oct. 10/11 Oct. 17/18 | 8 | $208 |
| Fall #2 | Nov. 14/15 Nov. 21/22 Dec. 5/6 Dec. 12/13 | 8 | $208 |
| Winter #3 | |||
| Winter #4 | |||
| Spring #5 |
How to Register Fall 2026
Fall 2026 Registration
Current Participant Registration
Families with swimmers who have remained active in the SwimNOVA Lessons Program since September 2025 may register online through the PARENT PORTAL beginning Wednesday, August 26 at 9:00 am.
Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis until classes are full or online registration closes Monday, August 31 at 9:00 am.
In-person registration is not available. Before registration opens, please review our HOW TO REGISTER guide.
New Participant Registration
Registration for new families and participants who have not been active in the SwimNOVA Lessons program since September 2025 begins Tuesday, September 1 at 9:00 am, pending availability.
To register, call the Lessons Office at 804-754-3401 ext. 1 and leave a voicemail. Calls are returned in the order they are received.
Please include:
- Swimmers Name and Date of Birth
- Preferred class days and times
- Current swimming ability
Before calling, we encourage you to review our Choosing The Correct Skill Level guide. Please note that SwimNOVA’s curriculum and advancement standards may differ from those of other swim lesson programs. Any questions regarding your child’s level can be answered by the lesson’s staff.
We kindly ask that you leave only one voicemail when registering, as multiple messages may delay our ability to return calls as quickly as possible.
Waitlists
If your preferred class is full, you may be added to a waitlist. SwimNOVA maintains active waitlists and reviews them daily. When an opening becomes available, the Lessons Office will contact you promptly. There is no need to call to check your waitlist status.
Determine Your Child's Level
Please consult the lessons office if you have any questions about proper placement for your swimmer. Please note that the levels in other swim programs differ from the SwimNOVA levels.
All swimmers must be at least 3 years old, fully potty trained, able to communicate with instructors and lifeguards, and able to follow directions in a group setting.
Level 1
Your child is ready for Level 1 when they are at least 3 years old and fully potty trained.
In this introductory level, swimmers become comfortable in the water while learning foundational skills such as blowing bubbles, kicking, and floating. The focus is on building confidence and developing positive experiences in the water.
Skills required for advancement to Level 2
- Gets face / eyes wet unassisted
- Blows bubbles and does not hold nose
- Submerges head completely and willingly underwater and blows bubbles without an instructor
- Willingly and comfortably floats on back with ears in
- Pushes on stomach from wall to instructor and instructor to wall
- Willingly kicks on kickboard with instructor’s help
- Willingly kicks on back, arms at sides, with instructor’s help
- Jumps from the side/gutter of pool to instructor
Level 2
Your child is ready for Level 2 when they willingly submerge, blow bubbles, and float on their back (ears in) with comfort, and demonstrate basic forward movement with assistance.
In this level, swimmers develop independent floating, proper body position, controlled submersion, and propulsive kicking with proper technique. Swimmers continue to build confidence and independence in the water.
Skills required for advancement to Level 3
- Repetitive bubble blowing 5 consecutive times with head entirely submerged
- 25 yards of proper freestyle kicking on a kickboard unassisted
- 25 yards of proper backstroke kick (arms at sides) unassisted
- Streamlines to and from the wall using proper kick, unassisted, with face in and bubbles
- Retrieves object 3 feet underwater with bubbles
- Jumps from side, surfaces, and kicks on back to instructor the width of 2 lanes
Level 3
Your child is ready for Level 3 when they can float independently on both their front and back, kick with good body position, and travel independently through the water for a length of the pool.
In this level, swimmers learn the fundamentals of freestyle and backstroke, including proper arm movements, rhythmic breathing, and coordinated kicking. Swimmers also continue to build endurance and independence in the water
Skills required for advancement to Level 4
- 25 yards of unassisted rifle drill backstroke
- 25 yards of each: kicking on left and right side with an extended arm in freestyle breathing position, unassisted
- 25 yards L and R side extended arm kicking with rotational breathing
- Retrieves object from bottom of pool
- Proper breathing: inhaling through mouth, exhaling through nose
- Jumps from starting block unassisted and kick on back to the instructor
- Jumps from starting block unassisted and streamlines to instructor then back to the wall
Level 4
Your child is ready for Level 4 when they can swim freestyle and backstroke drill independently with proper body position and rotational breathing for a length of the pool.
In this level, swimmers refine freestyle and backstroke while learning the fundamentals of butterfly. They will also begin learning introductory diving skills and continue improving technique, coordination, and endurance.
Skills required for advancement to Level 5
- Single arm catch up freestyle with rotary breathing
- 2 arm catch up freestyle with rotary breathing
- 3 count catch up freestyle with bi-rotary breathing
- Flips in water
- Dives from side
- 25 yards butterfly tipping (no flutter/scissor kicking)
- 25 yards streamline kicking on back
- Continued proficiency in rifle drill backstroke
Level 5
Your child is ready for Level 5 when they can demonstrate proper freestyle and backstroke drill progressions, perform a basic dive, complete a flip in the water, and tip butterfly with correct body movement and timing.
In this level, swimmers transition from drill-based instruction to full stroke swimming while refining technique, efficiency, and endurance. Swimmers are introduced to legal breaststroke, flip turns, and competitive starts as they prepare for future swimming opportunities.
Skills required to pass Level 5
- Transition to backstroke swim from rifle drill
- Transition to freestyle swim from catch up
- Execute proper stroke count for backstroke using flags
- Flip turns (freestyle)
- 25 yards legal breaststroke kick on a kickboard
- 25 yards 1 pull – 2 kick breaststroke drill
- 25 yards legal breaststroke swim with glide
- 25 yards 2 tip butterfly with arms
- Streamline diving from the block
Levels After Level 5 Lessons
The following levels after Level 5 lessons are under the NOVA lessons program. There are different options for swimmers whether the desire is to join the team or to continue to work on stroke and skill improvement and endurance in a twice weekly practice.
Registration is through the lessons office. There is not the commitment of the swim team (contracts, volunteer hours, meets, etc.).
Click here to View NOVA Strokes School Programs.
NOVA Strokes School RED.
SS RED (formerly Stroke School Junior) practices twice a week for an hour. SS RED swimmers are legal in all 4 strokes and are placed in the group by coach recommendation. This is a introductory group, transitioning swimmers from lessons to a team-like environment.
NOVA Strokes School WHITE.
SS White (formerly Stroke School Senior) practices twice a week for an hour and fifteen minutes. Swimmers in this group are proficient in all 4 strokes and turns. This group builds on the skills learned in SS RED with an introduction to aerobic work. Placement into this group is by coach recommendation.
NOVA Strokes School BLUE.
SS Blue (formerly Development Prep) practices twice a week for an hour and thirty minutes. Swimmers in this group are able to train all 4 strokes and have proficient turns. This group builds on the skills learned in SS WHITE, with an increase in conditioning. Placement into this group is by coach recommendation and is limited to swimmers 11 years of age and older.
SwimNOVA Lessons Policies
Policies
At SwimNOVA, our goal is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where every swimmer can develop strong swimming skills and progress at their own pace. These policies help create a consistent experience for all program families and participants. By enrolling in SwimNOVA Lessons, families agree to abide by the following policies.
Participation Requirements
- Swimmers must be at least 3 years old.
- Swimmers must be fully potty trained (swim diapers are not permitted).
- Swimmers must be able to communicate with instructors and lifeguards.
- Swimmers must be able to follow directions in a group setting.
- Parents are responsible for notifying the Lessons Office in advance of any medical conditions, behavioral concerns, or accommodations that may affect their child’s participation.
Swim Attire
- Swimmers must wear appropriate attire: girls must wear a 1 piece swimsuit, and boys should wear swim trunks with a liner or jammers.
- Long hair must be secured in a swim cap or pulled back in a ponytail.
- Goggles are not allowed for level 1.
- Goggles cannot cover the nose and are optional for levels 2 and up.
- Swim shirts are discouraged.
During Lessons
- Parents must remain in the facility.
- Parents can observe from designated bleachers only.
- Swimmers may not enter the water before/after class.
- Parents must be available to assist with bathroom breaks for children who need assistance.
- Children aged 5 and up can not enter locker rooms or restrooms of the opposite gender. Changing tents are available at the Gayton location.
- Changing on deck is prohibited at NOVA facilities.
Registration & Enrollment
- Families may enroll each swimmer in one lesson group at a time.
- Parents must register swimmers for the correct level. Contact the Lessons office if help is needed to determine placement.
- Registration is not complete until payment and confirmation have been received
- Families will be charged a yearly “Registration Fee” of $30 per swimmer that is valid for a full season of September through July.
- WEEKDAY LESSONS Enrollment is ongoing from September through May. Families remain enrolled until they submit a drop request.
- WEEKEND & SUMMER LESSONS These lessons are offered in sessions and registration is required for each session.
Payments, Drops & Refunds
- Credit cards are charged four days prior to the start of the next month/session.
- Drop requests must be received five days before the next month/session in order to avoid charges. Refunds are not available after this deadline.
- Medical Exemption – refunds may be issued for extended illness or injury where 3 or more consecutive lessons are missed. Parents should promptly contact the Lessons Office and provide medical documentation.
Inclement Weather
- NOVA’s pools are grounded, meaning we can continue classes during weather events like periods of rain or storms – as long as there is no lightning in the immediate area. Lessons may be stopped but then continued when the weather conditions permit.
- Weather-related cancellations will be posted on the NOVA Lessons website http://novaswim.org/swim-programs/lessons
Photography
- Photos/videos of instructors and students are not allowed without permission.
- Photos may be taken during lessons for marketing and promotional purposes. Parents must notify the Lessons Office in writing if you do not want your child’s photo used.
Right to Remove
- NOVA reserves the right to suspend or discontinue participation when a swimmer’s or family member’s conduct compromises the safety, well-being, or learning environment of the program or when program policies are not followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child need to be?
NOVA accepts children 3 years of age and older. All swimmers must be fully potty trained before participating in lessons.
How do I know when my child is ready to start lessons?
Children should be fully potty trained, able to communicate with an instructor, and able to follow directions in a group setting. These skills create a safe and successful learning environment for everyone in class.
How do I know what Level to register my swimmer for?
Returning SwimNOVA lessons participants can find their level by logging in to the Jackrabbit Parent Portal, selecting your swimmer and clicking the Skills (star) tab.
Swimmers new to our program should review our “Determine Your Child’s Level” guide. Please note that SwimNOVA’s curriculum and advancement standards may differ from those of other swim lesson programs. Any questions regarding your child’s level can be answered by the lesson’s staff.
How long are lessons?
Each lesson is 45 minutes in length. However, if a class only has 2 students, the instructor will end after 30 minutes.
Can I watch my child’s lesson?
Absolutely! Parents and guardians are encouraged to watch lessons from the designated spectator area on the far-side bleachers. Watching from the bleachers allows instructors to maintain swimmers’ attention while still giving families a great view.
Can I drop my swimmer off for their lesson?
No. A parent or guardian must remain in the facility for the duration of the lesson. This ensures someone is available if a swimmer needs assistance, including help for younger swimmers using the restroom.
Do you offer make-up classes?
No. Because classes are kept small and are often full, SwimNOVA does not offer make-up opportunities for missed classes. We appreciate your understanding as this policy allows us to maintain consistent class sizes and scheduling for families.
How do I know when my child is ready to move up?
Swimmers progress at their own pace and advance when they have consistently demonstrated all of the skills required for the next level. Advancement is based on skill mastery rather than age or time in the program. Progress reports and recommended levels can be viewed in your Parent Portal by selecting your swimmer and clicking the Skills (star) tab.
Who do I contact about my child’s progress?
If you have questions about your child’s progress or would like to discuss their current level, please contact the SwimNOVA Lessons Office. Our staff works closely with instructors and can answer questions about skill development, level placement, and future goals. If additional information is needed, we will communicate directly with your child’s instructor and follow up with you.
Do you offer private lessons?
No. SwimNOVA only offers group lessons. Our curriculum is designed around progressive group instruction that prepares swimmers for future success in Stroke School and competitive swimming.
How will I know if lessons are canceled due to weather?
SwimNOVA’s pools are indoors and are able to operate during most weather conditions, including rain. Lessons are only canceled when weather or other conditions make it unsafe to operate. Any weather-related cancellations will be posted on the SwimNOVA Lessons webpage, and families will be notified if additional action is required.
About Us
Interested in becoming a swim lessons instructor?
SwimNOVA is training and hiring new swim instructors for the Fall 2026 (shifts are M/W, T/Th or Sat/Sun).
Interested candidates should reach out to MC Banks at coachmc@novaswim.org
SwimNOVA Lessons Office
12207 Gayton Road.
Richmond, VA 23238
804-754-3401 x 1
novalessons@novaswim.org