Pool and Swim Lessons
The Charles S. Cameron pool is located at Beach Middle School, 445 Mayer Dr., Chelsea, MI 48118. The pool is 25 yards long and 6 lanes wide, with a bulkhead and separate shallow swim area. The pool is 12 1/2 feet deep at its deepest point, and 2 1/2 feet deep at its shallowest point in the separate shallow area. There are two, one-meter diving boards. The pool is the home of the Chelsea High School and Beach Middle School swim & dive teams, water polo teams and the Chelsea Aquatic Club. It is the only pool in the District and used for all practices, home events, and also open to the community for swim lessons and public swims.
- Open Swim
- Lap Swimming
- Swim Lessons
- Special Events
- Birthday Parties
- Lifeguard Training
- Youth Water Polo
Open Swim
Swim, splash, or simply relax in our 6-lane, 25-yard heated indoor pool — a welcoming space for all ages and abilities. Enjoy the water your way, whether you’re playing with family, floating peacefully, or getting in a few casual laps. During all Open Swim times, up to 2 lanes will be reserved for lap swimming. Limited equipment, including kickboards and water belts for aqua jogging, as well as inner tubes and dive toys, are available for use. Daily admission rates apply and passes are accepted.
- All public open and lap swims are $3.00 per person
- Only cash or check is accepted
- Punch cards are available online here, or can be purchased with cash at the pool– and are $50 for 20 visits
- The pool will be closed when the Chelsea School District is closed for holidays or inclement weather. There will be no open/lap swims during home CHS, BMS, or CAC events.
- Preschool/toddler swim is available in the shallow pool during mid-day (11a-12:30p) lap swim hours for parents and their child. There is no instruction provided. Parents will pay the $3 fee and the child swims for free.
August 25-December 19 (Closed on Labor Day)
-Monday-Friday: 11a-12:30p
Open/Preschool Swim: No special instruction provided (preschoolers are free with paid adult)
Saturday: 12-2p
January 5-June 4 (Closed on Memorial Day)
-Monday-Friday: 11a-12:30p
-Saturday 12-2p
See “Special Events” tab for other open swim days and times on days there is no scheduled school
Lap Swimming
Make the most of your workout in our 6-lane, 25-yard heated indoor pool. Whether you’re building endurance, refining your technique, or just enjoying a peaceful swim, you’ll have the space to move at your own pace. Limited equipment, including kickboards and water belts for aqua jogging, is available for use. Perfect for swimmers of all skill levels looking for a focused, uninterrupted swim. Daily admission rates apply and passes are accepted.
August 25-December 19
Monday-Wednesday, Friday: 8-9:30a
Monday-Friday (up to 4 lanes available): 11a-12:30p
Saturday: 12-2p (up to 2 lanes available)
January 5-June 4 (Closed on Memorial Day)
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 8-9:30a
Monday-Friday: 11a-12:30p
Saturday: 12-2p (up to 2 lanes available)
Swim Lessons
Water Sprites (Parent-Tot): Splash into fun with your little one in Water Sprites, a 30-minute parent-child class that gently introduces toddlers (ages 1–3) to the water through songs, games, and guided exploration with a trained instructor. Build confidence, create lasting memories, and enjoy a safe, nurturing environment together (swim diapers required for children in diapers).
Cost: $50 per child, per session
Puddle Pups: Ready to swim like a big kid? Puddle Pups is a 30-minute class for children ages 3–5 that builds independence, strength, and essential swimming skills through fun games and age-appropriate drills with our instructor.
Cost: $70 per child, per session
Ripple Rovers: Dive into the next level of swimming with Ripple Rovers, a 30-minute class for swimmers ages 6–8 who have graduated from Puddle Pups and are ready to strengthen their skills and independence. Swimmers gain confidence as they learn to safely and successfully master the fundamentals of front crawl on their own.
Cost: $70 per child, per session
Splash Dogs: Make waves with confidence in Splash Dogs, a 30-minute class for swimmers ages 6–12 who are ready to begin stroke development and connect the key components of front and back crawl. Participants should be comfortable floating, side-pushing, flutter kicking, and using basic arm motions as they build strong foundational skills.
Cost: $70 per child, per session
Private Lessons: Our 30-minute private swim lessons offer personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to each swimmer's unique goals and abilities. Whether you're building water confidence, refining strokes, overcoming fears, or mastering water safety skills, we create a customized program designed specifically for you.
Cost: 8 week session–$130 per participant, per session; 4 week session–$75 per participant, per session
These individual sessions are open to swimmers of all ages, from 5 years old through adulthood. The focused attention allows for faster progression and instruction that adapts to your learning style and pace.
Special Note for Beginners <18: If you're 12 or older and just starting your swimming journey, we strongly recommend beginning with private lessons rather than group classes for a more comfortable and effective learning experience.
Lesson Schedules - Winter 2026 (January 10 - February 28)
Group Lesson Schedule
Private Lesson Schedule
| 9-9:30a | Instructor A (8 weeks) |
Instructor B: 4 weeks |
| 9:40-10:10a | Instructor A (8 weeks) |
Instructor B: 4 weeks |
| 10:20-10:50a | Instructor A (8 weeks) |
Instructor B: 4 weeks |
| 11:11-30a | Instructor A (8 weeks) |
Instructor B: 4 weeks |
| 11:11-30a | Instructor A (8 weeks) |
Instructor B: 4 weeks |
To register by phone:
Community Education Registration Line
(734) 433-2204, Ext. 4001
For questions about lessons program:
Pool Coordinator
(734) 433-2202 Ext. 2061
Special Events
Themed Open Swims
Join us for two different themed Open Swims on days with no school! These events will take priority over normal scheduled activities on those days only! Come check out the fun!
Date: Time (Theme): December 20, 2025-June 5, 2025
- December 22: 12-2p (Olympics)
- January 3: 12-2p (TBD)
- January 19: 12-2p (TBD)
- February 9: 12-2p (TBD)
- February 16: 12-2p (TBD)
Birthday Parties
Ready to make a big splash for your special celebration? Charles S. Cameron pool is the perfect place to dive into birthday fun and family memories all year long!
Birthday parties are welcome during any Saturday Open Swim from 12-2pm and general admission is required for all swimmers ($3/swimmer; passes accepted). To reserve a dedicated space for birthday snacks and treats (additional fee applies), please contact jhinderer@chelseaschools.org to schedule your celebration!
At this time we are unable to accommodate rentals on other days/times of the week
Lifeguard Training
Lifeguard training is available for participants 15 years of age and older. Participants who complete the certification will receive the American Red Cross certifications in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR and AED. Each class will consist of in water skills training and classroom instruction.
December 26-29: Full Certification LG/CPR/AED/First Aid Class (if interested in only a re-certification, please contact jhinderer@chelseaschools.org)
Minimum requirements:
- Participants must be at least 15 years of age
- Perform a 200 yard swim/tread sequence
- Retrieve a 10lb object from 7-12ft of water
- Tread water for 2 mins
Class Details:
- Will be taught in person–consisting of 27 hours of required pre-requisites and training.
- Will leave class with Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, AED and First Aid certifications valid for 2 years
Youth Water Polo
Winter Clinic
Make a splash this winter break with our Youth Water Polo Clinic, a fun and fast-paced introduction to one of the most exciting team sports in the water! Designed for students in 3rd–12th grade, this three-day program, December 29, 30 and January 2, features skill-building, game play, and confidence-boosting drills led by CHS Varsity Water Polo Head Coach Jessica Hinderer, with support from current varsity athletes. This clinic is co-ed and no experience is necessary! Cost: $45/athlete
Sessions run by grade level:
- 3rd–5th grade: 12:00–12:45 PM
- 6th–8th grade: 12:45–1:45 PM
- 9th–12th grade: 1:45–3:15 PM
Whether your child is brand-new to water polo or curious to try something new, this clinic is the perfect way to learn the fundamentals, meet new friends, and spark a love for the sport.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Splashball: Introduction to Water Polo
Join us for a three-Saturday Intro to Water Polo via Splashball — a fun, non-contact clinic for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Splashball, created by USA Water Polo, introduces young players to the sport in a recreational, beginner-friendly format that builds aquatic comfort, ball-handling, passing, and shooting skills while emphasizing teamwork, water safety, and fun.
This program meets January 17, 24, and 31 from 2:00–3:00 PM, where participants will learn fundamentals and play skill-based games in a safe, supportive environment — the perfect way to spark excitement for water polo! Class will be led by current CHS Women’s Head Coach, Jessica Hinderer and assisted by current varsity athletes. Cost: $30/participant
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Middle School Water Polo
Dive into the action with our Middle School Water Polo Program, a four-week, co-ed introduction designed for new and developing athletes—no experience required! Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00–4:30 PM, this program teaches essential water polo fundamentals including swimming skills, ball-handling, passing, shooting, positioning, and teamwork. The team is coached by current CHS Women’s Varsity Coach Jessica Hinderer.
Throughout the month, athletes will build confidence, improve fitness, and learn the flow of the game, culminating in exciting scrimmages against other local teams. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new, make friends, and experience the fast-paced fun of water polo! Cost: $50/participant
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER