I am already actively taking private lessons. Do I need to do anything?
No. If you are already partnered with an instructor, they have held your recurring lesson time, and there is nothing more you need to do!
Who can take private lessons?
Private lessons are available for members and non-members ages 4 and older.
How long should my lesson be?
Most beginners benefit from starting with a 30-minute lesson.
What are buddy lessons?
Buddy lessons allow two swimmers to take a lesson together with an instructor.
- You select the buddy of your choice.
- Each swimmer must purchase their own lesson package.
- Both swimmers should be at a similar skill level.
How much does it cost?
Pricing information can be found on our main Private Lesson and Youth Programs page.
Pricing is also displayed when you purchase lessons through our MIT Recreation app.
Will my lessons be recurring?
Yes. The time you select during booking becomes your recurring weekly lesson time for the full duration of your package.
What happens if I need to pause, skip a week, or change my schedule?
Please communicate directly with your instructor. If you no longer have a time that works for you, both email , and we will help connect you with another instructor.
How do I decide which instructor is best for me?
Please email , and we can make recommendations on who might be the best fit.
What if I want a new instructor?
Please email , and we will help connect you with another instructor.
Do I still need to purchase lessons through the MIT Recreation App?
Yes. This booking service only connects you and secures a time with one of our instructors. In order to confirm a lesson, you (and your buddy, if applicable) must have an active package for the lesson to be fully confirmed.
What happened to the waiting list?
Unfortunately, it has gone the way of the Dodo. We hope that this new service provides our clients with the freedom to align their schedules with one of our instructors, eliminating the need for our managers to act as a middle person in the process!
What if is miss or cancel a lesson?
If you need to cancel a private lesson, please contact the instructor directly as early as possible. Lessons cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice may still be charged. Missed lessons or “no-shows” will always be charged in full. Please be respectful to your instructor and their time by keeping cancellations to a minimum and contacting them as soon as a cancellation is needed.
I don't see an available instructor, am I doing something wrong?
Our Private Lesson program is very popular, and availability might already be fully booked. We are always looking for talented instructors, and as they are added to our team, their availability will be added to the Booking App.
I can only see one week in advance. Can I book time further than one week?
Our instructors’ availability is constantly being updated. To ensure accuracy, we only project one week in advance. However, if this day/time is confirmed, you will keep that schedule for as long as you purchase lessons.
Can I be notified when instructors are available?
Unfortunately, this is not a feature of the app. We recommend that you check back often to see if there is an instructor who fits your schedule.
Do parents get in the pool with young children during swim lessons?
Generally, parents are not needed in the water with children for a private lesson, but we always want to work within the best interest of the child and encourage parents to be in the water if helpful. However, all parents must remain in the Aquatics area during lessons for supervision of children who are under the age of 18 years old.
Members are allowed to swim during the lesson, but must remain available should they be needed by our instructors. If non-members wish to swim during lessons, they must purchase a day pass.
Are towels provided?
Members are able to select as an add on fee to their membership towel service. More Information
If anyone forgets a towel one can be purchased at the Membership Desk for a small fee.
How long are Private Lesson Purchases valid for?
Unless noted all Private Lesson packages expire one year after purchase.