PROGRAMS
Aquatics
Our Aquatics Program helps children develop confidence in the water while learning essential swimming skills. From Water Tots to the Hayden Dolphins Swim Team, we offer something for all skill levels.
Dive into Fun with Our Swim Programs!
Swim Lessons
Water Tots (Ages 6 Months–4 Years)
Water Tots is a parent–child class designed to introduce infants and young children to the water in a safe, supportive environment. With a caregiver in the water, classes focus on water comfort, gentle skill introduction, and positive early experiences that help build familiarity and confidence around water. This program serves as early exposure and preparation for independent swim lessons when children are developmentally ready.
Splashers Pre-School Swim Lessons (Ages 3–5)
Splashers is designed specifically for pre-school–aged swimmers and supports children at all experience levels, from first-time swimmers to those preparing to transition into Level Swim. The program emphasizes water comfort, foundational safety skills, listening and following instructions in a group setting, and confidence-building in the water.

Because developmental readiness can vary widely at this age, Splashers allows for flexibility in pacing and skill focus while still maintaining small class sizes and consistent instruction. The program also offers flexible scheduling, making it easier for families to find a class time that works.
Level Swim – for ages 5 and Up
Our Level Swim Lessons (Levels 1–6) follow the
American Red Cross curriculum, providing a nationally recognized framework focused on water safety, confidence-building, and progressive skill development. This structure allows for consistent instruction, clear benchmarks, and ongoing assessment as swimmers advance through each level.
The Learn-to-Swim program focuses on building skills one step at a time. By giving them the opportunity to master one element before moving on to the next, our kids' swim classes make it easy to build confidence in the water. During their swim lessons, children will spend time on the following six levels:
Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills: Students will learn how to feel comfortable in the water and safely enjoy it.
Level 2: Fundamentals of Aquatic Skills: Children will learn basic swimming skills.
Level 3: Stroke Development: Additional guided practice will help students improve their skills.
Level 4: Stroke Improvement: Kids will gain confidence during swim lessons, improve their stroke and gain additional aquatic skills.
Level 5: Stroke Refinement: Guidance allows kids to refine their strokes and become more efficient swimmers.
Level 6:
Swimming and Skill Proficiency: Students will learn to swim with ease and efficiency, and gain the ability to swim smoothly over greater distances.
Instructor Qualifications
All aquatics programs are taught by trained instructors who receive ongoing instruction and support. Instructors continuously observe swimmers for new skills and readiness to progress, adjusting instruction as needed to support individual growth.
Pool & Facility Details
- Water temperature is typically maintained between 82–84°F, ideal for young swimmers
- The facility is climate-controlled, clean, and family-friendly year-round
Long-Term Swim Pathways
Families can continue within the Hayden aquatics community through the Hayden Dolphins Swim Program, which includes:
- Swim Clinic
- Practice Squad
- Hayden Dolphins Swim Club
- Hayden Dolphins Swim Team
These programs offer opportunities for swimmers who are ready to move beyond lessons into continued skill development and team-based experiences.
Swim Level Testing
We’re excited to welcome you to Hayden Swim Lessons! To make sure every swimmer has the best experience possible, we keep a swim level on file for each participant.
You do not need a swim test if you are signed up for:
- Splashers Swim Lessons (ages 3-5)
- Water Tots Swim Lessons
- Adult Swim Lessons
Do I Need to Take a Swim Test?
We highly recommend completing a swim level assessment if:
- You’ve never been registered for a swim class at Hayden OR
- Your swim level may have changed since your last registration
Completing an assessment helps us place your child in the most enjoyable and appropriate swim level — but it’s not required to participate.
Two easy options to complete your assessment:
- Online: If you register without a level, we will email you a link to our Swim Assessment Form to complete before your registered session begins.
- In Person: Visit us during a youth free swim time.
If you’ve recently taken Red Cross Swim Lessons at another facility and can provide a card or evaluation, please email it to reccentre@jwhayden.org so we can update your record.
When Can I Take a Swim Test in Person?
Swim Level Testing can be done at any youth free swim time. (listed on our Facility Schedule page)
Hayden Dolphins Swim Program
Ready to take the next step from our Learn to Swim program? The Hayden Dolphins provide the perfect transition,helping young swimmers build confidence, refine technique, and develop the endurance needed for competitive swimming. Whether you're looking to race or just improve, our expert coaching will support your journey in the pool.
Hayden Dolphins Swim Team (September–March): A competitive program featuring at least eight swim meets plus championships, with practices held three times per week. Swimmers refine their stroke techniques, starts, turns, and endurance under the guidance of Hayden’s experienced head coach.
Hayden Dolphins Swim Club (Spring Session): A skill-focused program designed to help swimmers maintain and improve their abilities without the commitment of competitions. Structured by the Hayden Dolphins Swim Team coach, this program is perfect for those looking to stay sharp between seasons.
Swim Clinic/Practice Squad (offered throughout the year with our session activities): These clinics focus on breaking down competitive strokes while building endurance. Ideal for swimmers looking to refine their techniques in a dedicated training environment. Join us to enhance your skills, build endurance, and develop confidence in the water!
Hayden Dolphin Swim Team
Swim Team- Age 6 & Up
This is a competitive swim team in which swimmers are offered three practice times a week and compete on several Saturdays throughout the fall and winter months in the Middlesex area. The Hayden Dolphin Swim Team’s goal is to provide an enjoyable swim experience for Hayden members. We strive to maintain a positive and challenging training and teaching environment for swimmers to develop self-esteem, pride and discipline in both team and individual achievements. The coaching staff encourages and believes that positive competition provides each individual great experiences and valuable lessons that continue beyond the pool! The coaches will design each workout for swimmers to build endurance and focus on proper techniques in all of the competitive strokes. Please note that swim team is a big commitment we do not require attendance at three practices a week but do encourage a 2-3 average over the course of the season. Registration for the swim team will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will NOT have tryouts for this program. Please note that the aging date for this program is November 1, 2025. The swimmer's age on that date will be their age for the season. Participants must be able to comfortably and consistently swim the length of the pool (25 yards).
Hayden Dolphins Swim Clinic
Sharpen and improve your technique in a relaxed, commitment-free environment! This once-a-week clinic focuses on developing all four competitive strokes, along with dives and turns. Our coaches will help swimmers strengthen their skills and build confidence in a supportive and fun setting—ideal for those who want to improve without the pressure of competition.
Hayden Dolphins Practice Squad
Dive into the world of competitive swimming—no meets required! The Practice Squad is designed for swimmers who want structured, coach-led training without the expectation of competing. Over the course of the season, we’ll work on refining all four competitive strokes, starts, and turns, while helping swimmers gain comfort and confidence in every aspect of the sport. It’s a great stepping stone for anyone curious about competitive swimming or looking to improve their technique in a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
Hayden Dolphins Swim Club
Join the Hayden Dolphins Swim Club for a fun, fast-paced, and technique-driven experience! Led by Hayden’s experienced head coach, this program focuses on improving stroke mechanics, starts and turns, endurance, and overall swimming performance. Whether you're looking to maintain your skills or gear up for the next competitive season, this is the perfect way to stay swim-ready—without the pressure of swim meets.
Lifeguard Training
In class, you will learn about the duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard and several lifeguarding techniques. These will include surveillance, the use of rescue equipment, caring for someone who may have a head, neck, or spinal injury, and managing different types of victims and much more. Successful course completion requires completion of the online portion prior to the beginning of the course, participation in all classrooms and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations.
Minimum age: 15 years (must turn 15 by the last day of the certification course)
Complete a scheduled pre-test at Hayden on the first day. Test includes:
- Swim 150 yards continuously Freestyle or Breaststroke
- Immediately after tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs (Arms under armpits)
- After Swim -Tread Sequence (must complete another 50 yard swim)
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds by starting in the water, swimming 20 yards, surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, exit the water without using steps or a ladder.
Youth Free Swim and Lap Swim
A Great Way to Stay Active in the Pool! Our Youth Free Swim & Lap Swim sessions give Hayden youth members the chance to enjoy unstructured pool time during scheduled times throughout the week. Whether your child wants to splash around with friends or swim laps for fitness or practice, our pool is a fun and safe space to move and play. The pool is divided into two areas—one for free swim and one for lap swim—to meet the needs of different swimmers.
Free Swim
Open swim time for youth members to play, float, and have fun in the water. Supervised by certified lifeguards—no structured instruction, just water fun!
Lap Swim
Lap lanes are available for youth members who can comfortably and consistently swim the full length of the pool (25 yards). A great way to build endurance and practice strokes.
When It's Offered
Youth Free Swim and Lap Swim are available at select times throughout the week. Please refer to the current pool schedule for updated availability. Open to current youth members only. Supervised by certified lifeguards.
Adult Swimming
Aqua Fitness
Make a splash while getting fit! This low-impact water workout is perfect for beginners and moderate-level participants looking to improve overall health in a fun, supportive environment. Each class features a full-body routine, starting with a gentle warm-up, followed by energizing aerobic exercises, and finishing with a relaxing cool-down. Strength training and flexibility exercises are seamlessly incorporated to help you build muscle, increase mobility, and boost endurance—all while being easy on the joints. Dive in and feel great!
Adult Swim Lessons
It’s never too late to learn! Our Adult Group Swim Lessons are designed for swimmers of all levels—from those just starting out to those looking to improve technique and build confidence in the water. Taught by experienced instructors in a supportive, low-pressure environment, these classes focus on safety, skill development, and comfort at your own pace.
Adult Lap Swim
Hayden adult members have access to any scheduled lap swim times, providing a great way to swim at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Senior Swim
A dedicated swim time for members 60+, offering a relaxed and welcoming environment to enjoy the pool at a comfortable pace.
