Red Cross Instruction

To make sure your child is placed in the proper level, classes are divided into groups (Seals, Dolphins, Otters, etc.) based on their ability. Listed below are detailed descriptions and learning objectives for each level.

Note: Completion of class does not guarantee advancement to the next level.

Reminder for parents...

• For children under 5 years of age who are just learning to swim for the first time, a minimum of two sessions of repeated lessons are recommended.
• Younger children under 8 years of age may need additional practice before mastering each level of swim.  They may need more than one, or several, two week sessions before moving to the next level.
• Please alert the instructor before the first class if there are any special needs of orther situations that may assist us to enhance your child's learning experience.
• Classes are taught by American Red Cross certified and trained instructors.

Swim Class Descriptions

PARENT AND CHILD

Age 6 mos.-3
Emphasizes teaching the parent how to work with the child in the water through song and play. The goal is to have both parent and child comfortable in and possibly under water. Includes teaching techniques to help the parent in working with the child, and safety guidelines for children in water situations.

TINY TOT SEALS

Age 2-3
Introduction to water for the little ones without their parent. Skills include face in the water, blowing bubbles, breath holding, kicking, floating, arm strokes and possibly going under water. Emphasis is on water adjustment, water safety, fun and enjoyment in the water. Lots of songs and games. Requirements: must be willing to work without parent in the water and be able to balance in three feet of water.

POLLIWOGS

Age 3-5
Offered for the swimmers that are in between Tiny Tot Seals and Seals. This class is conducted half in the smaller pool and half in the larger pool. All skills from Tiny Tot Seals are reviewed. Learn basic swimming skills such as arm and leg movements, going under water and retrieving items, and being able to go up and down in the water three times.

SEALS

Age 4+
Class emphasizes successful adjustment to water, specifically for those with limited water experience. Skills which include introduction to freestyle stroke, fully submerging face in the water, use of kickboards, kicking, floating, and gliding on front/back are taught through games and imitation. Classes are held in the big pool.

DOLPHINS

Age 4+
Child must be comfortable in the water. Need to be able to come off the pool side 5 feet and swim any style to instructor underwater or doggy paddle. Skills learned in Seals are further sharpened and strengthened. Freestyle stroke includes arm, leg movements and rhythmic breathing; and entries to the water are introduced.

OTTERS

Age 5+
Child must be able to swim 15 yards. Emphasis is on gaining strength, endurance, and coordination. Otters focus on coordinating freestyle and backstroke, swimming distances and beginning diving skills. Butterfly kick and elementary backstroke are introduced.

STINGRAYS

Child must be able to swim 25 yards.
Coordinate and refine strokes presented in previous levels. Learn introduction to the side and breast stroke as well as perform freestyle, backstroke, front crawl, back crawl, and elementary back stroke for increased distances and time.

BARRACUDAS

Concentrate on polishing all strokes, swimming with greater ease and efficiency over greater distances with elementary backstroke, crawl stroke, and side stroke. Objectives include surface dives, approach strokes, and throwing rescues. Must be able to swim underwater four body lengths.

SHARKS

Review and perfect all strokes and skills presented at previous levels, while learning advanced rescue techniques. Objectives include flip turns, treading water for five minutes, backboard rescues, and completing 50 yard swims in the four basic strokes. Swim 10-15 minutes with no resting.

ADULT BEGINNER

Age 16+
Learn standard Red Cross beginning swimming. Targeted for adults who want to learn how to swim and overcome their fear of water. Class offered by demand usually just in summer months. Non summer months recommend signing up for personal instruction.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

Age 2-99
One-on-one instruction is offered that meets individual’s needs.

SUMMER LIFEGUARDS/AQUATICS INSTRUCTORS

Age 16+
Individuals qualified to teach diving, water aerobics, synchronized swimming, and other specialized areas are invited to apply to instruct CRPD classes. Openings; apply now at Hillcrest Center/Sports Office for summer jobs. Deadline April 30.