What We Offer
Open Swim & Family Time
Warm, relaxed pool time for family fun, low-impact exercise, and swim practice.
To see exact open swim times & pricing, fill out our Open Swim Times & Pricing Request form.
Want to See Your Location's Exact Open Swim Times & Pricing?
Fill out our short Open Swim Request Form, and we’ll sed you the most up-to-date schedule, pricing, and available options for your preferred location.
What Is Open Swim & Family Time?
Open Swim & Family Time is unstructured pool access with parent supervision required. It is not an instructor-led class — families guide their own time in the water. Swimmers may independently practice skills from lessons, explore the water at their own pace, or simply enjoy free play. Because each location sets its own schedule and capacity limits, all exact details are shared after the form is completed.
- A fun, screen-free activity
- A warm indoor option during colder months
- Low-impact movement or gentle exercise
- A safe, welcoming space for little swimmers
- Extra practice time for BraveSwim™ skills
Because each Catch the Wave location offers open swim differently, exact schedules and pricing are shared after you fill out the request form.
Who Open Swim Is Perfect For
Family Fun
A cozy, 90°+ indoor pool where siblings and parents can splash, float, and play together year-round.
Low-Impact Exercise
Warm water is ideal for adults, seniors, and anyone who prefers comfortable, joint-friendly movement.
Skill Practice for BraveSwim™ Swimmers
A great chance for kids to practice floating, kicking, rolling to breathe, and other BraveSwim™ skills between lessons.
Cold-Weather Activity
The perfect solution for winter weekends and days when outdoor activities aren't an option.
Open Swim Times & Pricing
Submit a short request to view open swim schedules and pricing for your preferred location.
frequently asked questions
What is Open Swim & Family Time?
Open Swim & Family Time is unstructured, family-supervised pool access designed for play, bonding, light exercise, and skill practice. It is not an instructor-led class. Parents and guardians remain responsible for active supervision while enjoying warm-water pool time together.
Is Open Swim available to families who aren't enrolled in lessons?
In many cases, yes. Some locations allow public Open Swim access, while others reserve it exclusively for enrolled families due to capacity. Your local schedule page will confirm if public passes are available.
How much does Open Swim cost?
Open Swim pricing and availability vary by location. The fastest way to get today’s schedule and current pricing is to check your nearest Catch the Wave location or submit a quick request – we’ll send the most up-to-date options directly.
Do we need to reserve a spot for Open Swim, or can we just show up?
Some locations require registration due to capacity limits, while others allow walk-ins if space is available. Once capacity is reached, additional guests may be turned away. Checking your location’s schedule or registering in advance is the best way to secure a spot.
Do parents need to be in the water during Open Swim?
Parents or guardians must actively supervise for the entire Open Swim session and remain responsible for swimmer safety at all times. Whether you need to be in the water depends on your swimmer’s ability. If a child cannot swim independently, an adult should plan to provide in-water, arm’s-reach support.
How warm is the water during Family Open Swim times?
Our pools are maintained at warm, comfort-focused temperatures suitable for infants, toddlers, and adults. This warm-water environment allows families to swim comfortably year-round and makes Open Swim a popular cold-weather activity during fall and winter months.
How is Catch the Wave Open Swim different from public recreation centers?
Catch the Wave Open Swim is designed specifically for families with young children. The environment is warmer, calmer, and more structured than typical public swim times, making it ideal for families seeking a relaxed, low-impact water experience without large crowds.
Is Open Swim safe for infants and babies?
Yes. Open Swim is designed to be a welcoming introduction to the water for babies and young children. Warm water helps infants stay comfortable while parents support gentle water acclimation. Active supervision is always required, and safety guidelines must be followed at all times.
Can we use Open Swim to practice swim lesson skills?
Yes. Open Swim is a great opportunity to reinforce BraveSwim™ skills between scheduled lessons. Families often use this time to practice floating, kicking, breath control, and confidence-building movements in a relaxed, pressure-free setting.
Is Open Swim the same as a swim lesson or class?
No. Open Swim is not a lesson and does not include instruction. It is unstructured, family-supervised pool time intended for play, bonding, and light skill practice. Parents and guardians remain fully responsible for supervision during Open Swim.
Is Open Swim supervised by instructors or lifeguards?
Parents and guardians remain fully responsible for active supervision of their children at all times. Open Swim is not instructor-led, and any staff or lifeguard presence does not replace parental supervision.
Are there age restrictions for children attending Open Swim?
There is no strict age minimum for Open Swim. All children must be actively supervised by an adult at all times, regardless of whether a lifeguard is on duty. Infants and toddlers are welcome when appropriately supported in the water
Can I bring multiple children of different ages to Open Swim?
Yes. Families may bring children of different ages to Open Swim as long as all swimmers are actively supervised. Non-proficient swimmers must use appropriate flotation devices, and adults should be prepared to provide in-water support when needed.
Are life jackets required for non-proficient swimmers during Open Swim & Family Time?
Yes. Non-proficient swimmers are required to wear a properly fitted life jacket during Open Swim & Family Time. Families are responsible for bringing one for any swimmer who needs it.
Do families need to bring their own life jackets or flotation devices?
Yes. Families must bring life jackets for non-proficient swimmers. Some locations may have limited options available, but availability is not guaranteed. If a life jacket is not available, participation may be limited for safety.
Are reusable swim diapers required during Open Swim?
Yes. Non-potty-trained swimmers must wear a reusable swim diaper to maintain water sanitation standards. Disposable diapers are not permitted.
What does Catch the Wave consider a "proficient swimmer" during Open Swim & Family Time?
Proficiency during Open Swim can vary based on the swimmer, the activity, and the pool setup at each location. Because Open Swim is family-supervised, families should always err on the side of caution when assessing swimmer ability. If you are unsure whether a swimmer should be considered proficient, please contact your nearest Catch the Wave location for specific guidance.
What is Open Swim NOT appropriate for?
Open Swim is not a replacement for swim lessons and is not designed for instruction, coaching, or skill evaluation. It is also not appropriate for children who require one-on-one professional supervision to be safe in the water. Parents and guardians remain fully responsible for active supervision at all times during Open Swim.