Aquatics

KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics - YOUTH

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. We're proud to offer scholarships to all participants, with support of from the USA Swimming Foundation.  Instructors: The University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Occupational Therapy Education Staff. 

Thursdays   ▶ January 30-May 1 ▶  6-6:30 p.m.  ▶ Registration opens December 13 at 6 p.m.

Thursdays   ▶ January 30-May 1 ▶  6:35-7:05 p.m.  ▶ Registration  opens December 13 at 6 p.m.

Thursdays   ▶ January 30-May 1 ▶  7:10-7:40 p.m.  ▶ Registration opens December 13 at 6 p.m.

KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics- ADULT

This class provides swimming and water safety lessons for adults who are on the autism spectrum. Traditional learn-to-swim methods are combines with sensory strategies matched to the unique needs of each swimmer. Individual and small-group lessons are available. Instructors: The University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Occupational Therapy Education Staff

Wednesdays  ▶   January 29-April 30  ▶  6:30-7:15 p.m.   ▶   Registration  opens December 13 at 6 p.m.

Wednesdays  ▶   January 29-April 30  ▶  7:20-8:05 p.m.   ▶   Registration  opens December 13 at 6 p.m.

Aqua Toddler / Sensory Time

Mondays-Friday  ▶  10:30-Noon
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 6 months to 2 years (typically nonwalkers) 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  ▶ January 6-February 13 ▶ Times Vary ▶  Register

Monday - Thursday  ▶ February 17-March 27 ▶ Times Vary ▶  Register

Monday - Thursday  ▶ March 31-May 8 ▶ 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, to 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, and four days a week for eight weeks. Instructor: Mary Jo

Monday - Thursday  ▶ January 6-February 27 ▶ Times Vary ▶  Register

Monday - Thursday  ▶ March 3-April 24 ▶ 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.  

Punch Pass Program ▶ Register at Merriam Community Center Welcome Desk 

2 punches: $50 / 4 punches: $100 / $6 punches: $150 / 8 punches: $200

Merriam Dolphins Spring Clinic

The Merriam Dolphins swim team is offering a spring clinic to help prepare swimmers for the Johnson County Swim and Dive League summer swim season. This program is designed for students who want to join the swim team, were on the precompetitive swim team last season, or are looking for something more challenging after their youth swim lessons.

Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15  ▶ 6-7 p.m. / 12-1 p.m.  ▶  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 Clinic

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

Sundays ▶  February 16- April 6  ▶ Register

Sundays ▶  April 13-May 25    ▶ Register

SuperKids Level 1

Superkids is an entry-level age group competitive instructional swim program. Emphasis on learning correct swim strokes, streamlines, and turns. Encourage 2x weekly attendance during weekdays plus optional Saturday swim. 

Level 1 is entry level. Swimmers need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim-float-swim. Ages 3-7 or permission from Mary Jo.

Monthly ▶ December  ▶  Register 

Monthly ▶ January-April  ▶  Register 

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays  are 4:30-5 p.m.

Saturdays are 10:30-11 a.m.

SuperKids Level 2

Superkids is an entry-level age group competitive instructional swim program. Emphasis on learning correct swim strokes, streamlines, and turns. Encourage 2x weekly attendance during weekdays plus optional Saturday swim. 

Level 2 is medium to advanced level. Emphasis on correct swim technique for the four competitive strokes, streamlines, and turns plus an introduction to interval training. This level is the foundation of the KC Swim Academy, a USA Swimming competitive team. Instructor Mary Jo

Monthly ▶December ▶Register

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays  are 5-5:45 p.m.

Saturdays are 11-11:45 a.m.

Super Kids 3

Superkids is an entry-level age group competitive instructional swim program. Emphasis on learning correct swim strokes, streamlines, and turns. Encourage 2x weekly attendance during weekdays plus optional Saturday swim. 

Level 3 is advanced level. Emphasis is on correct swim technique for the four competitive strokes, streamlines, and turns, plus an introduction to interval training. This level is the foundation of the KC Swim Academy, a USA Swimming competitive team. 

Monthly ▶ December ▶ Register

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

Merriam Dolphins Swim Clinic

The Merriam Dolphins swim team is offering a spring clinic to help prepare swimmers for the Johnson County Swim and Dive League summer swim season. This program is designed for students who want to join the swim team, were on the precompetitive swim team last season, or are looking for something more challenging after their youth swim lessons.

Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15  ▶ 6-7 p.m. / 12-1 p.m.  ▶  Register

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.  Information and schedules for the 2025 season will be available at late spring. 

Precompetitive Swim

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.

Competitive Swim

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

Additional information will be available late spring.

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.

Saturdays  ▶ January 4-March 1  ▶  Register

Saturdays  ▶ March 15-May 10  ▶  Register

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶ March 3-19  ▶  Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶ March 31-April 16  ▶  Register

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays  ▶  April 28-May 7   ▶  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. 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶ December 2-18  ▶ Register 

Saturdays  ▶ January 4-March 1  ▶ Register 

Saturdays  ▶ March 15-May 10  ▶ Register

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  January 6-22  ▶  Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  February 3-19  ▶  Register  

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  March 3-19  ▶  Register  

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  March 31-April 16  ▶  Register 

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays  ▶  April 28-May 7  ▶  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. 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  December 2-18  ▶  Register 

Saturdays  ▶  January 4-March 1  ▶  Register 

Saturdays  ▶  March 15-May 10  ▶  Register

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  January 6-22  ▶  Register  

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  February 3-19  ▶  Register

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  March 3-19  ▶  Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  March 31-April 16  ▶ Register 

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays  ▶  April 28-May 7 ▶  Register

Adult: 13+

Adult lessons are designed to help each participant reach personal goals. Whether you want to be a proficient lap swimmer, learn to float, or acquire water safety skills, instructors will work to ensure your success!  

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  December 2-18  ▶  Register

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  January 6-22  ▶  Register

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  February 3-19  ▶  Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  March 3-19  ▶  Register 

Merriam Dolphins Swim Clinic

The Merriam Dolphins swim team is offering a spring clinic to help prepare swimmers for the Johnson County Swim and Dive League summer swim season. This program is designed for students who want to join the swim team, were on the precompetitive swim team last season, or are looking for something more challenging after their youth swim lessons.

Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15  ▶ 6-7 p.m. / 12-1 p.m.  ▶  Register

Private and Semi-Private Lessons

Get four, 30-minute lessons tailored just for you. Available for ages 3+ . $100 for private lessons, $90 for semi-private.

More Information 

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  ▶  Monthly   ▶ December  ▶  9:50-10:30 a.m.   ▶   Register

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays  ▶ Monthly  ▶  January-April ▶  9:50-10:30 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  ▶ Monthly ▶ December ▶ 6-7 p.m.   ▶   Register 

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶ Monthly ▶ January-April ▶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, Aqua Zumba enhances your overall fitness improves your stability and balance in and out of the water. Instructor: Kim 

Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays   ▶ Monthly  ▶ December  ▶  9-9:50 a.m.  ▶   Register  

Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays   ▶ Monthly  ▶ January-April  ▶  9-9:50 a.m.  ▶   Register

Warm Water Therapy 1

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

Mondays  ▶ Monthly ▶ December ▶ 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.  ▶  Register  

Mondays  ▶ Monthly ▶ January-April ▶ 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.   ▶   Register

Warm Water Therapy 2

This program is for those who have been in this program before and are further along in their therapy journey. This class is held in the warm water therapy pool. Instructor Bennie

Wednesdays  ▶  Monthly ▶ December ▶ 12:15 - 1 p.m.  ▶ Register 

Wednesdays  ▶  Monthly ▶ January - April ▶ 12:15 - 1 p.m.  ▶  Register

Water Aerobics 

A moderate- to high-intensity class consisting of cardio and toning to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Instructor: Phyllis

Saturdays ▶  Monthly ▶ December ▶  9-9:50 a.m.  ▶Register 

Saturdays   ▶  Monthly ▶ January-April ▶  9-9:50 a.m.  ▶Register