*NOTE* Swimmers will be tested briefly during their first lesson to confirm group placement.
Level 1 – Blowfish
In this level, swimmers are introduced to kicking (on their back and front), blowing bubbles, floating, jumping into the pool, and how to maneuver in the water with the assistance of the instructor or other swimming aids.
Level 2 - Clownfish
In level 2, the first steps to proper breathing techniques are taught, floating is developed, strides toward independence in the water are encouraged, and backstroke kicking and front crawl are introduced.
Level 3 - Rainbow Fish
In level 3, swimmers will be encouraged to kick independently if they cannot already, pushing off the wall with their face in the water is taught, the front crawl is developed, freestyle is introduced, jumping into the pool unassisted and floating for short lengths of time is encouraged, and all other previous techniques will further be developed to aid long-term development.
Level 4 – Stingray
In level 4, the freestyle stroke is developed by working on bilateral breathing and further refining the stroke by work on the general mechanics, swimming underwater is introduced along with backstroke arms, and past skills are reinforced.
Level 5 – Swordfish
In level 5, backstroke refinement and freestyle endurance are worked on and further fortified. Modified diving from a knee is introduced, along with the breastroke kick. Progressing the swimmers floating skills unassisted by executing for longer lengths of time is practiced and all previously taught skills are developed.
Level 6 – Whale
In level 6, while freestyle and backstroke are incorporated into the lessons, breakstroke with arms and the butterfly kick (dolphin kick) are introduced to the swimmer, along with track-style diving, treading water and flip turns.
Level 7 – Dolphin
In level 7, kicks for all strokes should be close to mastered, stamina for treading water is continued, the track-style dive is mastered, endurance is developed, breastroke mechanics and timing are worked on, and the flip turn refined.
Level 8 – Orca
In level 8, drills for each stroke are taught and swimmers work to swim all strokes repeated distances with minimal rest. A regular swim meet start is taught as well as open turns. Tempo training and speed drills are incorporated into the lesson and good technical and mechanical practices of all strokes are enforced.
