Swimmer

Swimmer is a 6-level, success-oriented learn to swim program for children approximately 6 – 12 years old. There is a prominent focus on in-water swimming practice as swimmers learn fundamental strokes and skills, mastering them as they progress through the program. Swimmers also learn how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart education incorporated into every level.

Swimmer Levels

Swimmer 1

These beginner swimmers develop foundational swimming skills and gain confidence in the water.  Skills include breath control, submersion, front and back floats, glides, and opening eyes underwater.  Treading water is learnt in a lifejacket to learn the basic movements first. They also will learn flutter kick with a kickboard and add that flutter kick to a basic front crawl while wearing a lifejacket.

Swimmer 4

Swimmers will move from a beginner to intermediate swimming level. Swimmers will complete standing dives, tread water for 1 minute, and work towards being able to swim underwater for 5 m. Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50m. In addition to improving their front crawl, back crawl, and whip kick, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke.

Swimmer 2

Swimmers will gain comfort in deeper water (over swimmers head) and learn treading water without a lifejacket. Swimmers will be challenged by the introduction of various skills including, flutter kick on their front, back, and side, vertical whip kick with an aid, and swimming front crawl and back crawl for 10 m. Swimmers will get to work on their Swim to Survive skills and be introduced to interval training.

Swimmer 5

Swimmers will be challenged with a whole new set of skills; shallow dives, tuck jumps (cannonball entries), eggbeater kick, and backward somersaults (in water). Technique and endurance will also receive greater focus as swimmers will need to complete longer distance swims and interval training sessions for all their strokes.

Swimmer 3

Swimmers will make a splash with their kneeling dives and forward roll entries. Swimmers will be challenged with the introduction to more difficult (but fun) skills such as handstands in shallow water and in front somersaults (in water). Increased time and distance components are incorporated for skills learned such as flutter kick on front and back, whip kick on back, front and back crawl, and interval training.

Swimmer 6

As the final level in the Swimmer program, swimmers will build up their advanced skill set. Swimmers will work towards mastering stride entries, compact jumps, and lifesaving kicks. They will also refine their strokes to increase their swimming strength, power, and endurance - critical for success in the 300 m workout required to complete the level.