Please visit our website to view a full list of the Aquatic Facility Rules and a link to Swim Lesson registration.

https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/rccc

Guidelines for Placement in Swim Classes

Don’t know where to start? Roger Carter Community Center offers a free skill evaluation to determine the
appropriate level for your child. During the school year, evaluations are held Monday evenings from 7-8pm on a
first-come, first-served basis. During the summer (June-August), evaluations are held on Friday evenings. See below to view chart.  

Most children require at least two sessions of each level to master the skills presented. Please register for two sessions of each level for continuation.

MY CHILD CURRENTLY TAKES LEVEL 4 AT KIDS FIRST SWIM SCHOOL. ARE THE LEVELS THE SAME AT ROGER CARTER?

No, Roger Carter teaches a unique curriculum, and the levels of other programs such as Kids First, YMCA, or Columbia Association are not the same. Please bring your child in for an evaluation to determine the appropriate level.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE SWIM LESSON PROGRAM(S) SCHEDULE?

The most up to date schedules and availability are located on our online registration site (ActiveNet).  

Fall, Winter, and Spring group lessons are held on Tuesdays & Thursdays or Wednesdays & Fridays for 4 weeks for a total of 8 lessons per session. Each lesson is 30 minutes in duration and is taught by an instructor trained at our Facility.

Summer group lessons are held Mondays-Thursdays for 2 weeks for a total of 8 lessons per session.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY LESSON?

Each participant should wear & bring:

• Appropriate Swim Attire** (bikinis not recommended, cotton not permitted)
• Towel
• Goggles (recommended) & Swim Cap (recommended)
• Participant Information Form completed and signed and returned/emailed!
• Shirts, shoes, and shorts/pants are required outside the pool area. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD MISSES A CLASS DUE TO ILLNESS, TRAVELING, INCLEMENT WEATHER?

We do not offer individual make-up lessons. We will do our best to provide a group make-up day for a class that we have to cancel due to inclement weather, pool closures or facility closures. 

If the participant is sick or injured, we can provide a pro-rated refund for the number of classes missed with a provided doctor’s note.

In case of inclement weather, please call (410) 313-2764 and ask a front desk representative the status of your lesson. 

DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS? HOW CAN I REGISTER FOR THEM?

Private and Semi-Private lessons are offered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. You may register online at on our online registration site: ActiveCommunities page. Registration will hold your place and you will be contacted by the Program coordinator to schedule individual dates and times.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A MEMBERSHIP TO TAKE SWIM LESSONS?

No, a membership is not required. If you or your child wish to swim before or after the lesson (only lap lanes available), either a membership or payment of the drop-in fee is required. 

WHAT IF MY CHILD REQUIRES ACCOMMODATION/AN AIDE DURING A GROUP LESSON? 

The Accommodations Services Office has developed an inclusion process to better accommodate Howard County residents with disabilities. You may make an accommodation request, provide your own support staff, or parents or caregivers may act as the support.

To make your accommodation request, please fill out this online form.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I REGISTERED MY CHILD FOR LEVEL 2, BUT THEY ARE READY FOR LEVEL 3?

If space allows, a participant may be moved to a lower or more advanced level at the discretion of the program coordinator. Please contact Ann Joseph or call 410-313-2752 with your transfer request. Transfers are not guaranteed. 

I CAN NO LONGER ATTEND THIS PROGRAM; HOW DO I CANCEL?

Please contact the Registration department at 410-313-7275 or the RCCC Front desk at 410-313-2764 to fill out a refund request form.

Typically, all refund requests to the original payment method are subject to a 20% administrative fee to recover costs associated with the program. Full credits to the Active communities account can be issued to use towards future HCRP programs.

Any refund requests made within 2 two weeks of class starting are subject to additional admin fees.