Swim Levels Guide
Our swim program is divided into different skill levels–see a detailed description of each level below. Classes may also be broken up by age, but the skills emphasized in each level remain the same.
If you are unsure of you child’s current swim level, please contact us.
For info about pricing and schedules, visit our Group Swim Lessons and Private Lessons pages, or contact us with your questions.
Parent Child Swim (Ages 6 months – 4 years)
This class is designed to introduce infants and toddlers to the water alongside a parent or caregiver. Through songs, guided activities, and gentle skill-building, swimmers develop water comfort, confidence, and basic safety awareness. Emphasis is placed on safe entries and exits, breath control, floating with support, submersions when developmentally appropriate, and water awareness skills that support emergency preparedness. This class helps create positive early water experiences and strengthens caregiver–child bonding.
Foundations Swim (Ages 5-7 – requires assistance)
This beginner-level class focuses on building essential swim skills and water safety in a structured, supportive environment. Swimmers learn front and back floating, gliding, basic kicking, and introductory freestyle and backstroke movements. Instructors emphasize proper body position, breathing awareness, and safe pool behavior. This level builds confidence, independence, and readiness for more advanced stroke development.
Foundations Swim (Ages 8+ – requires assistance)
Designed for older beginners, this class introduces fundamental swimming skills while respecting the learning pace of older children. Swimmers focus on water safety basics, floating, gliding, and coordinated kicking, with an introduction to freestyle and backstroke. Instruction emphasizes comfort in deeper water, safe swimming habits, and confidence-building in a respectful, age-appropriate setting.
Intermediate Swim (Ages 6+) (Develop strokes in deeper water while unassisted)
This level is for swimmers who can float independently and swim short distances. Swimmers work on refining freestyle and backstroke techniques, learning breaststroke kick, and improving coordination and endurance. Simple dives, treading water, and increased lap swimming are introduced as appropriate. Classes focus on stroke efficiency, breathing control, and building stamina while reinforcing water safety skills. Prerequisite: Swimmers must be able to swim on their front and back without assistance for 15 feet.
Advanced Swim (Ages 8+) (stroke refinement; registration requires instructor approval)
Advanced Red Cross Swim Class is perfect for confident swimmers who are ready to take their skills to the next level. Using Red Cross standards, swimmers focus on refining strokes, building endurance, and practicing important water safety and survival skills.
Students will work on all four competitive strokes, improve breathing and turns, practice treading water, and learn deep-water safety techniques. This class helps swimmers gain strength, confidence, and efficiency while continuing to enjoy swimming in a fun, recreational setting. Prerequisite: Requires instructor approval.
Teen – Adult Swim (Age 13+ – beginner to advanced)
This flexible program accommodates beginner through advanced swimmers. Participants may work on water comfort, stroke fundamentals, or stroke refinement depending on skill level. Classes may include technique drills, stroke clinics, fitness swimming, and endurance training. Optional open-water preparation can be incorporated for those interested. This program is ideal for swimmers seeking confidence, skill improvement, or fitness in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
