Aquatics

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-walkers

This six-week program teaches infants and toddlers between 6 months and 3 years old who are not yet walking to roll over from a face-down or submerged position onto their backs to relax and breathe. Lessons are 15 minutes, one-on-one, four days a week. Instructor: Mary Jo

Monday–Thursday  ▶  June 5–July 13  ▶  Times Vary  ▶  Register 

Infant Aquatic Survival Swim - Walkers

This eight week program is for children who are walking. Children learn to swim a short distance with their face fully submerged, roll onto their back, float, and rest whenever they need to breathe, and flip back onto their tummy to continue to swim to safety while fully clothed. Lessons are 15 minutes, one-on-one, four days a week. Instructor: Mary Jo

Mondays–Thursdays  ▶  June 5–July 27  ▶  Times Vary  ▶  Register 

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.  Instructor: Mary Jo

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  ▶  June 8–August 10  ▶  6:30–7 p.m.  ▶  Register beginning May 12 at 6 p.m.

Thursdays  ▶  June 8–August 10  ▶  7:05–7:35 p.m.  ▶  Register beginning May 12 at 6 p.m.

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 

Advanced swimmers learn correct freestyle breathing, streamlines, backstroke, and other swim techniques.  They'll spend 45 minutes on instruction and 15 minutes playing games. Choose two days per week. Instructor: Mary Jo

Monthly  ▶  Register

Mondays–Thursdays & Saturdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Merriam Dolphins Swim and Dive Team

Be a part of Merriam’s summer swim and dive teams! Athletes can choose to swim only, dive only, or swim and dive for the same fee! Swim caps provided. Athletes will need a blue suit. More information and meet schedules are available on the Dolphin's SwimTopia website.

Mandatory Parents Meeting

Tuesday, May 2   |   7 p.m.   |   Merriam Community Center

 Meet the Coaches

Wednesday, May 17   |   7 p.m.   |   Merriam Community Center. 

Precompetitive Swim and Dive

This team is designed for young swimmers who are learning to swim and dive and working on increasing their skills and endurance. This isn't intended to be swim lessons. A qualified simmer should be able to swim across the pool for 25 yards. They don't need to know all four strokes.

Mondays–Fridays  ▶  May 30–June 30  ▶  Register 

Swim: 9–10 a.m.  ▶   Beginner Dive: 10–11 a.m. 

Competitive Swim and Dive

This team is designed for high-level swimmers who are able to swim 50 yards without stopping and know all four strokes.

Mondays–Fridays  ▶  May 30–July 15  ▶  Register

Swim: 7:30–9 a.m.  ▶   Advanced Dive: 9–10:30 a.m.

Merriam Dolphins on Swimtopia

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.

May  ▶  Register

June  ▶  Register

July  ▶  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. 

May  ▶  Register

June  ▶    Register

July  ▶  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. 

May  ▶  Register

June  ▶  Register

July  ▶    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  ▶  5:30–6:30 p.m.   ▶  Register

Aqua Tae Kwon Do

Movements in this class are based on Tae Kwon Do and its philosophy to help with elasticity, focus, and energy. Students must be able to move within the pool without assistance. Instructor: Claudia

 Tuesdays & Thursdays   ▶  12–12:40 9.m.  ▶  Register

Cardio Splash   

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

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

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 are combined with sensory strategies matched to the unique needs of each swimmer. Individual and small-group lessons are available. Instructors: The university of Kansas Medial Center Department of Occupational Therapy Education Staff

Wednesdays   ▶ 6:30–7:15 p.m.   ▶   Register beginning May 12 at 6 p.m.

Wednesdays   ▶ 7:20–8:05 p.m.   ▶   Register beginning May 12 at 6 p.m.

Warm Water Therapy

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

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