Aquatics

Learn to Swim Information & Tips

Read the class level description carefully to determine the correct swim level for your child. Call the Recreation Department at 974-5720 and ask for help if you are unsure of the correct level for your child.

Swimmers will be tested the first day of lessons to determine if they are in the proper class. If you have a Red Cross card showing you have passed a class previously, please bring it with you to the first class. Instructors reserve the right to determine your child’s level of performance and place them accordingly. Instructors will move your child to an appropriate class at the same time and same pool if space in other classes allows. Please note that children do not usually pass a swim level after one session. Some levels are very comprehensive and advanced skills take time to master.

There will be no make-up lessons for the Learn-to-Swim programs. Classes are held every day. Choose classes carefully as transfers are done on a case-by-case basis and refunds are not available.

PARENT & CHILD CLASS
In this fun, parent & child class using games, songs and simple instruction, children learn to establish an expectation for adult supervision in and around the water, learn more ways to enter and exit the water in a safe manner, explore submerging in a rhythmic pattern through bobbing and blowing bubbles, and learn how to glide on the front and back with assistance.

PRESCHOOL
The purpose of this class is to help children feel comfortable in the water for the first time without a parent. It orients children to the aquatic environment, helps them gain greater independence in their skills and develop more comfort in and around the water. Children will learn to enter the water on their own, follow the directions of the instructor, and gain basic swimming propulsive skills by learning to fully submerge and hold breath, bob, blow bubbles and float with assistance.

LEVEL 1 – INTRODUCTION TO WATER SKILLS
In level 1, children learn to enter and exit the water using ladder, steps or side, to blow bubbles through mouth and nose, to bob, to open eyes under water and retrieve submerged objects. While learning front and back glides and floats, recovery to vertical position and to roll from front to back and back to front, children begin to develop comfort in the water. Other skills include alternative and simultaneous leg actions and arm actions on front and back, treading water using arm and hand actions and combined arm and leg actions on front and back.

LEVEL 2 – FUNDAMENTAL AQUATIC SKILLS
Success with fundamental aquatic skills begins in level 2 as children learn to enter and exit water by stopping or jumping from the side, fully submerge and hold breath, bob, open eyes under water and retrieve submerged objects. Children learn front, jellyfish and tuck floats, front and back glides and floats, how to recover to vertical position, change direction of travel while swimming on front or back, and how to roll from front to back and back to front.

LEVEL 3 – STROKE DEVELOPMENT
Level 3 builds on the skills introduced in level 2 through additional guided practice in deeper water. Children learn to enter water by jumping from side, back float, survival float, rotary breathing, and headfirst entry into the water from the side in sitting and kneeling positions. Flutter, scissor, dolphin and breaststroke kicks on front will be introduced along with front crawl, elementary backstroke and treading water.

LEVEL 4 – STROKE IMPROVEMENT
Level 4 is a big level with many skills to perfect. Most students take Level 4 several times before passing all the necessary skills. In this level, children develop confidence in the skills learned and improve other aquatic skills including swimming under water, feet-first surface dives, survival swimming, and headfirst entry into the water from the side in compact and stride positions. Other skills include front crawl and backstroke open turns, front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly, plus flutter and dolphin kicks on back. To advance, children also must be able to tread water using 2 different kicks.

PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are perfect for teen and adult swimmers interested in developing stronger skills or overcoming a fear of water and for Learn-to-Swim students who need a little additional help. Contact the pool manager to make arrangements.