Swim Basics

OFFERED FOR PRESCHOOL (3-5 years), SCHOOL AGE (5-12 years) and TEENS & ADULTS (12+)

Stage 1: Water Acclimation

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming. Students in this stage focus on the following:

• Exploring the aquatic environment and personal skills with instructor help
• Developing basic skills to propel and glide through the water with instructor help
• Learning basic aquatic safety and accepting some of the responsibility for safe practices.

Stage 2: Water Movement

In this stage, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. Students in this stage focus on the following:  

• Exploring the aquatic environment and personal skills without instructor help
• Developing basic skills to propel and glide through the water without instructor help
• Learning basic aquatic and boating safety and accepting some of the responsibility for safe practices.

Stage 3: Water Stamina

In this stage, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Students in this stage focus on the following:

• Integrating arm action, leg action, and rhythmic breathing in back and front glides
• Developing forward movement on the front and back
• Practicing skills and safety techniques in deep water.