The Red Cross Learn to Swim Program includes a water adjustment class for children ages 6-42 months, preschool classes for 3 and 4 year olds who are introduced to basic swim safety and instruction, beginning instructional classes for 4 and 5 year olds which will ready them for the progressive swim instruction and the Red Cross progressive swim level program for children age 6 and older. When registering for a swim class, make sure you know the level your child is entering (except for 3-5 year old classes). The level must be on your registration form. If you are not sure of your child's level, or if they are coming from another program, they must be tested for their appropriate level or show a red cross level swim card. Testing dates for Session 1 classes are August 28 and September 4 from 1:00-2:00 PM and 4:00-6:00 PM, and August 18 from 4:00-6:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Aquatic Director. Parents are invited to observe class, from the bleachers, on the first day of each session, and during observation week ONLY!

American Red Cross Learn to Swim Levels

Listed below are some of the skills required to pass each level.

ADVANCED BEGINNERS

• Front crawl & back crawl 15 yards
• Fully submerge head for 3 seconds
• Rhythmic breathing

LEVEL I - Introduction to Waterskills

• Supported float and kick on front and back
• Alternating arm action skills
• Fully submerge face for 3 seconds
• Enter and exit the pool
• Walk 5 yards in chest deep water

LEVEL II - Fundamental Aquatic Skills

• Hold breath and fully submerge head 3 sec.
• Floating and kicking on front and back 5 sec.
• Rhythmic breathing 10 times
• Combined stroke on front and back 5 yards
• Turning over front to back, back to front
• Step from side into chest deep water
• Submerge and retrieve an object in chest deep water

LEVEL III - Stroke Development

• Jumping into deep water
• Diving from side of pool
• Treading water
• Front crawl and back crawl 15 yards

LEVEL IV - Stroke Improvement

• Dives from the side of pool
• Breaststroke 15 yards
• Sculling 5 yards
• Front and back crawl stroke 25 yards
• Turns at wall
• Tread water 2 minutes
• Feet first entry
• Elementary backstroke 15 yards

LEVEL V - Stroke Refinement

• Alternate breathing
• Swimming underwater 3 body lengths
• Dolphin kick 10 yards
• Flip turns on front and back
• Breaststroke 25 yards
• Front and back crawl stroke 50 yards
• Elementary back stroke 25 yards
• Tread water 2 minutes with 2 different kicks
• Shallow dive

LEVEL VI - Lifeguard Readiness

• 500 yard continous swim
• Retrieve 10 lb. object & swim 20 yards
• Front and back crawl - 100 yards
• Breaststroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, and butterfly - 50 yards

LEVEL VI - Personal Water Safety

• 500 yard continuous swim
• Front and back crawl - 100 yards
• Breaststroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, and butterfly - 50 yards
• Survival float for 5 minutes
• Retrieve an object from depth of 7 feet

LEVEL VI - Fitness Swimmer

• 500 yard continuous swim
• Front and back crawl - 100 yards
• Breaststroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, and butterfly - 50 yards
• Cooper 12 minute swim test

Learn to Swim Rules

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