PROGRESSION LEVELS

LEVEL I: NON-SWIMMER
Student does not have any skills.  The comfort level can range from being able to put their face comfortably in the water to being uncomfortable and intimidated by the pool environment.

***SKILL CHECK***

All skills done with the aid of the teacher.

1. Face in the water with eyes looking down.
2. Body in prone position.
3. Kicks with splashes on the top of the water.
4. Look up blowout and take in a new breath.
5. Float on back, kick on back. (Student is very happy, cooperative, and comfortable)

LEVEL II: SWIMMER
With the aid of the teacher the student can comfortably and happily put their face in the water.  The student understands prone body position while using their kicks and splashes to move across the water.  The student can also kick and float on their back.

***SKILL CHECK***

1. Push off from the steps, wall, or jump into the pool – then can independently (without assistance) use correct head and body position, kick, and paddle swimming 6 to 10 feet.  Hands are to be quiet under the water using a reach and pull.
2. Float on back independently for 10 seconds
3. Push off the wall and kick on back independently 6 to 10 feet.
4. Dive to 4 feet to bottom of the pool to pick up rings with or without aid of the teacher.

LEVEL III: BREATHING

Student is very comfortable and confident in the water.  Student can independently use correct head and body position, kick, and paddle swimming 6 to 10 feet.  Student is comfortable pushing off the steps, wall, and jumping into the pool independently.  Student can float and swim 6 to 10 feet independently on their back and dive 4 feet for rings.

***SKILL CHECK***

1. Independently, organized, and confident student can swim the length of the pool.  Student can maintain correct head and body position using kicks and paddles while looking up to take a slow comfortable breath, then continue swimming.
2. Independently, organized, and confident student can swim the length of the pool on their back.  Student can maintain correct head, body position, and kick.
3. Can dive from in the pool 4 to 6 feet to bottom of pool to pick up rings.
    

LEVEL IV: BEGINNING STROKES

Student is a completely independent swimmer.  Student is organized and confident swimming all over the pool, front and back.  Student has excellent breathing control.

***SKILL CHECK***

1. Organized and legal can swim the length of the pool; freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly slowly.
2. Dive from the side of the pool.  Deep dive to bottom – 6 feet.
3. Racing dive – using streamline position into stroke.
4. Backstroke start.

LEVEL V: SWIM TEAM

Student has knowledge of all 4 strokes, racing dive, starts, touches, and turns of each stroke.

***SKILL CHECK***

1. Technically masters freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
2. Technically masters flip turns, breaststroke, and butterfly turns.
3. Knows correct/legal touch for each stroke.
4. Technically masters correct start with each stroke.
5. Improves endurance.