Swimming Lessons
Swimming Lessons at the CRA
At the CRA, we offer a comprehensive and exciting swim lessons program designed to provide swimmers of all ages with the skills they need to succeed in the water. Whether you’re looking to introduce your child to the basics of swimming or improve your own skills, our experienced instructors are here to help you achieve your goals. We’re proud to offer a top-tier swimming pool and aquatics center for all your swimming needs.
We offer swim lessons for all ages, starting as young as 6 months with our Parent/Toddler program. From there, our classes cater mostly to children from 6 months to 11 or 12 years old, helping them develop important skills and confidence in the water. Our youth aquatics program instills a love of swimming for all kids, and don’t forget about our swim lessons for adults! We offer adult group swimming lessons for beginners or those looking to refine their stroke technique.
Swimming Lessons for All Ages
Our swimming lessons program is loved by families and individuals alike because of our commitment to personalized attention, a welcoming atmosphere, and a structured yet fun approach to learning. People come from all around the Berkshires and beyond, including many from Pittsfield, MA, to take advantage of our small class sizes, knowledgeable instructors, and a supportive environment where swimmers of all ages can thrive. If you are interested in taking a lesson or signing up a child for one of our classes, feel free to reach out to our Aquatics Director with any questions.
Current Session (3) January 19th – March 28th
No Class: February 16th – February 21st
Next Session (4)
March 30th – June 13th
Sign up: Begins March 16th
No class: April 20th – April 25th and May 25th
Alerts
Swim Classes Notice:
Please note that swim classes will not be held February 16–22. We’ve added extra Family Swim opportunities during this week—visit our Events page for details.
Facility Update: The men’s sauna is currently under repair. We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide an update once we have an estimated completion date.
CRA Swimming Lessons Schedule
- All Days
- Mondays
- Tuesdays
- Wednesdays
- Thursdays
- Fridays
- Weekends
- Swimming Lessons
Advanced Beginner
Tuesday: 4:15pm – 5:00pm
For YOUTH ages 5+. In this class, children will focus on improving their front crawl, back crawl, and fully submerging their heads. They will also be introduced to kneeling dives, rotary breathing, and elementary backstroke kick.
Class fee plus membership.
Advanced Beginner & Intermediate
Tuesday: 4:15pm – 5pm (Advanced Beginner Only)
Saturday: 11:15am – 12pm
For YOUTH ages 5+. Children will be divided into 2 classes.
The Advanced Beginner swimmers will focus on improving their front crawl, back crawl, and fully submerging their heads. They will also be introduced to kneeling dives, rotary breathing, and elementary backstroke kick.
The Intermediate swimmers will continue to work on the basic strokes.
Class fee plus membership.
Beginner
Tuesday: 5pm – 5:45pm
Wednesday: 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Saturday: 10:30am – 11:15am
For YOUTH ages 5+ years. This class is for beginners who have little or no experience in the water. Children will work on getting their faces wet, practicing front and back floats, learning rhythmic breathing, and swimming on their fronts and backs using flotation devices like noodles or kickboards. Beginner’s Deep end is for beginners who are comfortable in the water and deep end with no flotation device. The children will review the skills from the shallow end beginner’s class and be introduced to front crawl, back crawl and rhythmic breathing.
Class fee plus membership.
Homeschool Beginners
Wednesday: 10:15am – 11am
For YOUTH ages 5+ years that are homeschooled. This class will be divided into shallow- and deep-end instruction based on child’s expertise.
Class fee plus membership.
Intermediate & Advanced
Wednesday: 4:15pm – 5pm
For YOUTH ages 5+. Children will be divided into 2 classes.
The Intermediate swimmers will continue to work on the basic strokes. They will strengthen their skills in rotary breathing, front crawl, and back crawl.
The Advanced swimmers class is for serious swimmers. Children will work towards increasing swim distance with various strokes and learning proper turns.
Class fee plus membership.
Learn to Swim-Adult
Thursday: 10am – 11am
This class is for ADULT beginners who have little or no experience in the water.
Class fee only. A membership is not required.
Parent-Toddler
Friday: 10am – 10:45am
Saturday: 9am -9:45am
Ages 6 months – 3 years. This class offers a relaxed, unstructured, and welcoming environment that encourages interaction among parents, children, and swim instructors. In this class, children learn essential safety skills, practice bubble blowing, and develop basic arm and leg movements. Requires adult to be in pool with toddler.
Class fee plus membership.
Preschool
Monday: 10am – 10:45am (No bubble)
Tuesday: 11am – 11:45am
Wednesday: 1pm – 1:45pm
Thursday: 11am – 11:45am
Friday: 11am – 11:45am
Saturday: 9:45am – 10:30am
For YOUTH ages 3-5 years (not in kindergarten). This class is for beginners with little or no experience in the water. Children will work on water adjustment and basic skills including blowing bubbles, front and back floats, putting their faces in the water, jumping in, turtle dives, and swimming the length of the pool. Instructor permission required for Monday’s class.
Class fee plus membership.
Stroke Techniques-Adult
Tuesday: 10am – 11am
This class is for ADULTS who are looking to really master their stroke technique and become a more advanced swimmer.
Class fee only. A membership is not required.
Join The CRA
As a member of the CRA, you will quickly become part of our community (but only if you want to!) and gain access to an incredible range of benefits, including exercise classes, fitness center, pool and discounts on specialty classes.
Join us today and become part of a supportive, active community focused on achieving your fitness goals and creating a healthier future for all.
Memberships vary in length and cost based on the amenities included. Some specialty classes and programs will require an additional cost.
Pool Location
Community Recreation Association (CRA)
400 Main St, Dalton, MA:
Get Directions
The CRA indoor pool is a top community facility, offering a variety of programs in a clean, welcoming space. Located centrally in Dalton, MA, the pool is easy to access for residents of Dalton and surrounding towns in Central Berkshire. Amenities include dedicated times for lap swim, family swim, swim lessons for all ages, water aerobics, and fitness classes. With friendly staff, plenty of parking and well-maintained facilities, the CRA pool provides a refreshing, enjoyable experience for all ages and skill levels.
How to Choose A Lesson
This class offers a relaxed, unstructured, and welcoming environment that encourages interaction among parents, children, and future swim instructors. In this class, children learn essential safety skills, practice bubble blowing, and develop basic arm and leg movements. Requires adult to be in pool with toddler.
This class is for beginners with little or no experience in the water. Children will work on water adjustment and basic skills including blowing bubbles, front and back floats, putting their faces in the water, jumping in, turtle dives, and swimming the length of the pool.
This class is for beginners who have little or no experience in the water. Children will work on getting their faces wet, practicing front and back floats, learning rhythmic breathing, and swimming on their fronts and backs using flotation devices like noodles or kickboards.
Those children who are are comfortable in the deep end without a flotation device will review the skills learned in the shallow end and be introduced to the front crawl, back crawl, and rhythmic breathing.
In this class, children will focus on improving their front crawl, back crawl, and fully submerging their heads. They will also be introduced to kneeling dives, rotary breathing, and elementary backstroke kick.
The Intermediate swimmers will continue to work on the basic strokes. They will strengthen their skills in rotary breathing, front crawl, and back crawl. Additionally, they will be introduced to the elementary backstroke, breaststroke kick, side stroke kick, wall turns, and standing front dives.
The Advanced swimmers class is for serious swimmers. Children will work towards swimming 100 yards of front crawl and back crawl, 25 yards of sidestroke and breaststroke, and 10 yards of butterfly. They will also learn to demonstrate proper turns for each stroke and tread water for 3 minutes.
This class is for teens and adults with little to no experience in the water.
This class is for teens and adults who would like to improve their stroke techniques, focusing on strokes such as sidestroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
Pool Policies
- Lifeguards have full authority to enforce safety rules.
- All swimmers must rinse off before entering the pool.
- Everyone in the pool must wear a bathing cap. Infants and toddlers must wear swim diapers in the pool.
- Bubbles, noodles, kickboards, and pool toys may be used in a respectful manner. Rough activities like dunking or splashing are prohibited.
- Jump into pool well past the gutter to avoid injuries.
- Diving is only allowed in designated deep-water areas.
- To prevent accidents, running on the pool deck is prohibited.
- Only water bottles are permitted on the pool deck.
Things to know
- General Junior Membership is required for youth lessons and must be active through the session.
- Credits and refunds are not given for missed scheduled classes.
- Registration begins two weeks prior to the start of each session.
- Class sizes are limited. First come, first served.
FAQ
Our swim lessons are open to CRA members, so be sure to register for a membership to gain access to this amazing program! Membership gives you priority registration and access to our exclusive swimming lessons. Please note that there are costs associated with these lessons, which can vary depending on the type of lesson and session length. Becoming a member also gives you access to our indoor pool, lap pool, and a variety of aquatics programs like water aerobics and swim exercise.
We offer group swim lessons to cater to different learning preferences and needs. Group lessons are a great way for swimmers to learn in a social and supportive environment while making new friends. We also offer adult small group swimming lessons for those looking to refine their skills.
Our swim lessons are offered year-round, so you can register and enjoy lessons during any season. We offer lessons at various times of day to accommodate different schedules, making it easier to fit swimming lessons into your routine. Registration for each session typically begins in advance, so be sure to keep an eye on our website for upcoming dates and secure your spot early!
The indoor pool is spacious and climate-controlled, offering year-round comfort. A well-maintained chlorine system ensures crystal-clear water. Onsite changing rooms and showers add convenience, while comfortable spectator seating areas allow guests to relax and enjoy the swimming experience.
Youth aged 6 months to 16 require General Junior Membership for swim lessons.
Young adults and adults do not require membership for the adult swim lessons or to be in the pool for Parent-Toddler lessons.
Aquatic classes may be attended with a Full Membership or as a non-member purchasing a Daily Use Pass.
Bathing caps, appropriate swimwear, and towels are required for all swimmers.
Optional: Goggles, personal flotation devices (PFDs) for children
There are lockers available for use in the adult changing room. You may bring your own lock for the duration of the day’s visit but your belongings must be removed once you leave the building.
There is an option to rent a locker so you can leave your belongings in the locker room all the time.
Become an Otter today!
The Otter Swim Team is a fun and competitive program for swimmers of all skill levels, offering a supportive environment where athletes can develop their swimming techniques, build endurance, and work together as a team. Whether you’re looking to compete or simply improve your skills, the Otters provide a great opportunity to challenge yourself and grow in the sport.
“For almost a decade my son swam with the Dalton Otters. He learned to love swimming, to persevere, and to always be there for his teammates. The coaching staff are the best! Being part of the Otters becomes a family affair!” Meg S. Dalton, MA
Anyone can join our community!
Community Recreation Association (CRA)
400 Main St, Dalton, MA:
Get Directions
The Community Recreation Association (CRA) of Western Massachusetts is located in Central Berkshire County, ideal for residents of Pittsfield and nearby towns.
Whether you’re looking for swimming near me or searching for a public pool in the Berkshires, our indoor swimming pool and aquatics center provide the perfect setting for swimming laps, enjoying family swim time, or taking a swim exercise class. We are a valuable community resource, offering a safe, supportive environment for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to join a community pool or take lessons, the CRA’s swimming pool in Berkshire County is the place to be!
As a Berkshire County staple, the CRA’s amenities, including a pool, gym, and fitness center, encourage an active lifestyle right in the heart of the community. By fostering a strong sense of connection, the CRA has become a valuable resource not only for Pittsfield and Dalton but for surrounding towns as well.