Little Gamecocks Youth Swim Lessons - Register on DSE

The Little Gamecocks Swim Program helps children build water confidence, safety skills, and swimming fundamentals in a supportive group lesson setting. Lessons are available for children ages 6 months to 15 years old of USC-affiliated families, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni with an Alumni Association membership.

Each package includes six 40-minute lessons over two weeks, with participants placed by age and swimming ability using the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program.

2026 Registration Dates

Registration opens May 18, 2026 and closes June 29, 2026.

Session Dates

Session 1
July 7–9 and July 14–16

Session 2
July 21–23 and July 28–30

Lesson Times

Lessons will be offered at:

• 4:30 p.m. - (6 Months - 3 Years Old)
• 5:30 p.m. - (4 Years - 7 Years Old)
• 6:30 p.m. - (8 Years Old & Up)

Location

All lessons will be held at the Wellness and Fitness Center outdoor pool, located at 1000 Blossom Street. In the event of inclement weather, lessons will move to the indoor pool.

Skill Placement

Participants are placed into lesson levels based on age and swimming ability. Following registration, families will complete a placement questionnaire for each participant. Campus Recreation staff will review responses and place participants according to the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program.

For questions about USC affiliation or program eligibility, contact erin.mcdonnell@sc.edu.

FAQS

Expand allHow many lessons will I receive?

Lesson packages consist of 6, 40-minute group lessons. Lessons will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for two weeks.

What if I need to miss a day of lessons?

Due to the size of our program, we are unable to offer makeups for any reason. It is recommended the participants attend all sessions of their package to effectively progress through the level.

I am not affiliated with USC. Can I still register for lessons?

No. The Little Gamecocks Swim Lesson program is only available to individuals affiliated with USC at this time. You do not need a campus recreation membership to participate in this program. 

Those affiliated with USC include students, faculty, staff, alumni (with an alumni association membership) and dependents. If you have any questions regarding your affiliation, please email aquatics@mailbox.sc.edu.

What are the age requirements to enroll in lessons?

All participants must be a minimum of 6 months old at the start of their first lesson.

What are the different swim lesson levels?

Participants will be divided into levels based on their age and swimming ability. Upon registration, the registrant will be asked to report on the participant’s swimming ability through a series of questions. Our team will individually review all registrations and appropriately place participants in accordance with the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program. 

How many people are in my lesson with me?

All lessons will have one instructor for every six participants (maximum).

How many weeks of lessons can I enroll in?

There is no limit to the number of swim lesson weeks you can enroll in. It is encouraged to enroll in several weeks, as the participant is more likely to retain the information and progress their skills with more time in the water.

Where will lessons be held?

All swim lessons will be held in the Wellness and Fitness Center outdoor pool (located at 1000 Blossom Street). In the event of inclement weather, all lessons will be moved to the Wellness and Fitness Center indoor pool.