Private Swim Instruction

The pool will be closed March 15, 2025 – March 23, 2025 for cleaning and maintenance.

Our private swim lessons (age 3.5+) are designed to teach swimming in a safe, positive, and fun atmosphere. We encourage participants to develop a healthy confidence, self-esteem, and sense of responsibility in, on and around the water by following the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculums.

Private Swim Lesson availability may be found on our Member Portal.

Wellness Center Private Swim Lessons – Frequently Asked Questions

Who can sign up for private swim lessons?

Private swim lessons are available for participants ages 3.5 and older.

How do I register for a lesson?

Register online through our Registration Portal under Programs > Private Swim Lessons.
Please note: All registrations must be completed using the profile of the actual participant (not a parent/guardian/sibling).

When are lessons available?

Lessons are available for booking 21 days in advance of the lesson start time and must be scheduled at least 24 hours ahead.

Private services are completely dependent on instructor availability and are likely to vary. If you do not see lessons for a particular instructor, please check back at a later date for any new availability.

Can I book more than one lesson per day or do a buddy lesson?

Only one 30-minute private lesson per participant per day is allowed.
Buddy lessons and hour-long sessions are not permitted.
If multiple lessons are booked for the same participant in one day, the second booking will be canceled without refund.

How many lessons can I schedule per week?

To ensure availability for the wider community, we ask that participants limit registrations to no more than two lessons per week.

What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Requests must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance by calling 304-876-5309 or emailing wellnesscenter@shepherd.edu.

Online cancellations are not accepted.

If a session is canceled inside of 24 hours, the lesson is forfeited and no refund/credit will be issued.

No-shows are treated the same as late cancellations.

What happens if the instructor or facility cancels a lesson?

If a facility closure or instructor absence cancels a lesson, clients will be notified and given the option to reschedule or receive a credit to their account.

Lessons cut short with less than 20 minutes completed will be rescheduled.

Can I cancel or reschedule my lesson online?

No. All cancellations or rescheduling must be handled by phone or email with the front desk staff.

What if I am late to my lesson?

Lessons begin and end promptly at the scheduled time.
If a client arrives 10 or more minutes late, the session may be rescheduled at the discretion of the instructor.

Do I need to check in before my lesson?

Yes. All clients must check in at the front desk before entering the facility for their scheduled lesson, even if they are a Wellness Center Member.

Can I use the facility before or after my swim lesson?

Facility usage outside of your lesson is only permitted if you have an active membership or guest pass. Please notify the front desk if you will be using additional facility access, such as your membership, in addition to attending your scheduled lesson.

Are phone-in registrations allowed?

No. Lessons must be booked and paid for online.
Exceptions: If you have a credit from a previous lesson or a credit card saved to your account, phone-in registration may be allowed.