Two Registration Options are available: Mail Registration and On-Line Registration.

Mail Registration must be paid by check, while On-Line Registration is paid by credit card over a secure page. On-Line registration is handled for Charles River Aquatics by thriva.com.

When applying for swim lessons, please suggest the appropriate level for your son/daughter based on the descriptions and class requirements found on our Class Description page.

***PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING***

Charles River Aquatics requires that parents of swimmers new to its program, and who are interested in registering their children for classes in Level 3 or above, contact CRA at 617-777-3556 before completing the registration process to determine proper placement in our classes.

Charles River Aquatics reserves the right to move children to a lower instructional level if we find that a child cannot do the work in the level for which he (she) was registered. Because of limited class size and limited class offerings, CRA cannot guarantee that such a move in level can be made to a class at the same day and time as the original registration.

Please read the following information before registering.

Swim classes are offered for children 3 and up. If your 3 year old requires being carried to poolside, does not want you to leave the deck, is not toilet trained or will not put his or her face in the water, please wait another few months before enrolling, or consider our Tiny Tots program for children 6 months to 3 1/2 years of age (this class requires an adult in the pool with the child).

We want your child to gain the full benefits of our program. Every child is different and development may be varied. We respect these differences and encourage children to progress at their own rate as some are more aware kinesthetically in the pool than others.

Please do not push your child or compare him/her to other children as it is common for swimmers to repeat the same level until a skill set is achieved. We want to foster a love of swimming and once your child masters the skills performed in the current class, then s/he will move to the next level.

When applying for swim lessons, please suggest the appropriate level for your son/daughter based on the skill requirements listed for each level. It is advisable for new students (except those applying for Splash and Level 1,2 classes) to have a short in-pool evaluation before sending in an application. New students signing up for an incorrect level risk losing their first choice of day and time for their class.

back to top

You should be familiar with the following policies before registering. If you have additional questions, see our FAQ page, or call us at 617-777-3556.

All children must use the bathroom before class begins. Three year olds must be toilet trained to join our Splash class.

Children must be on deck 5 minutes before class begins.

Goggles are a must! Please talk to your children about using goggles before classes begin. Bringing your own pair is strongly recommended but we will have "loaners" during class time.

Children are grouped by skill level with one instructor.

One piece suits are advised for girls. Please avoid excessively long shorts for boys as they create drag.

Hair should be tied back or a lycra, silicon or latex cap should be worn.

All instructors and the Aquatics Director are lifeguard certified. However, parents, we do need your help in enforcing health and safety procedures with your children:

No running on pool deck.

Students are not to leave their position on the wall until directed to do so by the instructor.

There will be no fighting, pushing or chewing gum in the pool.

Observation day is the last day of classes and parents/guardians are permitted on pool deck ONLY on that day for the last 10 minutes of class. For all other lessons, please remain in the hall or in our observation office.

back to top

Administrative Policies

Make-up Policy: THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UPS DURING SUMMER CLASSES.

Cancellations and Changes: To cancel a class, you must withdraw prior to the beginning of the session to receive a refund. After a session begins, no refunds or credits will be issued for canceling a class. Confirmed swimmers who cancel after the session begins hold spots that could have been available to other swimmers.

Changing a class (day and/or time) after the session has started will incur a $25 administrative charge.

Illness: If a student misses three or more classes due to illness, a credit will be given for the missed classes.

Pool Closings: If classes are cancelled due to inclement weather or poor pool conditions, no refunds will be offered. A credit will be issued towards a future session only.

back to top

Registration

Mail Registration

Download and fill out the Summer Class Application completely, and clearly. A working e-mail address is necessary since we confirm your application by e-mail.

Send the completed application and a check for the total cost of the classes to:

Charles River Aquatics
PO Box 534
Needham Heights, MA 02494

On-Line registration is handled for Charles River Aquatics by thriva.com. Please read the following information about On-Line registration:

1. If this is your first time accessing On-Line registration, make sure the 'New User' button is highlighted.
2. Please make sure that you have browsed our web site and that you know the session, class, and time for which you wish to register. If you are new to Charles River Aquatics, and you wish to register for a class in Level 3 or above, make sure that you have contacted CRA at 617-777-3556 to determine proper placement in our classes before completing the registration process.
3. The registration process is straightforward: choose the session for which you wish to register, the class name, and the age group of your child. Hit 'continue' and you will receive a list of the times that your desired class is offered. To the right of each class listing is the number of spots still available in that class.
4. For some classes you will find two (2) listings at the same time. This indicates that we are offering two classes of the same level at the same time, effectively doubling our capacity. There is no difference between the two classes.
5. If you encounter any problems with On-line registration, please call 617-777-3556.

If you are ready to register On-Line, click the button below.

If you have an on-line account and need to access it, click here: Account Login

back to top

Adobe Reader is required to read pdf files. If you don't have this software, you can download it for free from Adobe's web site.