Our swim lesson levels are designed to build skills progressively. Choosing the correct level helps ensure a safe, positive, and successful experience for all of our participants.

 

Starfish

Ages: 3-5 years

Best For:

First-time swimmers or those who are still gaining comfort and may be cautious or brand-new to the water.

What to Expect: This level focuses on building emotional comfort and trust first. An instructor will be in the water at all times to assist.

Skills Taught:

• Safely entering and exiting the water.
• Blowing bubbles and submerging the mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Learning assisted front and back floats and short glides.

Advancement Goal:

Moving to the next level requires the child to be confident submerging their face and able to float with minimal support.

 

Turtles

Ages: 5-10 years

Best For:

Swimmers who already have some water comfort but limited independent skills.

What to Expect:

This level transitions the swimmer toward foundational independence. The instructor may alternate between being on the deck and in the water as needed.

Skills Taught:

• Independent front and back floats (held for 3–5 seconds).
• Independent glides for 3–5 feet.
• Coordinated leg kicking for 10 feet and the introduction of "big arms" (front crawl basics).
• Introduction to deeper water and multi-step directions.

Advancement Goal:

Readiness for the next level is marked by the ability to glide independently for 5 feet with kicking and showing comfort in deeper water.

 

Dolphins

Ages: 6-12 years

Best For:

Swimmers who are already independent and comfortable moving through the water but need to develop formal strokes and endurance.

What to Expect:

The focus is on stroke coordination and rhythmic breathing. Instruction is primarily delivered from the deck.

Skills Taught:

• Front crawl with coordinated side breathing for 10–15 feet.
• Backstroke basics and an introduction to the elementary backstroke.
• Treading water for at least 5 seconds.
• Self-rescue skills, such as jumping in and recovering to the surface or wall independently.

Advancement Goal:

Success in this level is defined by the ability to maintain a front crawl with breathing for 15 feet and demonstrating a consistent back crawl.

Before You Arrive

Registration & Enrollment

Enrollment is confirmed once registration, payment, and required waivers have been completed.

Participants should register for the level that best matches their current age and skill ability. For safety and instructional quality, instructors may recommend a level adjustment if needed.

 

What to Bring

Please arrive ready for the water with:

• Swimsuit
• Towel (towels are also available at the front desk)
• Goggles (recommended)
• Water bottle
• Change of clothes
• Swim diaper for any child not fully potty trained

 

Parking & Facility Access

Parking near the Preston Health & Activites Center (PHAC) is limited. Arriving early to find parking is recommended.

• Parking in Health Services (HS) lot is free after 4:30pm. 
• Paid parking spots are available, but limited.
• Locker rooms are available for changing before and after lessons.
  • Parking Map for 25-26 School Year: Click Here
  • Parking Map for Summer 26: Click Here

 

Arrival & Check-In

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled lesson time to allow time for parking, changing, restroom use, and getting settled. Staff at the front desk can direct you to the pool and locker rooms once you arrive. 

Swimmers should be ready to enter the water at their scheduled start time.

 

During Lessons

Parents and spectators are welcome to watch lessons from designated viewing areas unless otherwise directed by staff.

To help swimmers stay focused and confident, we ask that parents avoid coaching from the deck or poolside during instruction.

 

Attendance Expectations

Consistent attendance helps swimmers build confidence and progress more effectively.

If your swimmer will be absent, please notify the program as soon as possible. Make-up lessons are not guaranteed and depend on availability.

Participants are expected to:

• Follow instructor directions
• Demonstrate respectful behavior toward staff and other swimmers
• Follow facility safety rules at all times

Unsafe or disruptive behavior may result in removal from a lesson if necessary to maintain a safe learning environment.

 

Weather & Facility Updates

Because lessons take place indoors, most sessions continue as scheduled. However, lessons may occasionally be delayed, canceled, or rescheduled due to:

• Severe weather
• Facility issues
• Mechanical problems
• Staffing or safety concerns

Families will be contacted as soon as possible regarding any schedule changes.

 

Make-Up Lessons & Refunds

Enrollment reserves instructor time, class space, and facility resources.

Because of this:

• Refunds are generally not provided after a session begins
• Missed lessons due to personal scheduling conflicts are not guaranteed make-ups
• Make-up lessons, when available, cannot be carried into future sessions

If lessons are canceled by the program, we will determine whether a make-up lesson or account credit will be offered.

 

Questions Before Your First Lesson?

We’re happy to help make your swimmer’s experience successful and comfortable.

Please contact us with any questions regarding:

• Class placement
• Lesson expectations
• Facility access
• Swim readiness
• Scheduling concerns