Five levels
Levels named for what swimmers do
A level is a group of skills, not an age. Children, teens and adults share the same five, in classes grouped by age. A placement visit tells us where to start, and the instructor suggests moving on when a swimmer is ready.
- 01
Water comfort
SkillsGetting in by the ramp, the steps or the lift
Getting used to the water, the room and the sounds
Holding the wall or the instructor's hands
Finding a way to rest in the water
Moving upWhen getting in feels easy and the swimmer is happy away from the wall, the instructor suggests Floating.
- 02
Floating
SkillsFloating on the front or the back with support
Resting with a noodle or a belt
Blowing bubbles, if the swimmer likes
Turning around in the shallow end
Moving upWhen floating with support is steady, the instructor suggests Kicking.
- 03
Kicking
SkillsKicking with a board or a noodle
Arm pulls on the front and the back
Moving from the wall to the instructor
Changing direction
Moving upWhen kicking and pulling carry the swimmer a few body lengths, the instructor suggests Strokes.
- 04
Strokes
SkillsFreestyle and back crawl, adapted to the swimmer
Breathing to the side or lifting the head
Swimming across the width of the pool
Resting on the back between strokes
Moving upWhen a stroke carries the swimmer across the pool and back to a rest, the instructor suggests Longer swims.
- 05
Longer swims
SkillsSwimming a length of the pool with rests at the wall
Swimming beside a partner
Turning at the wall
Choosing the next goal with the instructor
Moving upThere is no level after this one; the instructor sets new goals with each swimmer every session.
Sample levels.
Every swimmer moves at their own pace.
Not sure where to start?
A placement visit tells us, and we show you the classes with room.