Swim Lessons

swim lessons
The Aquatics Team is certified to teach Swim Lessons University, a lesson program based
on the technical progression of the swimmer, while educating them on proper water safety
practices. All swimmers will be issued a brightly colored bracelet that not only serves as
recognition of each childs’ progress, but communicates the skill level of each swimmer
to lifeguards, instructors and parents. Please note: swimmers in Starfish, Turtles, and
Penguins are provided a buoyancy swim trainer to assist each child in progressing through
each skill. Buoyancy pads within trainer are removed as the swimmer progresses through
each skill until no swim trainer assistance is needed.
Helpful Hints for Swim Lesson Registration:
• It is recommended children repeat the last level completed the previous summer.
• Most children remain in the same level for two or more sessions.
• Please make sure your child has a swim suit, towel, and plenty of sunscreen! Children in diapers are required to wear a swim diaper.
• Goggles and swim caps are recommended for Goldfish level and above and for swimmers with longer hair. Please read the class descriptions carefully and select the appropriate level for your child.

Swim Lesson Levels

Starfish (Parent-Toddler) ages 9 - 36 months
Parents and their child work first-hand with a Swim Instructor to introduce their child to the
water. Some of their first water experiences include: buoyancy, movement, and playing fun
games in the water. Only one child per parent.

Turtles (Tiny Tots) ages 3 - 5
Your child will learn to “swim like a fish” through an activity-oriented lesson. Skill
progressions for this level include: first-time submersion, breath control, breath holding, front
kicking, back kicking, in-line kicking, and underwater swimming using a “Pop-up breath” or
a “Roll-over breath”. At this level students will start with a swim trainer that assists them in
progressing through each skill.

Penguins (Pre-Beginners) ages 6 & older (non-swimmers)
A class specifically for non-swimmers that includes precise swimming progressions such as:
first-time submersion, breath control, breath holding, front kicking, back kicking, in-line kicking,
and surface swim (with face in the water). At this level students will start with a swim trainer that
assists them in progressing through each skill.

Goldfish (Beginners) ages 4 & up
A skill-oriented approach with unique swim progressions for the following: breath control,
kicking with the kickboard, back kicking, streamline kicking, backstroke, and freestyle with
side breathing. To enroll, your child should be able to comfortably swim 15 feet without the
aid of a flotation device, with their face in the water, and breathing as needed.

Stingrays (Advanced Beginners) ages 5 & up
A drill-oriented approach with unique skill progressions for the following: breath control,
kicking with the kickboard, back kicking, streamline kicking, backstroke, and freestyle with
side breathing. To enroll, your child should be able to comfortably swim 25 feet without the
aid of a flotation device, with their face in the water and breathing as needed.

Sharks (Intermediate) ages 6 & up
A drill-oriented approach with unique skill progressions that focus on skill mastery of the
breaststroke and butterfly. Limited refinement practice for freestyle and backstroke. To enroll, your
child must be able to swim 50 yards (2 laps) of the backstroke and freestyle with side breathing.

Dolphins (Advanced) ages 6 & up
This is for swimmers that have mastered all four strokes and are interested in moving on to
swim team, water polo or lifeguarding classes. Swimmers will learn sidestroke, elementary
backstroke, and treading water. Upon mastering these courses, your swimmer’s possibilities
in aquatics are endless!