Apex Centre Swim Lessons and Aquatic Programs

Swim lessons at a glance

Lessons follow the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program, which groups swimmers by water competency rather than strictly by age. Both group and one-on-one private lessons are offered, with morning and evening options.

How sessions are structured: spring and fall group sessions last four weeks and meet either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Summer sessions are condensed into two weeks, Monday through Thursday. Ages and class sizes vary by level, and each level has prerequisites that the swimmer must meet before enrolling.

Fall 2026 swim lesson calendar

Enrollment for each session opens about a week before classes begin. As of early November, the final fall session has opened for registration.

The November session runs about a week longer than the other two and spans Thanksgiving week, when the building is closed on Thanksgiving Day. Winter and spring 2027 dates had not been posted when we checked; watch the city's swim lessons page and the seasonal activity guide.

What it costs a family: two examples

Because member pricing is lower, it is worth adding up a season before deciding whether to join.

The membership has to stay active for the whole session; if it lapses mid-session, the city charges the full non-member rate to finish. Day passes and 30-day passes do not qualify for member rates. See the membership price guide for every rate.

Refunds, cancellations and instructors

• Participant-initiated refunds carry a $5 administration fee.
• Refunds are granted when the request arrives at least five business days before the class starts, or when the participant is ill (a doctor's note may be requested).
• Credit card payments are refunded to the card, and processing can take up to three weeks.
• If a lesson is canceled for weather, aquatics staff contact families within 24 hours to reschedule.
• The same instructor is not guaranteed from one session to the next, though the staff tries to honor requests.

If the Apex Centre lessons are full, the city points families to the McKinney Swim School programs at its other aquatic facilities.

Swim teams

Water aerobics and lap swimming

Water aerobics classes are open to ages 13 and up and are booked through the Spivi app; the city posts a separate water aerobics schedule. The fitness page describes these classes as a member benefit, while the pass descriptions say day passes also include non-specialty group exercise, so day-pass visitors should confirm at the front desk. Outdoor aqua classes may move inside or be canceled in bad weather.

Lap swimming happens during exercise-only hours in the 11-lane competition pool and in the three 25-yard lanes of the leisure pool. Groups such as swim teams or scout troops can rent lanes at $14 per lane per hour, reserved at least two weeks in advance through the aquatics office.

Lifeguard certification

The Apex Centre runs American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses in a blended format: roughly seven hours of online coursework, then in-person sessions. Candidates must be at least 15 by the last day of class and must pass two prerequisite skills tests first.

1. Swim-tread-swim: 150 yards of front crawl or breaststroke, then 2 minutes treading water with legs only, then 50 more yards, all without resting. Goggles are allowed.
2. Timed brick retrieval (1 minute 40 seconds): swim 20 yards, surface dive 7 to 10 feet for a 10-pound object, swim 20 yards back on your back holding it, and climb out without a ladder or steps. No goggles.

Passing earns the Red Cross Lifeguarding (including deep water) certificate with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, valid for two years. The city also recruits lifeguards and other part-time staff for the facility.

Safety rules for young swimmers

Children 6 and under must have a companion 16 or older in a swimsuit, in the water and within arm's reach. Children 7 to 9 need a 16-plus companion in the aquatics area. Slides require 48 inches for closed flumes and 42 inches for open flumes. More on each pool is in the facility guide, and pool times are in the hours and pool schedule. Return to the McKinney Aquatic and Fitness Center overview for fees and FAQ.