Aquatics

KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics

This class provides swimming and water safety lessons for adults who are on the autism spectrum. Traditional learn-to-swim methods combined with sensory strategies matched to their unique needs. University of Kansas Medical Center health professionals teach the swim lessons. Individual and small-group lessons are available.

Wednesdays  ▶  Sept. 13–Dec. 6  ▶ 6:30–7:15 p.m.  ▶  Register  ▶ REGISTRATION AUGUST 18

Wednesdays  ▶  Sept. 13–Dec. 6  ▶ 7:20–8:05 p.m.  ▶  Register  ▶ REGISTRATION AUGUST 18

Aqua Toddler Swim / Sensory Time

Monday–Friday  ▶ 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Ages 0–4 with adult present 
$50 for 10 punches or $90 for 20 punches
1 punch visit = 1 parent and 1 child 
Free for members!

Time specific for families with children sensitive to loud noises or big splashes of water.  During this time, all fountains, slides and water features are turned off.  Children can explore the zero depth, shallow water and therapy pool without fear of big kids splashing.  This isn't a swim lesson and won't be instructor led.  Parents must be in the water with their children.  

Infant Aquatic Survival Swim - Non-Walking

This 6-week program teaches infants 6 months to 2 years (typically non-walkers) to roll over from a face down or submerged position onto their backs to relax and breathe. Lessons are 1 on 1, and 4 days a week for 8 weeks. Instructor: Mary Jo

Monday–Thursday  ▶  Oct.9–Nov. 16  ▶  Times Vary  ▶  Register

Infant Aquatic Survival Swim - Walking

This 8-week program teaches toddlers and younger children the swim-float-swim sequence.  Children will learn to swim a short distance with their face fully submerged, to roll onto their back, to float and rest whenever they need to breathe, and to flip back onto their tummy to continue to swim to safety while fully clothed.  Lessons are 1 on 1, and 4 days a week for 8 weeks. Instructor: Mary Jo

MJ's Kids

Mary Jo Klier works with children specifically focusing on strokes and stroke development.  This punch pass class includes two 15-minute sessions.  The instructor and guardian will determine times and days that work best for them.  

Punch Pass Program ▶ Register at Merriam Community Center Welcome Desk 

2 punches: $50 /  4 punches: $100  /  6 punches: $150  /  8 punches: $200

KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics

Children with autism spectrum disorders are taught traditional learn-to-swim methods combined with sensory strategies matched to their unique needs. University of Kansas Medical Center health professionals teach the swim lessons. Individual and small-group lessons are available.

Thursdays  ▶  Sept. 14–Dec. 7  ▶ 6:30–7 p.m.  ▶  Register  ▶ REGISTRATION AUGUST 18

Thursdays  ▶  Sept. 14–Dec. 7  ▶ 7:05–7:35 p.m.  ▶  Register  ▶ REGISTRATION AUGUST 18

MJ's Kids

Mary Jo Keiler works with children specifically focusing on strokes and stroke development. This punch pass class includes two-15 minute sessions. The instructor and guardian will determine times and days that work best for them.  

Punch Pass Program  ▶ Register at Merriam Community Center Welcome Desk 

2 punches: $50  /  4 punches: $100  /  6 punches: $150  /  8 punches: $200

SuperKids 

SuperKids is an entry level age group competitive instructional swim program. Emphasis on learning correct swim strokes, streamlines, and turns. Encourage 2x weekly attendance during weekdays plus optional Saturday Swim.

LEVEL 1 

Entry level swimmers need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim-float-swim. Ages 3-7 or permission from Mary Jo

Monthly  ▶  Monday–Thursday / Saturday  ▶ 4:30–5:30 p.m. / 11 a.m.–12 p.m.  ▶  Register

LEVEL 2

Medium to advanced level swimmers. Emphasis on correct swim technique for the four competitive strokes, streamlines, and turns plus introduction to interval training. This level is the foundation of the KC Swim Academy, a USA Swimming competitive team. Instructor: Mary Jo

Monthly  ▶  Monday–Thursday / Saturday  ▶   5–6 p.m. / 11 a.m.–12 p.m.  ▶  Register

Swim lessons are all-inclusive and specific for each child’s skill set and include lifesaving and safety techniques. Register your child based on age. For preschool and youth lessons, class levels are used to ensure your child is successful. Children are evaluated at the beginning of each session and placed in the appropriate class level. Children should be able to work with an instructor and participate in swim lessons independently and willingly.

Parent/Child: 6 months–2 years

This lesson is designed as an introduction for parents and children alike. Learn safety tips while your child becomes familiar in the water and picks up basic water movement taught through songs, dances, and other fun forms of teaching. This class takes place in the indoor therapy pool. Parents must be in the water with their children.

Saturdays  ▶ Sept.9–Oct. 14  ▶  Register

Saturdays  ▶ Oct. 28–Dec. 9  ▶  Register

Preschool: 3–5 years old

Your child will learn basic water safety skills while also growing more comfortable in the water. Students will learn how to safely enter and exit the water, blow bubbles underwater, float, kick, and work on arm movements. 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  Sept. 11–27  ▶  Register

Saturdays  ▶ Sept. 9–Oct. 14  ▶  Register  

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  Oct.2–18  ▶  Register 

Saturdays  ▶ Oct. 28–Dec. 9  ▶  Register  

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  Oct. 30–Nov.15  ▶  Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶ Nov. 27–Dec 13  ▶  Register 

Youth: 6–12 years old

Beginning swimmers are introduced to basic stroke movement and will learn how to be more comfortable in the water. More advanced swimmers are instructed in stroke technique, endurance, and safety skills. 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  Sept.11–27  ▶  Register

Saturdays  ▶  Sept. 9–Oct. 14  ▶  Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  Oct. 2–18 ▶  Register 

Saturdays  ▶  Oct. 28–Dec. 9  ▶  Register

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  Oct. 30–Nov. 15 ▶  Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  Nov.27–Dec. 13 ▶  Register

Adult: 13+ 

Adult lessons are designed to help each participant reach personal goals. Whether you want to be a proficient lap swimmer, learn to float, or acquire water safety skills, instructors will work to ensure your success!  

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶   Register

Junior Dolphins

This program is designed for students who want to be on the Merriam Dolphins swim team. The ideal student has gone through several rounds of swim lessons and is looking for more of a challenge. Students learn starts, flip turns, and swim team workouts.

Saturdays  ▶ Sept. 9–30 ▶  Register

Saturdays  ▶ Oct. 7–28 ▶  Register

Saturdays  ▶ Nov. 4–Dec.9 ▶  Register

Private and Semi-Private Lessons

Get four, 30-minute lessons tailored just for you. Available for ages 3+ .

$90 for private lessons, $80 for semi-private. 

Learn More

Aqua Flow - a Taijifit experience  

Taijifit is a series of slow movements and stretches that flow into the next without pause staying in constant motion connecting mind, body and breath.  Nothing to learn, just follow along.  Water provides a gentle resistance and added balance. Instructor: Kim

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays  ▶ 9:50–10:40 a.m.   ▶  Register

Aqua Interval Fitness 

This class combines cardio and strength training intervals using noodles and dumbbells at varying intensities. Increase stamina, strength, flexibility, and joint range of motion. Appropriate for all fitness levels; ability to swim not necessary. Water shoes or sneakers are encouraged. Instructor: Maryellen

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶ 6–7 p.m.   ▶  Register

Cardio Splash   

This class is full of fun, energy, music, and laughs. Regardless of your age, size, or fitness level, Aqua Zumba enhances your overall fitness improves your stability and balance in and out of the water. Instructor: Kim 

Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays   ▶ 9–9:50 a.m.  ▶   Register

Phyllis' Water Therapy

Improve balance, reduce joint stiffness, increase flexibility, and have better overall mobility. This class is held in the warm water therapy pool. Instructor: Phyllis

Mondays   ▶  1–1:20 p.m.  ▶  Register

Water Aerobics  

A moderate- to high-intensity class consisting of cardio and toning to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Instructor: Phyllis

Saturdays   ▶  9–9:45 a.m.  ▶  Register

Water Walking/Therapy Exercise   

This class is designed to improve your mobility, stability, and flexibility. Instructor: Phyllis

Mondays   ▶ 12 - 12:45 p.m.   ▶   Register

Warm Water Therapy 1

Improve balance, reduce joint stiffness, increase flexibility, and have better overall mobility. This class is held in the warm water therapy pool. Instructor: Bennie

Mondays  ▶ 11:15 a.m.–12 p.m.   ▶  Register

Warm Water Therapy 2

This program is for those who have been in this program before and are further along in their therapy journey. The goals are to improve balance, reduce joint stiffness, increase flexibility, and have better overall mobility. This class is held in the warm water therapy pool. Instructor: Bennie

Wednesdays  ▶ 12:15–1 p.m.  ▶  Register