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 - Nonwalking

This six-week program teaches infants and toddlers between 6 months and 1 year old to roll over from a face-down or submerged position onto their backs to relax and breathe. Children learn to swim 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

Monday–Thursday  ▶  June 3–July 18  ▶  Times Vary  ▶  Register

Monday–Thursday  ▶  July 22-August 29  ▶  Times Vary  ▶  Register

Infant Aquatic Survival Swim - Walking

This eight week program teaches toddlers and younger children the swim-float-swim sequence. 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 one-on-one, four days a week for eight weeks.  Instructor: Mary Jo

Mondays–Thursdays  ▶  June 3–August 1  ▶  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

Junior Lifeguard

Participants learn leadership, rescue response, drowning prevention, and professionalism. They'll receive a t-shirt, hip pack, whistle and lanyard, and certificate of completion. Junior lifeguards may be asked to volunteer for future Merriam aquatic activities. Instructor: Cole/Michael

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  Ages 13-14  ▶  June 3–August 1  ▶  11 a.m - 1 p.m.  ▶  Register

KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics

This program provides swim lessons for children with autism spectrum disorders. Individual and small group lessons are available to meet the children's learning needs. Instructor: The University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Occupational Therapy Education Staff

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

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

Thursdays  ▶  June 6–August 8  ▶  7:40–8:10 p.m.  ▶  Register beginning May 10 at 6 p.m.

Merriam's Little Lifeguards

Take part in some fun lifeguard duties with your little one for a day! Kids will receive whistle and lanyard and shirt. Parents won't participate but need to stay on the pool deck. Instructor: MCC Lifeguards

Saturday, July 6  ▶    Ages 6-9  ▶   10 a.m-Noon  ▶ Register

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

MJ's Spring Swim Clinics

This swim clinic will prepare your child for the summer swim season. The class meets once a week. Instructor: Mary Jo

Monthly  ▶  Sundays  ▶  Ages 6-8  ▶  10-10:45 a.m.  ▶  Register

Monthly  ▶  Sundays  ▶  Ages 9-18  ▶  10:45-11:45 a.m.  ▶  Register

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. Saturday is an extra bonus day! Instructor: Mary Jo

Super Kids Level 1  ▶  Monthly  ▶  Register

Mondays–Thursdays  4:30-5:30 p.m.

Saturdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Super Kids Level 2 ▶  Monthly  ▶  Register

Mondays–Thursdays  5-6 p.m.

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

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

 Meet the Coaches

Thursday, May 16   |   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 28–June 28   

Swim ONLY: 9–10 a.m.  ▶  $95 ▶  Register  

Beginner Dive ONLY: 10–11:30 a.m. ▶ $95  ▶  Register  

Swim & Dive: 9-11:30 a.m. ▶ $125  ▶  Register

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 28–July 12   

Swim ONLY 13U-18U: 7–8:30 a.m.  ▶  $95  ▶  Register

Swim ONLY 9U-11U: 7:30-9 a.m.   ▶ $95  ▶  Register

Advanced Dive ONLY: 9-10:30 a.m. ▶ $95  ▶  Register 

Swim & Dive - swimmers will start with their age group and transition to dive practice ▶ $125  ▶  Register

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  ▶ 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, Cardio Splash 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

Dynamic Aqua  

With the support of float belts and the use of water weights, this class will intensify your resistance training and sculpt your muscles. Instructor: Caitlin

Saturdays   ▶ 10:45-11:45 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 10 at 6 p.m.

Wednesdays   ▶ 7:20-8:05 p.m.   ▶   Register beginning May 10 at 6 p.m.