Descriptions of our small group swim classes

Water Exploration The objective of this level is to help the kids learn to swim by overcoming any anxieties that exist and to create a level of comfort in the water. To pass this level, a child must be able to submerge their entire face in the water and exhale their air for 5 seconds as well as lay comfortably on their back in an assisted back float with their ears in the water. 

Getting Horizontal The swimmer must learn to get their feet off the bottom and through proper head position get into a good floating position. Rhythmic breathing is also introduced. To pass this swim class level,  the student must be able to get into and out of both the front and back float while floating on on the surface comfortably for 10 seconds. 

Developing Independent Kickers These new floaters now need learn to swim on the surface of the water by adding the kick. Once they are able to kick independently, we can start to work on perfecting the kick. We introduce the streamline position and expose them to the deep water. Rhythmic breathing is also perfected. To advance to the next level, the swimmer must be able to maintain proper head and body position while kicking at the surface for 5 yards both on their stomach & back.

Perfecting the Kick Level 3 is the  most important and most difficult level in our learn to swim curriculum. The student must perfect a six-beat straight leg kick before we can build the remainder of the stroke. In this swim class, we work on perfecting the 6 beat kick while in the streamline position on the tummy and on their back with their arms by their side. We continue to expose them to deep water activities, new safety skills,  while continuing to perfect rhythmic breathing. To advance to the next level, a swimmer must demonstrate a strong 6 beat kick at the surface while maintaining the proper body position.

Introducing Arms Once the kick has been established and mastered as the foundation of the stroke, the arms are taught. The stroke always starts from the top and accelerates through the bottom. To advance to the next level, the swimmer must maintain proper body position (feet and arms) at the surface while maintaining a strong 6 beat kick.

Rotary Breathing Rhythmic breathing is developed into rotary breathing in these swim classes, allowing the swimmer to breathe without breaking their stroke. Basic lifesaving skills are taught at this level as well. To advance to the next level, swimmers must be able to swim front crawl 10 yards with touch and go arms with a strong 6 beat kick at the surface of the water.

Lengthening the Stroke The swimmer develops the ability to swim longer distances and also develops other methods of propulsion, such as Elementary Backstroke, Breaststroke kick, Finning and Sculling. Treading water is also introduced in this learn to swim level. Mastery of front crawl and back crawl at this longer distance, as well as the ability to perform the breaststroke kick is required to advance to the next level.

Introducing New Skills New methods of propelling the swimmer are the focus of the Level 6 swim classes. Teaching Breaststroke by adding the arms and perfecting the stroke timing as well Sidestroke.

Advanced Skills:  Students in these swim classes continue to refine their skills at longer distances and adds additional strokes such as Butterfly.