Swim Level Descriptions

"A child's ideal swim class should challenge them but not overwhelm them"

Look over the class level descriptions below to get a general idea of what each level offers and find the level that is appropriate for your child's abilities. 

If you're unsure what level is best for your child, please give us a call (413) 259-3065

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Parent-Child Program

Guppies

This class is an introduction to the water with a parent or guardian present. Skills emphasized are:

  • Water comfort
  • Blowing bubbles
  • Socialization

Preschool Programs (ages 3-5 years old)

Tadpoles

This is an entry-level class and the first class without a parent. Children may show fear of the water when without a parent present.

Tiny Tunas

This class may be appropriate for your child if he/she can:

  • show little to no fear in the water
  • front/back float with support and encouragement
  • blow bubbles/ attempt to submerge face

Frogs

This class may be appropriate for your child if he/she can:

  • do 5 'bobs'
  • float on back/front with support
  • swim independently for 3 body lengths
  • kick on front and back with support
  • jumps in
  • shows no fear of water

Ducklings

This class may be appropriate for your child if he/she can:

  • do 10 'bobs' (submerging whole head)
  • can tread for 5 seconds
  • jump into deep water, recover, swim to wall
  • swim independently (no barbell/bubble) with face in the water and attempting to 'reach & pull' for 3 body lengths
  • back crawl with support
  • float on back with minimal support

Dolphins

This class may be appropriate for your child if he/she can:

  • do 15 'bobs'
  • tread for 10 seconds
  • do a sitting/kneeling dive
  • do front/back glides
  • back crawl using arms across width of pool
  • swim independently with face in, attempting rotary breathing, across width of pool

Youth Programs(ages 6-14 years old)

Level 1

This is an entry-level class.

Level 2

This class may be appropriate for your child if he/she can:

  • move comfortably through the water
  • do 5 bobs
  • demonstrate supported floating & kicking on front & back
  • enter and exit water independently
  • attempt to 'reach & pull' with support

Level 3

This class may be appropriate for your child if he/she can:

  • do 10 bobs
  • tread for 10 seconds
  • retrieve underwater objects
  • demonstrate unsupported front & back floats
  • demonstrate rhythmic breathing
  • perform combined stroke on front & back

Level 4

This class may be appropriate for your child if he/she can:

  • demonstrate deep water bobbing
  • tread for 15 seconds
  • retrieve underwater objects with eyes open
  • perform front & back crawl across width of pool
  • perform supported breast stroke kick
  • dives in kneeling position

Level 5

This class may be appropriate for your child if he/she can:

  • demonstrate front & back crawl with rotary breathing
  • perform breast stroke kick, attempt breast stroke arms
  • tread for 30 seconds
  • swim increased distances, building endurance

Level 6

This class may be appropriate for your child if he/she can:

  • demonstrate long shallow dive
  • perform the front crawl, back crawl and breast stroke for increased distances
  • perform open turn
  • perform butterfly kick