Public Swim Lessons

All swim courses and instructors are certified by the American Red Cross. Not all courses are available each lesson time. Please check the schedule for specific course sessions and times. Class sizes are limited, so please register early!  Also, private and semi-private lessons are available. Please click on Swimming Lesson in the left column for a full list of classes offered.  

Click here for a complete list of swim lesson classes.

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Private Lessons offer a one-to-one instructor/student ratio. Semi-Private Lessons offer a one to two instructor/student ratio. Students must sign-up together as there is no waitlist. Private lessons are offered during public swim hours and must be arranged through the Aquatic Coordinator. Requests for private and semi-private lessons will be accepted at the following link:  
Click here to make a request

Adaptive Swim Lessons

Swimming skills are modified or adapted to accommodate individual abilities, needs, and goals, regardless of age. Lessons are created for, but not limited to, those with physical, cognitive, behavior, communication and/or sensory disabilities. We aim to foster independence while providing positive recreational and education experiences.

• Dates: June 3 - 12
• Session 1: 9:45 - 10:10 (ages 5-7)
• Session 2:  10:30 - 11:00 am (ages 8-12)
• Fee: $48  
• Registration Code: ASWIM

Make A splash with Water Exercise!

Whether you are just beginning to start an exercise regimen, or want to beat the boredom out of your usual workout, Water Aerobics is a fantastic solution.  Water aerobics offers remarkable cardiovascular benefits and works out the entire body without putting stress on the bones and joints.  People are able to work out longer and consequently burn more calories due to the cooling effects of the water.  Experts say that this type of exercise is superior because of the multi-dimensional resistance the workout provides.  In addition, studies have shown that being in the water causes the body to release chemicals similar to those released in deep meditation.   You get great physical and mental benefits, all in one workout!

Aqua Aerobics

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00-9:00 am 

Instructor: Connie Pittenger

A full body workout designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, strength, coordination, and flexibility. Various aqua equipment will be used to increase water resistance and promote higher fitness levels. Aqua shoes are recommended. 

Splash Aerobics

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm until June 4

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:30 - 12:15 pm starting June 5

Instructor: Cheryl Yergler

A high energy aerobic and strength training class. Resistance bands and/or barbells are used to tone your muscles in this class. Aqua shoes are recommended. 

The Deep

Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 - 9:00 am  

Instructor: Irene Karten/Maggie Graff

This class uses interval training alternating periods of higher and lower intensity exercise. Pacing is increased until an aerobic threshold is reached, followed by a decrease in pace returning to regular target heart rate zone. Deep water is a non-impact exercise class using power for perfect body conditioning for the more athletic water participant.

Twinges in the Hinges

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 - 9:45 am 

Instructor: Liz Gracesun/Connie Pittenger

A gentle non-impact exercise class designed to provide range of motion to every joint in the body. Additional benefits include strengthening and increased physical and cardiovascular endurance. This class is designed and endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation. Participation forms must be completed for this class. This class is taught by Liz Gracesun, Certified Arthritis Foundation Water Fitness Instructor.

Silver Sneakers 

Tuesday, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm until June 4

Tuesday, 11:30 am - 12:15  pm starting June 5

This class which is endorsed by the Silver Sneakers program combines music, dance moves and special equipment to provide a full but gentle workout in the Leisure Pool area. 

H2O Blast

Monday, Wednesday 5:30-6:30 pm

Instructor: Tonya McNeill

Come join us for fun and blast your daily stresses away while you increase muscle definition, burn calories, and improve flexibility in the water.  You will discover a variety of of different workouts- with and without equipment- both in the leisure and lap pools - that will help you focus your energy, push you past your limits and challenge you to improve your overall wellness. Aqua shoes are recommended.

This class teaches skills that participants need to know to give immediate care to a suddenly injured or ill person until more advanced medical care arrives. The majority of coursework is done on the computer, and the hands-on skills will be practiced in the classroom. This is a 2-year certification course for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED from the American Red Cross. Course number 1203030

• Session 1
  • Date: Wednesday, May 8
  • Time: 12:30 - 3:00 pm
  • Register by May 1
• Session 2
  • Date: Saturday, June 15
  • Time: 10:00 - 12:30 pm
  • Register by June 7
• Session 3
  • Date: Wednesday, July 17
  • Time: 5:00 - 7:30 pm
  • Register by July 9
• Fee: $70
• Age: 12 & Over
• Location: CRC Party Rooms
• Registration Code: 3103030

Learn to become a professional lifeguard This course teaches CPR, First Aid and all the rescue techniques. This class is offered to individuals 15 years and older. This will be a blended learning course with instruction both online, and in the pool. Participants must be available to attend all in-person training sessions. Required pre-test is a 300-meter swim (12 lengths), a two-minute water tread without hands, and retrieving a ten-pound brick from the bottom of the pool 9 feet or deeper. Successful candidates will be strongly looked at for employment as a Lifeguard for the MRD.

• Call Hailee to schedule a swim pretest before registration: 970-497-8574
• Dates: May 29, 30 & 31
• Time: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
• Location: Montrose Rec Center
• Fee: $75 partial refund after 6 months of employment
• Registration Deadline: May 22
• Age: 15+
• Registration Code: 4103016

More classes may be added as needed. If you have any questions call Matt or Hailee at 970-249-7705.

As a swim instructor, you have the opportunity to change the lives of swimmers of all ages. The Montrose Recreation has a high demand for this position, and hours are very flexible. This class provides the training needed to teach children and adults how to swim according to American Red Cross guidelines and earn a Red Cross certification.  A Swimming pretest is required

• Dates: April 15-18
• Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Fee: $90 (Partial refund may be issued after 3 months of experience)
• Register by April 8
• Age: 16+  
• Registration Code: 3103017

Summer is around the corner and we are fortunate enough to have water surrounding us in every direction. This fun, interactive fair will take children to different safety stations to learn water safety and earn fun prizes. The event will end with parents and kids enjoying a free swim day at the Field House Outdoor Pool!

Date: Tuesday, May 28

Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Field House Outdoor Pool

Fee: FREE!!!

Ages: 0 - 12

Participants must make a reservation in advance by contacting the Aquatics Coordinator at 970-497-8575. Equipment must be cleaned prior to coming to the CRC.

• Date: Ongoing  
• Days: Saturdays
• Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am
• Location: CRC Pool
• Fee: CRC Admission + $5/boat, paddleboard or tank

This is an opportunity for your child to learn team dynamics, challenge themselves physically, improve swimming skills, and have fun. This is for individuals who have passed Level 4 swim lessons or can swim a minimum of 50 yards of front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, or a combination. Endurance is a primary focus as participants prepare for a fun meet at the end of the summer.

• Session 1: Tues and Thurs, June 4 - 27
• Session 2: Tues and Thurs, July 9 - Aug 1
• Time: 10:45 - 11:45 am
• Fee: $65 for one session/$110 for both
• Location: CRC Lap Pool
• Registration Code: 4118025