2019 Aquatic Summer Brochure

[email protected] SWIM

Levels TAUGHT member = $37
Non-member = $44
Parent-N-Me
Pre-School Levels 1-3
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6

Summer session 1 Welcome to swim lessons at American Fork Fitness Center. Our
instructors are certified through the American Red Cross. We
June 3 - 13 (Mon-Thur) offer both AM & PM classes. Each session consists of (8) total

Summer session 2 classes. We make every effort to maintain a 1:5 teacher to
student ratio for each class. Our lessons and skills checklist
June 17 - 27 (Mon-Thur) follow a comprehensive plan provided by the American Red
Cross. For a detailed skills checklist please visit our website at
Summer session 3 www.afcity.net or the front desk. Online registration opens on

July 8 - 18 (Mon-Thur) March 27, 2019.

Summer session 4

July 22 - Aug. 1 (Mon-Thur)

Summer session 5

Aug. 5 - 15 (Mon-Thur)

Am times pm times

9:00AM, 9:30AM, 10:00AM, 4:30PM, 5:00PM,

10:30AM, 11:05AM, 11:35AM 5:30PM, 6:00PM

Contact the aquatics manager for any questions
801.763.3084 x425 / [email protected]

2019 Summer Pool Rentals

Competition Pool Leisure Pool

Features  Zero depth/beach entry near the shallow end
 Play structure with slide and water features
 (6) 50 meter lanes or (8) 25 yard lanes. All lanes can be  Lazy River with S curves
removed for a rental to provide more open swim area  4ft maximum depth
 25 foot slide with twists and turns, medium size grass
 Diving board and 12ft depth
 Large open shallow area (2ft—6ft) for fun area, seating, and bar-b-que/catering area
 Therapy spa , large grass area, large pool deck, and bar-b
The leisure pool is available for rent Monday through Saturday
-que/catering area from 7:15 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. and on Saturday morning from
10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. If you are renting both the leisure
Availability pool and competition pool, then rentals are only available on
Friday and Saturday.
The competition pool is available on Friday and Saturday after
8:00 p.m. for the standard rate. Monday through Thursday starting at 7:15 p.m. Leisure
pool price includes admission for up to 225 people. Each
Rates person after 225 total is $2 per person.
 1 hour = $200.00
Friday & Saturday starting at 8:15 p.m. Competition pool  2 hour = $325.00
price includes admission for up to 300 people. Each person Friday & Saturday (weekends)
after 300 is $2 per person.  1 hour = $225.00
 1 hour = $250.00  2 hour = $350.00
 2 hour = $400.00
Friday & Saturday combined pools
(weekends only, minimum 2 hours)
 2 hour = $725.00

Reservations regarding availability can be made by calling 801-404-6079, 801-763-3084 x 225, or email at [email protected].
Reservations must be made 14 days in advance. Reservations made after the 14 day notice will incur a $100.00 rush fee. Contact
the fitness center for more information.

Learn-to-Swim

COURSE FACT SHEET

Course Purpose Prerequisites
Learn-to-Swim Level 1: ll No skill prerequisites
Introduction to Water Skills ll Orient participants to the aquatic ll Participants usually start at
environment and help them gain
Learn-to-Swim Level 2: basic aquatic skills. about 6 years of age
Fundamental Aquatic Skills
Learn-to-Swim Level 3: ll Help participants begin to develop ll Successful demonstration of
Stroke Development positive attitudes and safe practices the Learn-to-Swim Level 1 exit
Learn-to-Swim Level 4: around water skills assessment
Stroke Improvement
Learn-to-Swim Level 5: ll Build on the basic aquatic skills and ll Successful demonstration of
Stroke Refinement water safety skills and concepts the Learn-to-Swim Level 2 exit
learned in Level 1 skills assessment
Learn-to-Swim Level 6:
Swimming and Skill Proficiency— ll Build on the skills learned in Levels ll Successful demonstration of
Personal Water Safety 1 and 2 to help participants achieve the Learn-to-Swim Level 3 exit
basic water competency in a pool skills assessment
Learn-to-Swim Level 6: environment
Swimming and Skill ll Successful demonstration of
Proficiency—Fundamentals of ll Improve participants’ proficiency in the Learn-to-Swim Level 4 exit
Diving performing the swimming strokes skills assessment
Learn-to-Swim Level 6: that were introduced in Level 3
Swimming and Skill ll Successful demonstration of
Proficiency—Fitness Swimmer ll Help participants refine their the Learn-to-Swim Level 5 exit
performance of all six swimming skills assessment
strokes (i.e., front crawl, back crawl,
butterfly, breaststroke, elementary ll Successful demonstration of
backstroke and sidestroke) the Learn-to-Swim Level 5 exit
skills assessment
ll Refine strokes so participants swim
them with greater efficiency and ll Successful demonstration of
effectiveness over longer distances the Learn-to-Swim Level 5 exit
skills assessment
ll Teach participants how to prevent
aquatic emergencies in various
aquatic environments and to
introduce and practice self-rescue
techniques

ll Refine strokes so participants swim
them with greater efficiency and
effectiveness over longer distances

ll Teach participants fundamental
springboard diving skills

ll Refine strokes so participants swim
them with greater efficiency and
effectiveness over longer distances

©2014 | Learn-to-Swim Level Charts | 1

Learning Objectives
ll See Learn-to-Swim Skills Chart

Length
ll No minimum number of hours suggested

Instructor
ll Currently authorized Water Safety (r. 14) instructor

Course Completion Requirements
ll Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
ll Successfully complete the level’s exit skills assessment (see Learn-to-Swim Skills Chart)

Course Completion Cards Issued and Validity Period
ll Learn-to-Swim—No validity period

Participant Materials
ll American Red Cross Swim app
ll Swim Lessons Achievement Booklet
ll Swimming and Water Safety (Level 6; recommended)
ll Swimming and Diving Skills DVD (Level 6; recommended)

©2014 | Learn-to-Swim Level Charts | 2

ll Learn-to-Swim Level 1 skills may be performed with assistance.
ll If water depth is not at least 9 feet, instructors SHOULD NOT teach headfirst entries from poolside; if water

depth is not at least 11½ feet (or deeper if state or local regulations require), instructors SHOULD NOT
teach diving from a diving board.

SKILLS CHART

Learn-to-Swim Level 1: Introduction to Learn-to-Swim Level 2: Fundamental
Aquatic Skills Aquatic Skills

Water Adjustment, Entry and Exit

ll Enter water using ramp, steps or side ll Enter by stepping or jumping from the side into
ll Exit water using ladder, steps or side shoulder-deep water

ll Exit using ladder, steps or side from chest-deep water

Breath Control and Submerging

ll Blow bubbles, 3 seconds ll Fully submerge and hold breath, 10 seconds
ll Bobbing, 5 times ll Bobbing, 10 times
ll Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged ll Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged

objects in shallow water, 2 times objects in chest-deep water, 3 times
ll Rotary breathing, 5 times

Buoyancy

ll Front glide, 2 body lengths ll Front glide, 2 body lengths
ll Recover from a front glide to a vertical position ll Float in a face-down position, 10 seconds
ll Back glide, 2 body lengths
ll Back float, 5 seconds cc Front float
ll Recover from a back float or glide to cc Jellyfish float
cc Tuck float
a vertical position ll Recover from a front float or glide to a vertical position
ll Back glide, 2 body lengths
ll Back float, 15 seconds
ll Recover from a back float or glide to a vertical position

Changing Direction and Position and Treading

ll Roll from front to back ll Roll from front to back
ll Roll from back to front ll Roll from back to front
ll Arm and hand treading actions, in chest-deep ll Change direction of travel while swimming on front

water or back
ll Tread water using arm and leg actions, 15 seconds

in shoulder-deep water

Swim on Front

All—2 body lengths ll Combined arm and leg actions on front, 5 body
ll Alternating leg action lengths
ll Simultaneous leg action
ll Alternating arm action
ll Simultaneous arm action
ll Combined arm and leg actions on front

©2014 | Learn-to-Swim Level Charts | 3

Learn-to-Swim Level 1: Introduction to Learn-to-Swim Level 2: Fundamental
Aquatic Skills Aquatic Skills

Swim on Back

All—2 body lengths ll Finning arm action, 5 body lengths
ll Alternating leg action ll Combined arm and leg actions on back, 5 body
ll Simultaneous leg action
ll Alternating arm action lengths
ll Simultaneous arm action
ll Combined arm and leg actions on back

Water Safety

ll Staying safe around water ll Staying safe around water
ll Recognizing the lifeguards ll Don’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket—demonstrate
ll Don’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket—demonstrate ll Recognizing an emergency
ll Recognizing an emergency ll How to call for help—demonstrate
ll How to call for help—demonstrate ll Too Much Sun Is No Fun
ll Too Much Sun Is No Fun ll Look Before You Leap
ll Think So You Don’t Sink
ll Reach or Throw, Don’t Go
ll The danger of drains

Exit Skills Assessment

1. Enter independently, using either the ramp, steps or 1. Step from the side into chest-deep water, push off
side, travel at least 5 yards, bob 5 times, then safely the bottom, move into a treading or floating position
exit the water. (Participants can walk, move along the for at least 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back
gutter or “swim.”) for 5 body lengths, then exit the water.

2. Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a 2. Move into a back float for 15 seconds, roll to front,
back float for 5 seconds, then recover to a vertical then recover to a vertical position.
position. (This part of the assessment can be
performed with assistance.) 3. Push off and swim using combined arm and leg
actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back,
float for 15 seconds, roll to the front, then continue
swimming for at least 5 body lengths.

©2014 | Learn-to-Swim Level Charts | 4

Learn-to-Swim Level 3: Stroke Learn-to-Swim Level 4: Stroke Learn-to-Swim Level 5: Stroke
Development Improvement Refinement

Water Entry and Exit

ll Enter water by jumping from ll Headfirst entry from the side in ll Shallow-angle dive from the
the side, fully submerge, then a compact position side
recover to the surface and
return to the side ll Headfirst entry from the side ll Shallow-angle dive, glide 2 to
in a stride position 3 body lengths and begin any
ll Headfirst entry from the side in front stroke
a sitting and kneeling position

Breath Control and Submerging

ll Bobbing while moving toward ll Swim underwater, 3 to 5 body ll Tuck surface dive
safety, 15 times lengths, without hyperventilating ll Pike surface dive

ll Rotary breathing, 15 times ll Feetfirst surface dive

Buoyancy

ll Survival float, 30 seconds ll Survival swimming, 1 minute
ll Back float, 1 minute

Changing Direction and Position and Treading

ll Change from vertical to ll Front crawl open turn ll Front flip turn while swimming
horizontal position on front ll Back crawl open turn ll Backstroke flip turn while
ll Tread water using 2 different
ll Change from vertical to swimming
horizontal position on back kicks (modified scissors, ll Tread water, 5 minutes
modified breaststroke or rotary), ll Tread water, using legs only,
ll While in a vertical position, 2 minutes
rotate one full turn 2 minutes

ll Tread water, 1 minute

Swim on Front

ll Push off in a streamlined ll Front crawl, 25 yards ll Front crawl, 50 yards
position, then begin flutter ll Breaststroke, 15 yards ll Breaststroke, 25 yards
kicking, 3 to 5 body lengths ll Butterfly, 15 yards ll Butterfly, 25 yards

ll Push off in a streamlined
position, then begin dolphin
kicking

ll Front crawl, 15 yards
ll Breaststroke kick, 15 yards

Swim on Back

ll Elementary backstroke, ll Push off in a streamlined ll Elementary backstroke,
15 yards position and begin flutter 50 yards
kicking, 3 to 5 body lengths
ll Back crawl, 25 yards
ll Push off in a streamlined ll Standard (back) scull,
position and begin dolphin
kicking, 3 to 5 body lengths 30 seconds

ll Elementary backstroke,
25 yards

ll Back crawl, 15 yards

©2014 | Learn-to-Swim Level Charts | 5

Learn-to-Swim Level 3: Stroke Learn-to-Swim Level 4: Stroke Learn-to-Swim Level 5: Stroke
Development Improvement Refinement

ll Scissors kick, 15 yards Swim on Side ll Sidestroke, 25 yards

ll Reach or Throw, Don’t Go— ll Sidestroke, 15 yards ll How to call for help and the
demonstrate importance of knowing first aid
Water Safety and CPR
ll Think Twice Before Going Near
Cold Water or Ice ll Reach or Throw, Don’t Go— ll Recreational water illnesses
demonstrate ll Reach or Throw, Don’t Go—
ll Look Before You Leap cc Reaching assist
ll Developing breath control safely cc Throwing assist demonstrate
ll Making good decisions— ll Look Before You Leap—
ll Recreational water illnesses
choosing an exit point ll Think So You Don’t Sink— demonstrate
ll Think So You Don’t Sink
demonstrate ll Think Twice Before Going Near
ll Look Before You Leap
Cold Water or Ice
1. Jump into deep water from the Exit Skills Assessment ll Wave, Tide or Ride, Follow the
side, recover to the surface, 1. Perform a feetfirst entry into
maintain position by treading or Guide
floating for 1 minute, rotate one deep water, swim front crawl for
full turn, then turn as necessary 25 yards, change direction and 1. Perform a shallow-angle dive into
to orient to the exit point, level position as necessary and swim deep water at least 9 feet deep,
off, swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for swim front crawl for 50 yards,
elementary backstroke for 25 25 yards. then swim elementary backstroke
yards, then exit the water. 2. Swim breaststroke for 15 yards, for 50 yards using appropriate
change direction and position as and efficient turning styles
2. Push off in a streamlined necessary and swim back crawl throughout.
position, then swim front crawl for 15 yards.
for 15 yards, change position 3. Submerge and swim a 2. Swim breaststroke for 25 yards,
and direction as necessary, swim distance of 3 to 5 body change direction of travel as
elementary backstroke for lengths underwater without necessary and then swim
15 yards, then exit the water. hyperventilating, return to the back crawl for 25 yards using
surface, then exit the water. appropriate and efficient turning
styles throughout.

©2014 | Learn-to-Swim Level Charts | 6

Learn-to-Swim Level 6: Skill Learn-to-Swim Level 6: Skill Learn-to-Swim Level 6: Skill
Proficiency—Personal Water Proficiency—Fundamentals Proficiency—Fitness Swimmer

Safety of Diving ll Front crawl, 100 yards
ll Elementary backstroke,
ll Front crawl, 100 yards Swim on Front, Back and Side
ll Elementary backstroke, 100 yards
ll Front crawl, 100 yards ll Back crawl, 50 yards
100 yards ll Elementary backstroke, ll Breaststroke, 50 yards
ll Back crawl, 50 yards ll Sidestroke, 50 yards
ll Breaststroke, 50 yards 100 yards ll Butterfly, 50 yards
ll Sidestroke, 50 yards ll Back crawl, 50 yards
ll Butterfly, 50 yards ll Breaststroke, 50 yards ll Front crawl open turn
ll Sidestroke, 50 yards ll Back crawl open turn
ll Front crawl open turn ll Butterfly, 50 yards ll Front flip turn
ll Back crawl open turn ll Backstroke flip turn
ll Front flip turn Turns ll Sidestroke open turn
ll Backstroke flip turn ll Butterfly turn
ll Sidestroke open turn ll Front crawl open turn ll Breaststroke turn
ll Butterfly turn ll Back crawl open turn
ll Breaststroke turn ll Front flip turn ll Surface dive and retrieve an
ll Backstroke flip turn object from the bottom
ll HELP position, 2 minutes ll Sidestroke open turn
ll Huddle position, 2 minutes ll Butterfly turn ll Circle swimming
ll Feetfirst surface dive ll Breaststroke turn ll Using a pace clock
ll Tuck surface dive ll Swimming using equipment,
ll Pike surface dive Specialty Knowledge and Skills
ll Back float, 5 minutes 25 yards
ll Survival float, 5 minutes ll Basic stretching exercises cc Pull buoys
ll Survival swimming, 10 minutes ll Body alignment and control cc Fins
ll Tread water, using legs only, ll Surface dive and retrieve an cc Paddles

2 minutes object from the bottom ll Describe how to set up an
ll Surface dive and retrieve an ll Diving from poolside exercise program

object from the bottom cc Kneeling position ll Demonstrate various training
cc Forward dive fall-in techniques
cc Standing dive
ll Diving from the diving board ll Calculate target heart rate
cc Kneeling position ll Demonstrate aquatic exercise
cc Forward dive fall-in
cc Standing dive
ll Takeoff from the deck
cc One- and two-part takeoff
ll Takeoff from poolside
cc One-part takeoff
ll Takeoff from the Diving Board
cc One- and two-part takeoff
ll Forward jump, tuck position
cc Tuck position
cc With one-part takeoff

from poolside
cc With one- and two-part

takeoff from the diving
board

©2014 | Learn-to-Swim Level Charts | 7

Learn-to-Swim Level 6: Skill Learn-to-Swim Level 6: Skill Learn-to-Swim Level 6: Skill
Proficiency—Personal Water Proficiency—Fundamentals Proficiency—Fitness Swimmer

Safety of Diving

Specialty Knowledge and Skills

ll Forward dive, tuck position
cc With one-part takeoff
from poolside
cc With one- and two-part
takeoff from the diving
board

ll Forward jump, pike position
cc Pike position
cc With one- and two-part
takeoff from the diving
board

ll Forward dive, pike position
cc With one- and two-part
takeoff from the diving
board

Water Safety

ll Think So You Don’t Sink ll Look Before You Leap ll Look Before You Leap
ll Swim as a Pair Near a ll The danger of drains ll Know About Boating Before
ll Know About Boating Before
Lifeguard’s Chair You Go Floating
ll Know About Boating Before You Go Floating ll Think So You Don’t Sink
ll Think So You Don’t Sink ll Swim as a Pair Near a
You Go Floating ll Swim as a Pair Near a
ll Look Before You Leap Lifeguard’s Chair
ll The danger of drains Lifeguard’s Chair ll The danger of drains
ll The dangers of hyperventilation ll The dangers of hyperventilation ll The dangers of hyperventilation

and extended breath-holding and extended breath-holding and extended breath-holding

Exit Skills Assessment

1. Swim 500 yards continuously 1. Swim 500 yards continuously 1. Swim 500 yards continuously
using any 3 strokes, swimming at using any 3 strokes, swimming using any 3 strokes, swimming at
least 50 yards of each stroke. at least 50 yards of each stroke. least 50 yards of each stroke.

2. Jump into deep water, perform 2. Perform a two-part takeoff with 2. Perform the Cooper 12-minute
a survival float for 5 minutes, roll a feetfirst entry from a 1-meter swim test and compare results
onto back and perform a back diving board. with the pre-assessment results.
float for 5 minutes.
3. Perform a two-part takeoff with
3. Perform a feetfirst surface dive, a headfirst entry from a 1-meter
retrieve an object from the diving board.
bottom of the pool at a depth of
7 to 10 feet, return to surface
and return to starting point.

©2014 | Learn-to-Swim Level Charts | 8

redcross.org

©2014 The American National Red Cross

159501 1/18

Swim Lessons
Achievement Booklet
This achievement booklet belongs to:

Preschool Aquatics Exit Assessment: With Support

Preschool Level 1* E nter independently, using either the
ramp, steps or side, travel at least 5
Skills yards, submerge to mouth and blow
bubbles for at least 3 seconds then
E nter water using ramps, steps or side safely exit the water. (Children can
E xit water using ladder, steps or side walk, move along the gutter or “swim”.)
B low bubbles for 3 seconds W hile in shallow water, glide on front
S ubmerge mouth, nose and eyes at least 2 body lengths, then roll to
O pen eyes under water and retrieve back and float on back for 3 seconds,
submerged objects then recover to a vertical position.
F ront glide and recover to a vertical
position Safety Focus
B ack glide and recover to a vertical
position S taying safe around water
B ack float for 3 seconds R ecognizing the lifeguards
R oll from front to back and back to front D on’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket
A rm and hand treading actions R ecognizing an emergency
A lternating and simultaneous leg H ow to call for help
actions and arm actions on front T oo Much Sun is No Fun
A lternating and simultaneous leg
actions and arm actions on back *Level 1 skills may be performed with support.
C ombined arm and leg actions
on front
C ombined arm and leg actions
on back

Instructor Date
Location
Comments

Y ou have successfully completed all skills and are ready to enroll in the next level!

Instructor Signature

Congratulations! You’ve earned the following badges:

Preschool Aquatics Levels 1 and 2 Learn-to-Swim Level 4
and Learn-to-Swim Level 1 Tread Water
Elementary Backstroke
Exploring Under Water Sidestroke
Swim and Exit My First 50
How to Call for Help Lifeguard Prep
WSI Prep
Preschool Aquatics Level 3
and Learn-to-Swim Level 2 Learn-to-Swim Level 5
Front Crawl
Bobbing Breaststroke
C ombined Stroke Backstroke
on Front with Breaths Butterfly
Flip Turn
Learn-to-Swim Level 3 Shallow-angle Dive
Back Float 100-yard Swim
Water Competency
Life Jacket
Reach or Throw, Don’t Go
My First 25

Instructor: Please initial next to each badge earned.

Share your badges and get even more out
of your swim lessons with the Swim App.

Text SWIM to 90999, and we’ll send you a link
to download the app, or search the iTunes® app
store or Google Play™ for American Red Cross.

Learn-to-Swim Safety Focus
Level 6: Advanced
L earn About Boating Before You
Advanced Options Go Floating
T hink So You Don’t Sink
Skills S wim as a Pair Near a Lifeguard’s Chair
L ook Before You Leap
S urface dive and retrieve object T he danger of drains
from the bottom, 7–10 feet deep T he dangers of hyperventilation and
extended breath-holding
Swimming:
F ront crawl for 100 yards Course Options
E lementary backstroke for
100 yards F itness Swimmer
B reaststroke for 50 yards P ersonal Water Safety
B ack crawl for 50 yards F undamentals of Diving
B utterfly for 50 yards
S idestroke for 50 yards
D emonstrate open turns and front
and back flip turns when swimming

Exit Assessment

S wim 500 yards continuously, using
any 3 strokes of choice, swimming
at least 50 yards of each stroke.

Note: Additional exit assessments
are required, depending on the course
option selected.

Instructor Date
Location
Comments

Y ou have successfully completed all skills! Congratulations!

Instructor Signature

Preschool Aquatics Glide on back for at least 2 body
lengths, roll to front, then recover to
Preschool Level 2* a vertical position.
Swim using combined arm and leg
Skills actions on front for at least 3 body
lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds,
E nter water by stepping in from deck roll to front, then continue swimming
or low height on front for at least 3 body lengths.
Exit water using ladder, steps or side
Bobbing, 5 times Safety Focus
O pen eyes under water and retrieve
submerged objects S taying safe around water
F ront glide and recover to a vertical R ecognizing the lifeguards
position D on’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket
Front float for 3 seconds R ecognizing an emergency
Back glide and recover to a vertical H ow to call for help
position T oo Much Sun is No Fun
B ack float for 15 seconds
R oll from front to back and back to front *Level 2 skills may be performed with assistance.
Tread water using arm and leg actions
for 15 seconds
C ombined arm and leg actions on front
Finning arm action on back
C ombined arm and leg actions on back

Exit Assessment: With Assistance

G lide on front at least 2 body
lengths, roll to back, float on back
for 15 seconds, then recover to a
vertical position.

Instructor Date
Location
Comments

Y ou have successfully completed all skills and are ready to enroll in the next level!

Instructor Signature

Preschool Aquatics Move into a back float for 15 seconds,
roll to front, then recover to a vertical
Preschool Level 3* position.
P ush off and swim using combined
Skills arm and leg actions on front for 5
body lengths, roll to back, float for
J ump in to shoulder-deep water 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue
F ully submerge and hold breath swimming for 5 body lengths.
for 10 seconds
B obbing, 10 times Safety Focus
R otary breathing
F ront glide and recover to a vertical The danger of drains
position D on’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Life Jacket
F ront, jellyfish and tuck floats for R ecognizing an emergency
10 seconds How to call for help
B ack glide and recover to a vertical Too Much Sun Is No Fun
position L ook Before You Leap
B ack float for 15 seconds Think So You Don’t Sink
C hange direction of travel while Reach or Throw, Don’t Go
swimming on front or back
T read water for 30 seconds *Level 3 skills are performed independently.
C ombined arm and leg actions on front
F inning arm action on back
C ombined arm and leg actions on back

Exit Assessment: Independently

S tep from the side into chest-deep
water, push off the bottom, move into
a treading or floating position for 15
seconds, swim on front and/or back
for 5 body lengths, then exit the water.

Instructor Date
Location
Comments

Y ou have successfully completed all skills and are ready to enroll in Learn-to-Swim Level 3.

Instructor Signature

Learn-to-Swim backstroke for 50 yards, using
Level 5: Advanced appropriate and efficient turning
styles throughout.
Stroke Refinement S wim breaststroke for 25 yards,
change direction and position of
Skills travel as necessary, and swim back
crawl for 25 yards, using appropriate
S hallow-angle dive into deep water and efficient turning styles throughout.
T uck surface dive
P ike surface dive Safety Focus
T read water for 5 minutes
T read water, using legs only, H ow to call for help and the importance
for 2 minutes of knowing first aid and CPR
S culling for 30 seconds Recreational water illnesses
Reach or Throw, Don’t Go
Swimming: Look Before You Leap
F ront crawl for 50 yards Think So You Don’t Sink
E lementary backstroke for 50 yards T hink Twice Before Going Near Cold
B reaststroke for 25 yards Water or Ice
B ack crawl for 25 yards Wave, Tide or Ride, Follow the Guide
B utterfly for 25 yards
S idestroke for 25 yards
F ront flip turn
B ackstroke flip turn

Exit Assessment

P erform a shallow-angle dive into
deep water, swim front crawl for
50 yards, then swim elementary

Instructor Date
Location
Comments

Y ou have successfully completed all skills and are ready to enroll in the next level!

Instructor Signature

Learn-to-Swim Exit Assessment
Level 4: Intermediate
P erform a feetfirst entry into deep water,
Stroke Improvement swim front crawl for 25 yards, change
direction and position as necessary, and
Skills swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards.
S wim breaststroke for 15 yards, change
H eadfirst entry in compact and direction and position as necessary, and
stride positions swim back crawl for 15 yards.
F eetfirst surface dive S ubmerge and swim a distance of 3
S wim underwater to 5 body lengths underwater without
T read water, using 2 different kicks hyperventilating, return to the surface,
S urvival swimming for 1 minute then exit the water.

Swimming: Safety Focus
F ront crawl for 25 yards
E lementary backstroke for 25 yards R eaching assist
B reaststroke for 15 yards T hrowing assist
B ack crawl for 15 yards R ecreational water illnesses
B utterfly for 15 yards T hink So You Don’t Sink
S idestroke for 15 yards L ook Before You Leap
O pen turns on the front and back
F lutter and dolphin kicks on back
P ush off in streamlined position
on back, then begin kicking

Instructor Date
Location
Comments

You have successfully completed all skills and are ready to enroll in the next level!

Instructor Signature

Learn-to-Swim Exit Assessment
Level 1: Beginner
E nter independently, travel at least
Introduction to Water Skills* 5 yards, bob 5 times, then safely exit
the water.
Skills G lide on front at least 2 body lengths,
roll to a back float for 5 seconds, and
E nter water using a ramp, steps or side recover to a vertical position.
Exit water using ladder, steps or side
B low bubbles for 3 seconds Safety Focus
B obbing, 5 times
O pen eyes under water and retrieve Staying safe around water
submerged objects R ecognizing the lifeguards
F ront glide and recover to a vertical D on’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket
position R ecognizing an emergency
B ack glide and recover to a vertical H ow to call for help
position T oo Much Sun Is No Fun
B ack float for 5 seconds
R oll from front to back and back *Level 1 skills may be performed with assistance.
to front
T reading water arm and hand actions
A lternating and simultaneous leg and
arm actions on front
A lternating and simultaneous leg and
arm actions on back
C ombined arm and leg actions
on front
C ombined arm and leg actions
on back

Instructor Date
Location
Comments

Y ou have successfully completed all skills and are ready to enroll in the next level!

Instructor Signature

Learn-to-Swim C ombined arm and leg actions on back
Level 2: Beginner F inning arm action on back

Fundamental Aquatic Skills Exit Assessment

Skills S tep from side into chest-deep water,
push off the bottom, move into a treading
S tep or jump from the side into or floating position for at least 15
shoulder-deep water seconds, swim on front and/or back for
E xit water using ladder, steps or side 5 body lengths, then exit the water.
F ully submerge and hold breath M ove into a back float for 15 seconds,
Bobbing, 10 times roll to front, then recover to a vertical
O pen eyes under water and retrieve position.
submerged objects P ush off and swim using combined
R otary breathing arm and leg actions on front for 5 body
F ront, jellyfish and tuck floats for lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds,
10 seconds roll to front, then continue swimming for
F ront glide and recover to a vertical at least 5 body lengths.
position
B ack glide and recover to a vertical Safety Focus
position
B ack float for 15 seconds S taying safe around water
R oll from front to back and back D on’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket
to front R ecognizing an emergency
T read water for 15 seconds H ow to call for help
C hange direction of travel while T oo Much Sun Is No Fun
swimming on front or back L ook Before You Leap
C ombined arm and leg actions T hink So You Don’t Sink
on front R each or Throw, Don’t Go
T he danger of drains

Instructor Date
Location
Comments

Y ou have successfully completed all skills and are ready to enroll in the next level!

Instructor Signature

Learn-to-Swim 1 minute, rotate one full turn, then
Level 3: Intermediate turn as necessary to orient to the exit
point, level off, swim front crawl and/or
Stroke Development elementary backstroke for 25 yards,
then exit the water.
Skills
Push off in a streamlined position, then
J ump into deep water from the side, swim front crawl for 15 yards, change
submerge, return to the surface position and direction as necessary,
then to the side swim elementary backstroke 15 yards,
H eadfirst entry from the side in then exit the water.
seated and kneeling positions
B obbing while moving to safety Safety Focus
R otary breathing
S urvival float for 30 seconds R each or Throw, Don’t Go
B ack float for 1 minute T hink Twice Before Going Near
T read water for 1 minute Cold Water or Ice
C hange from vertical to horizontal Look Before You Leap
position on front and back Developing breath control safely
P ush off in streamlined position M aking good decisions—choosing
on front, then begin kicking an exit point
S wim front crawl for 15 yards
S wim elementary backstroke for
15 yards
F lutter, scissors, breaststroke,
and dolphin kicks

Exit Assessment

J ump into deep water from the side,
recover to the surface, maintain
position by treading or floating for

Instructor Date
Location
Comments

Y ou have successfully completed all skills and are ready to enroll in the next level!

Instructor Signature

SWI M M I N G AN D WATE R SAFETY N EWS

Learn-to-Swim Level 1—Introduction to Water Skills

Welcome to American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 1!

Congratulations! You have started your child on a journey to learn how to be safe in,
on and around the water and to swim well. American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim is
made up of six levels of swimming and water safety instruction.
As participants progress through the levels and develop these skills, they become
safer and better swimmers.

We’re proud to offer you: PAR E NT’S COR N E R

• Professional instructors who are well trained by the How can you help?
American Red Cross.
• Always maintain constant supervision of your child and
• Learning made fun in a safe environment. stay within in arm’s reach of nonswimmers.
• A balanced program that teaches swimming skills and
• Bring a light snack and drink for your child. Kids are often
how to be safe in the water, including a focus on lowering hungry after a lesson.
the risk of drowning and increasing the chances of
drowning survival. • Ask the instructor which skills your child should practice,
and then make practicing fun at home or your local pool!
• A comprehensive swimming and water safety program for
everyone in the family—from infancy to adulthood including: • Remember, children develop swimming skills at different
rates. Offer praise and encouragement at each lesson.
◦ A free Red Cross Swim mobile Encourage your child to enjoy swim lessons and take
application available for download pride in personal success.
from iTunes, Google Play or Amazon
Marketplace app stores. How can you build on your child’s swimming
experience?
◦ Swim Lessons Achievement Booklets
to track skill achievement and • Talk about what your child has learned in the lesson to
progression through the levels. develop safe practices for the home and other aquatic
environments such as lakes, rivers and waterparks.
◦ Badge system to recognize and reward achievement
outside of the levels, motivating participants to strive • Encourage your child, when at play, to try the skills he or
toward developing specific skills and for recognizing she is learning in lessons.
participants for something that they are doing well,
especially when they are struggling with a specific • Download the Red Cross Swim mobile application as
skill or set of skills needed to successfully complete soon as you enter your child in the swim lesson program
the level. and use it to help reinforce what your child is learning,
and use it to help encourage your child’s progress and
What happens in Learn-to-Swim Level 1? knowledge about water safety.
For every level of Learn-to-Swim, our instructors follow a
plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills skills needed for water safety). Certain milestones are nec-
and build on previously learned skills. Each class is loaded essary for successful completion of Level 1, including:
with fun, engaging and challenging activities that motivate
children to want to perform and learn to swim. • Entering the water independently using the ramp, steps
or side.
In Level 1—Introduction to Water Skills, your child is intro-
duced to basic skills as the foundation for future skills and • Traveling at least 5 yards, bobbing 5 times and then safely
the development of water competency (the basic minimum exiting the water.

Continued on Next Page u

• Opening eyes underwater and retrieving submerged the requirements for a level, there is another space
object. for the instructor to indicate that your child is ready to
enroll in the next level.
• Gliding on front with assistance at least 2 body
lengths. Where do swimmers go after Level 1?

• Rolling to a back float for 5 seconds with assistance. Swimmers move through the six levels of the American Red
• Recovering to a vertical position with assistance. Cross Learn-to-Swim program as they master the skills
• Combined arm and leg actions on front and back required at each level. After successfully completing Level
1, children are ready to move on to Level 2—Fundamental
with assistance. Aquatic Skills. Participants in Level 2:

• Alternating and simultaneous arm and leg actions • Learn to float face-down and on the back independently.
on front and back with assistance. • Learn to recover to a vertical position independently.
• Further develop simultaneous and alternating arm and
It is common for children to participate in several
sessions of Level 1 before they successfully demon- leg actions for swimming on the front and back as the
strate each skill. That is okay! It is not important foundation for future stroke development and water
how quickly they move through a level, but that they competency.
acquire each skill.

How are Learn-to-Swim Level 1 participants
evaluated?
Instructors follow a plan that details the skills to be intro-
duced at each level along with performance expectations.
Your child’s progress and skill achievement are continu-
ously monitored and evaluated. Once all Level 1 skills are
achieved and the exit skills assessment is completed, your
child receives a completion card and they are ready to
move on to Level 2!

Take some time throughout the session to talk with your
child’s instructor to find out how your child is doing. At the
end of the session, your instructor will date, sign and pro-
vide comments on your child’s Swim Lessons Achievement
Booklet. Once your child has successfully completed all of

B E A WAT E R S M A R T FA M I LY !

Know how to recognize an emergency. Emergen- Know how to call for
cies can happen to anyone at any time. Sometimes a help. When you call
person who is in trouble cannot call for help; that is 9-1-1 or the local emer-
why you should tell the lifeguard or an adult right away gency number, tell the
if you think someone is in trouble. person who answers the
phone what happened.
Stay safe around Do not hang up. The
water. Pool decks are person who answers
for walking only, no run- the phone might be
ning or other horseplay. able to tell you how you
They are very slippery can help. Stay on the
and you could fall. Al- phone until the person
ways follow the rules. tells you it is all right to
hang up.

SWI M M I N G AN D WATE R SAFETY N EWS

Learn-to-Swim Level 2—Fundamental Aquatic Skills

Welcome to American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 2!

The American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim is made up of six levels of swimming
and water safety instruction. We are thrilled that your child is ready for the
fun and challenge of Learn-to-Swim Level 2—Fundamental Aquatic Skills. As
participants progress through the levels and develop these aquatic skills, they
become safer and better swimmers.

We’re proud to offer you: B E A WATE R S MART FAM I LY!

• Professional instructors who are well trained by the Don’t just pack it, wear your jacket. Whenever
American Red Cross. you go boating, always wear a properly fitting U.S.
Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Be sure to put it on
• Learning made fun in a safe environment. before you go out on the dock and do not take it off
• A balanced program that teaches swimming skills and until you return.
Know how to call for help.
how to be safe in the water, including a focus on lower- If a lifeguard or an adult is
ing the risk of drowning and increasing the chances of not nearby, use a phone
drowning survival. and call 9-1-1 or the local
emergency number.
• A comprehensive swimming and water safety program for
everyone in the family—from infancy to adulthood including: Know who the life-
guards are. Only swim in
◦ A free Red Cross Swim mobile application available areas where the lifeguard
for download from iTunes, Google Play or Amazon can see you. Remember,
Marketplace app stores. if you can see the lifeguard,
then, the lifeguard can see you.
◦ Swim Lessons Achievement
Booklets to track skill basic minimum skills needed for water safety). Each class
achievement and progression is loaded with fun, engaging and challenging activities that
through the levels. motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim.

◦ Badge system to recognize and Some of the milestones that are necessary for successful
reward achievement outside of completion of Level 2 include:
the levels, motivating participants
to strive toward developing • Stepping from the side into chest-deep water.
specific skills and for recognizing • Fully submerging and holding breath.
participants for something that • Pushing off the bottom, moving into a treading or floating
they are doing well, especially
when they are struggling with a specific skill or set position for at least 15 seconds, swimming on front and/
of skills needed to successfully complete the level. or back for 5 body lengths and then exiting the water.

What happens in Learn-to-Swim Level 2? • Moving into a back float for 15 seconds, rolling to front
and then recovering to a vertical position.
Level 2—Fundamental Aquatic Skills builds on skills learned
in Level 1. Your child begins to perform skills at a slightly • Pushing off and swimming using combined arm and leg
more advanced level and begins gaining rudimentary propul- actions on front for 5 body lengths, rolling to back, float-
sive skills on both the front and the back. This level marks the ing for 15 seconds, rolling to the front and then continue
beginning of independent aquatic locomotion skills. swimming for 5 body lengths.

Our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming
and water safety skills and build on previously learned
skills, including the development of water competency (the

How are Level 2 Learn-to-Swim participants PAR E NT’S COR N E R
evaluated?
Instructors follow a plan that details the skills to be intro- How can you help?
duced at each level along with performance expectations.
Your child’s progress and skill achievement are continu- • Support your child by praising his or her effort in the pool.
ously monitored and evaluated. Once all Level 2 skills are • Bring a healthy snack and drink for your child for after the
achieved and the exit skills assessment is completed, your
child receives a completion card and he or she is ready to lesson to replace fluids and energy.
move on to Level 3!
• Remember that children develop swimming skills at differ-
Take some time throughout the session to talk with your child’s ent rates. Many children need to repeat a level multiple
instructor to find out how your child is doing. At the end of the times to complete all of the skills. Do not get discouraged;
session, your instructor will date, sign and provide comments continue to offer praise and encouragement.
on your child’s Swim Lessons Achievement Booklet. Once
your child has successfully completed all of the requirements • Ask the instructor which skills your child should review, and
for a level, there is another space for the instructor to indicate then make practicing at home or at your local pool fun!
that your child is ready to enroll in the next level.
Where do swimmers go after Level 2? How can you build on your child’s swimming
After successfully demonstrating the completion require- experience?
ments from Level 2, enroll your child in Learn-to-Swim Level
3. In Learn-to-Swim Level 3—Stroke Development, your child • Take your child to public or family swims to develop
will continue to perform skills to work toward water compe- strength, practice skills, gain confidence and increase his
tency and learn the: or her comfort level in the water.

• Survival float. • Ask your child to show you a skill learned in swim lessons
• Front crawl. and incorporate the skill into a game to play in the pool.
• Elementary backstroke.
• Scissors kick. • Download the Red Cross Swim
• Fundamentals of treading water. mobile application and use it to help
• Progressions for headfirst entries from the side of the encourage your child’s progress and
knowledge about water safety. Also
pool in a sitting position and kneeling position. use the app to share your child’s
progress and successes.

• Maintain a safety-first attitude and follow the American
Red Cross Circle of Drowning Prevention.

SWI M M I N G AN D WATE R SAFETY N EWS

Learn-to-Swim Level 3—Stroke Development

Welcome to American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 3!

The American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim is made up of six levels of swimming
and water safety instruction. By now your child is starting to gain some substantial
swimming and water safety skills. But there is still a long way to go. As participants progress
through the levels and develop these skills, they become safer and better swimmers and
develop water competency.

We’re proud to offer you: WATE R COM PETE N CY:
D I D YOU KNOW?
• Professional instructors who are well trained by the
American Red Cross. Water competency means having the basic, minimum skills
needed to be safe and survive in the water. It means more
• Learning made fun in a safe environment. than just knowing how to swim. It also includes the ability to:
• A balanced program that teaches swimming skills and how to
• Enter the water and submerge completely.
be safe in the water, including a focus on lowering the risk of • Recover to the surface and stay there for at least
drowning and increasing the chances of drowning survival.
1 minute by treading water or floating.
• A comprehensive swimming and water safety program for
everyone in the family—from infancy to adulthood including: • Turn completely (360 degrees) and orient to the exit.
• Level off and propel oneself on the front or back through
◦ A free Red Cross Swim mobile application available for
download from iTunes, Google Play or Amazon Marketplace the water for at least 25 yards.
app stores.
• Exit the water.
◦ Swim Lessons Achievement Booklets to track skill
achievement and progression through the levels. Remember, you may be water competent in one type of
aquatic environment, for example, a pool. However, this
◦ Badge system to recognize and reward achievement does not mean that you are water competent in another
outside of the levels, motivating participants to strive toward environment, such as a lake or ocean. Each environment
developing specific skills and for recognizing participants is different and more skill is required.
for something that they are doing well, especially when they
are struggling with a specific skill or set of skills needed to
successfully complete the level.

What do participants learn in Learn-to-
Swim Level 3?

In Learn-to-Swim Level 3, our instructors follow a
plan to introduce new swimming and water safety
skills and to build on previously learned skills. Your
child learns to swim the front crawl and elementary
backstroke at rudimentary levels, is introduced to the
scissors and dolphin kicks, learns the survival float
and increases the time duration for treading water.
Your child also learns the rules for headfirst entries
and begins to learn to enter the water headfirst from
a seated position at poolside (if the water is 9 feet
deep or deeper). Each class is loaded with fun,
engaging and challenging activities that motivate
children to want to perform and learn to swim and
help your child develop water competency.

Some of the milestones in Level 3—Stroke B E A WATE R S MART FAM I LY!
Development include:
Reach or throw, don’t go. If a person is in trouble and
• Flutter, scissors, breaststroke and dolphin kicks. needs help, do not go into the water. Look around for any
• Jumping into deep water from the side, recovering to the object that might be available, such as a foam noodle,
kickboard, shirt, belt, stick or towel and use it to extend
surface, maintaining position by treading or floating for 1 your reach.
minute, rotating a full turn and then turning as necessary to
orient to the exit point. Swim as a pair near a life-
guard’s chair. No matter how
• Swimming the front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for old you are or how strong of a
25 yards and then exiting the water. swimmer you are, always swim in
a supervised area with a partner
• Pushing off in a streamlined position, swimming the front near a lifeguard’s chair.
crawl for 15 yards, changing position and direction, swim-
ming the elementary backstroke for 15 yards and then Think twice before going near
exiting the water. cold water or ice. There is no such
thing as 100-percent safe ice. Anyone who falls into cold
How are Level 3 Learn-to-Swim participants water should remain calm and try to swim to safety if it is
evaluated? possible to do so with only a few strokes.
Your child’s progress and skill achievement are continuously
monitored and evaluated. Once all Level 3 skills are achieved Where do swimmers go after Level 3?
and the exit skills assessment is completed, your child re- Swimmers move through the six levels of the American Red
ceives a completion card and they are ready to move on to Cross Learn-to-Swim program as they master the skills
Level 4! required at each level. After successfully completing Level
3, be sure to register your child for Learn-to-Swim Level 4,
Take some time throughout the session to talk with your child’s where your child will learn:
instructor to find out how your child is doing. At the end of the
session, your instructor will date, sign and provide comments • To increase their endurance by swimming familiar strokes
on your child’s Swim Lessons Achievement Booklet. Once (front crawl, elementary backstroke) for greater distances
your child has successfully completed all of the requirements and with more advanced proficiency.
for a level, there is another space for the instructor to indicate
that your child is ready to enroll in the next level. • To build on the scissors kick and dolphin kick by adding
arms for sidestroke and breaststroke.
PAR E NT’S COR N E R
• The back crawl and butterfly.
How can you help? • The basics for a simple open turn at a wall.

• Support your child by praising his or her effort in the pool.
• Bring a light snack for your child. Kids are often hungry and tired

after a lesson.

• Remember that each child is different and that participants learn
swimming skills at different rates.

How can you build on your child’s swimming experience?

• Give your child plenty of opportunity to develop strength, practice
skills, gain confidence and increase his or her comfort level in the
water by taking him or her to the local aquatic facility.

• Stay interested in your child’s progress. Ask your child to show
you a skill learned in swim lessons and incorporate the skill into
a game to play in the pool.

• Download the Red Cross Swim mobile application and use it to help
encourage your child’s progress and knowledge about water safety.
Also use the application to share your child’s progress and successes.

• Maintain a safety first attitude and follow the American Red Cross
Circle of Drowning Prevention.

SWI M M I N G AN D WATE R SAFETY N EWS

Learn-to-Swim Level 4—Stroke Improvement

Welcome to American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 4!

We know you are very proud of your child’s swimming and water safety
accomplishments so far. You are seeing your child perform a variety of skills with ever-
increasing levels of quality and confidence.

We’re proud to offer you: PAR E NT’S COR N E R

• Professional instructors who are well trained by the How can you help?
American Red Cross.
• Praise your child and help him or her be proud of the efforts and
• Learning made fun in a safe environment. accomplishments toward being a safety-conscious and skilled
• A balanced program that teaches swimming skills and swimmer.

how to be safe in the water, including a focus on lowering • Remind your child that people develop swimming skills at
the risk of drowning and increasing the chances of different rates. Participants rarely achieve all of the skills and
drowning survival. performance requirements in a single session.

• A comprehensive swimming and water safety program for • Have your child ask the instructor which skills he or she should
everyone in the family—from infancy to adulthood including: review and then make it possible for your child to practice these
skills at a local aquatic facility.
◦ A free Red Cross Swim mobile application available
for download from iTunes, Google Play or Amazon • Download the Red Cross Swim mobile appli-
Marketplace app stores. cation and use it to help encourage your child’s
progress and knowledge about water safety
◦ Swim Lessons Achievement as well as share your child’s progress and suc-
Booklets to track skill achievement cesses. Also have your child watch the stroke
and progression through the levels. performance videos for additional demonstra-
tions of each stroke.
◦ Badge system to recognize and
reward achievement outside of • Encourage your child to ask to test for badges.
the levels, motivating participants
to strive toward developing How participants improve in between classes?
specific skills and for recognizing
participants for something that they • Make it possible for them to attend public or family swims to
are doing well, especially develop strength and practice skills.
when they are struggling
with a specific skill or set of • Think about safe locations for diving. Think “safety first” by enter-
skills needed to successfully ing “feet first, the first time” to ensure there are no water hazards.
complete the level.
• Swimming the front crawl for 25 yards.
What do participants learn • Swimming the elementary backstroke for 25 yards.
in Learn-to-Swim Level 4? • Swimming the breaststroke for 15 yards.
• Swimming the butterfly for 15 yards.
In Learn-to-Swim Level 4, our instructors follow a plan to • Swimming the back crawl for 15 yards.
introduce new swimming and water safety skills and to • Swimming the sidestroke for 15 yards.
build on previously learned skills, improving the swimming • Headfirst entry* from a stride position
stroke proficiency and swimming for longer distances.
Each class is loaded with fun, engaging and challenging (*only if the water is at least 9-feet deep).
activities that motivate children to want to perform and
learn to swim. Some of the milestones in Level 4—Stroke • Open turns on the front and back.
Improvement include:

In Learn-to-Swim Level 5— Stroke Refinement
participants will:

• Refine their performance of all the strokes (front crawl,
back crawl, butterfly, breaststroke, elementary backstroke
and sidestroke).

• Increase their endurance by swimming familiar strokes for
greater distances.

• Learn flip turns on the front and back.

How are Learn-to-Swim Level 4 participants
evaluated?

Instructors follow a plan that details the skills to be intro-
duced at each level along with performance expectations.
Your child’s progress and skill achievement are continu-
ously monitored and evaluated. Once all Level 4 skills are
achieved and the exit skills assessment is completed, your
child receives a completion card and is ready to move on
to Level 5!

Check in with your child’s instructor to find out how he or B E A WATE R S MART FAM I LY!
she is doing. At the end of the session, your instructor will
date, sign and provide comments on your child’s Swim As your child improves his or her swimming skill and en-
Lessons Achievement Booklet. Once your child has suc- durance, the opportunities to engage in and enjoy aquatic
cessfully completed all of the requirements for a level, the activities in a variety of settings greatly increases. But every
instructor will indicate in the booklet that your child is ready aquatic setting is different and poses specific safety chal-
to enroll in the next level. lenges. Being aware of these safety challenges can help
you stay safe no matter what aquatic setting you are in.
Where do swimmers go after Level 4?
Too much sun is no fun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the
By now, participants are able to make good progress in the sun are invisible, so you need to take steps to protect your
water, but they are not done yet! Swimmers move through skin whenever you go outside, even on cloudy days. Always
the six levels of Red Cross Learn-to-Swim as they master wear a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30.
the skills required at each level. After successfully demon-
strating the completion requirements from Level 4, enroll Look before you leap. Remember the rules for headfirst
swimmers in Learn-to-Swim Level 5. Other opportunities at entries. Always check with a lifeguard to see if it is okay to
this level of achievement include Water Safety Instructor or jump in the water. If it is allowed, make sure that you can
Junior Lifeguarding courses. see what is in front of you and below the water before you
enter the water.

Wave, tide or ride, follow
the guide. Follow all posted
directions and instructions from
the lifeguards to get into the
correct position before starting
down a water slide–face up
and feetfirst in most cases. On
speed slides, crossing the legs
helps prevent injuries.

SWI M M I N G AN D WATE R SAFETY N EWS

Learn-to-Swim Level 5—Stroke Refinement

Welcome to American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 5!

Congratulations on your commitment to ensuring that you learn to be safe in, on and
around the water and to swim well. Through participation in the American Red Cross Learn-to-
Swim program, you are gaining lifelong skills to serve you well for recreation and fitness, as well
as safety in a variety of aquatic settings.

We’re proud to offer you: NEXT STEPS

• Professional instructors who are well trained by the Remember!
American Red Cross.
• If you don’t complete a level the first time, or even the
• Learning made fun in a safe environment. second time, it just means there are important skills you
• A balanced program that teaches swimming skills and need to continue to improve upon and strengthen.

how to be safe in the water, including a focus on lowering • Bring a healthy snack and drink for after the lesson to
the risk of drowning and increasing the chances of replace fluids and energy.
drowning survival.
How can you build on your own swimming
• A comprehensive swimming and water safety program for experience?
everyone in the family—from infancy to adulthood including:
• Practice your strokes even when you are not in the
◦ A free Red Cross Swim mobile application available water. This can help you work on the proper leg and arm
for download from iTunes, Google Play or Amazon movements and commit them to memory.
Marketplace app stores.
• Download the Red Cross Swim
◦ Swim Lessons Achievement mobile application and view the stroke
Booklets to track skill achievement performance videos that demonstrate
and progression through the levels. each stroke. Also use the app to share
your progress and successes.
◦ Badge system to recognize and
reward achievement outside of the Some of the milestones in Level 5—Stroke
levels, motivating participants to Refinement include:
strive toward developing specific
skills and for recognizing participants • Performing a shallow-angle dive into water
for something that they are doing well, at least 9-feet deep.
especially when they are struggling
with a specific skill or set of skills needed to successfully • Performing a tuck and pike surface dive
complete the level. • Swimming the front crawl for 50 yards.
• Swimming the elementary backstroke
What do participants learn in Learn-to-Swim
Level 5? for 50 yards.

In Learn-to-Swim Level 5, our instructors follow a plan to • Swimming the sidestroke for 25 yards
refine all six swimming strokes including swimming for longer • Swimming the breaststroke for 25 yards.
distances, introduce new water safety skills while building on • Swimming the back crawl for 25 yards.
ones previously learned and perform flip turns on the front and • Swimming the butterfly for 25 yards
back. The expectations are higher now in regards to distance • Front and back flip turns
and quality. Each class is loaded with engaging and chal-
lenging activities and drills to build endurance and improve
technique.

How are you In Learn-to-Swim Level 6— Swimming and Skill
evaluated in Level 5 Proficiency, you:
Learn-to-Swim?
• Continue to improve the quality and endurance of all six
Instructors follow a plan strokes learned throughout the six levels of Learn-to-Swim.
that details the skills to
be introduced at each • Prepare for more advanced courses, like Lifeguarding
level along with perfor- and Water Safety Instructor.
mance expectations.
Your progress and • Learn some basics of other aquatic activities, such as
skill achievement are competitive swimming or diving.
continuously monitored
and evaluated. Once B E WATE R S MART!
all Level 5 skills are
achieved and the exit As you gain increasing skill and endurance with your
skills assessment is swimming, you are likely to be swimming in a lot of different
achieved, you receive a completion aquatic environments. But every aquatic setting is different
card and are ready to move on to Level 6! and poses specific safety challenges. Be aware of the safe-
ty challenges and follow the American Red Cross Circle of
Ask your instructor how you are doing. At the end of Drowning Prevention so that you stay safe no matter where
the session, your instructor will date, sign and provide you are.
comments on your Swim Lessons Achievement
Booklet. Once you have successfully completed all of Reach or throw, don’t go. Community pools, recreation-
the requirements for a level, there is another space for al areas and many hotel and motel pools have reaching
the instructor to indicate that you are ready to enroll in equipment, such as a reaching pole or shepherd’s crook,
the next level. near the water. Use a reaching or throwing assist to help
someone in trouble.
Where do you go after Level 5? Think so you don’t sink. If you get caught in a rip cur-
rent, remember to think so that you don’t sink.
Swimmers move through the six levels of Red Cross Think twice before going near
Learn-to-Swim as they master the skills cold water or ice. Floating in
required at each level. place until help arrives is the
After successfully best way to survive a cold-
completing Level 5, water emergency in open
you may register for water or when you are a
Learn-to-Swim Level 6. great distance from
the shore.
Level 6 participants
can choose an area of
interest, such as:

• Personal Water
Safety.

• Fundamentals
of Diving.

• Fitness Swimmer.

You have also gained skills to be able to take advan-
tage of other opportunities, including participating
in the Water Safety Instructor, Junior Lifeguarding or
Lifeguarding courses, depending on the age prerequi-
sites of the individual courses.

SWI M M I N G AN D WATE R SAFETY N EWS

Learn-to-Swim Level 6—Fitness Swimmer

Welcome to American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 6!

Congratulations on your commitment to learning to be safe in, on and around the water
and to swim well. Participation in the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 6
means that you have achieved a significant level of swimming skill. The great news is
that now the fun really begins. Level 6 opens the door to a variety of specialized aquatic
activities that can lead to whole new sets of aquatic experiences that could last a lifetime!

We’re proud to offer you: NEXT STEPS

• Professional instructors who are well trained by the How can you build on your own swimming
American Red Cross. experience?

• Learning made fun in a safe environment. Level 6 courses build on endurance and proficiency of all six
• A balanced program that teaches swimming skills and swimming strokes. Whenever possible, practice continuous
swims, using different strokes and turns along the way.
how to be safe in the water, including a focus on lower- Download the Red Cross Swim mobile application and view
ing the risk of drowning and increasing the chances of the stroke performance videos that demonstrate each stroke.
drowning survival. Also use the app to share your progress and successes.

• A comprehensive swimming and water safety program Where do you go after taking a Level 6 course?
for everyone in the family—from infancy to adulthood
including: Swimmers who take a Level 6 course are often preparing for
more advanced courses, such as Water Safety Instructor or
◦ A free Red Cross Swim mobile Lifeguarding. Some participants are preparing to participate in
application available for download other aquatic activities, such as competitive swimming or diving.
from iTunes, Google Play or Level 6 courses in Learn-to-Swim are customized to meet the
Amazon Marketplace app stores. objectives of the participants. For instance, this option can help
those who want to achieve a higher level of fitness. Because of
◦ Swim Lessons Achievement the variety this level offers, you can repeat it to focus on different
Booklets to track skill achievement goals and activities each time. Ask your instructor about the
and progression through the levels. continuing aquatic activities offered at the facility.

◦ Badge system to recognize and reward achievement Some of the milestones Continued on Next Page u
outside of the levels, motivating participants to strive in Level 6—Fitness
toward developing specific skills and for recognizing Swimmer include:
participants for something that they are doing well,
especially when they are struggling with a specific • Swimming 500 yards
skill or set of skills needed to successfully complete continuously using any
the level. 3 strokes of choice,
swimming at least 50 yards
What do you learn in Level 6—Fitness of each stroke.
Swimmer?
• Demonstrating turns while
As in all the other levels, in Learn-to- Swim Level 6, our swimming.
instructors follow a plan to refine swimming, physical
fitness in the water and water safety skills that were taught • Demonstrating circle swimming.
throughout the levels. The expectations are quite high in
regards to distance and quality. Additionally, in Fitness
Swimmer, you learn principles of training and how to evalu-
ate your own level of fitness.

• Demonstrating various ments on your Swim Lessons Achievement Booklet. Once
training techniques. you have successfully completed all of the requirements for
a level, there is another space for the instructor to indicate
• Calculating target that you may enroll in another Level 6 option.
heart rate.
Things to keep in mind:
• Demonstrating the princi-
ples of setting up a fitness • Your enthusiasm and interest in learning to swim makes
program. you a great candidate for teaching swimming and water
safety to others.
• Performing the Cooper
12-minute swim test, and • To become a Water Safety Instructor, you must:
comparing results with the pre-assessment results. ◦ Be at least 16 years of age.
◦ Demonstrate the swimming skills for front crawl,
How are you evaluated in Level 6—Fitness
Swimmer? back crawl, breaststroke, elementary backstroke,
Instructors follow a plan that details the skills to be intro- sidestroke and butterfly (with Level 4 Stroke
duced at each level along with performance expectations. Performance Charts).
Your progress and skill achievement are continuously
monitored and evaluated. Once all Level 6 skills and exit ◦ Maintain position on your back for 1 minute in deep
skills assessments are achieved, you receive a completion water (floating or sculling).
card that indicates that you have completed the top level of
American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim! ◦ Tread water for 1 minute.
• The American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety
Ask your instructor how you are doing. At the end of the
session, your instructor will date, sign and provide com- program offers a variety of ways in which Water Safety
instructors are able to share water safety information
with others.

B E WATE R S MART!

Anyone who spends time in, on and around the water Think so you don’t sink. For many people, waves are part of
should know what to do in the event of an aquatic what makes swimming at an ocean beach fun. Even at designated
emergency. beaches, waves can be dangerous.

It is important to know first aid and CPR/AED. Think twice before going near cold water or ice. Cold water
The American Red Cross recommends that at least one is dangerous, even if you do not intend to go in. Whenever you
person in every household be trained in lifesaving first are in, on or around cold water, wear a life jacket.
aid and CPR/AED skills.