Preschool Age Aquatics
Preschool Aquatics (ages 3-5) The goal of preschool swim lessons is to provide positive and developmentally appropriate learning experiences while building on basic skills. Caregivers should take into consideration their child’s comfort in the water, readiness for small group lessons, and ability to progress through a 30-minute lesson. Additionally, swimmers will receive training in basic water safety and emergency situations. | ||||
Level: | Purpose: | Prerequisites: | Swimmer characteristics at this level: | Exit assessment skills If your child can complete the skills in this column they are ready for the next level. |
Preschool Level 1 (Indoors at The Essex Resort & Spa) Preschool Level 1 (Outdoors at Sand Hill Pool) | To orient preschool-age children to the aquatic environment and to help them acquire rudimentary levels of basic aquatic skills. | None | -Beginner swimmers with very little experience who are comfortable attending a class without their caregiver. -Swimmers may be uneasy or unsure in new situations or transitions. | WITH SUPPORT: -Enter independently, using either ramp, steps, or side, travel at least 5 yards, submerged to mouth and blow bubbles for at least 3 seconds then safely exit the water (children can walk, move along the gutter, or “swim”). -While in shallow water, glide on front at least 2 body lengths, then roll to back and float on back for 3 seconds then recover to a vertical position. |
Preschool Level 2 (Indoors at The Essex Resort & Spa) | Helps children gain greater independence in their skills and develop more comfort in and around water. | Successfully demonstrate the exit skills assessments from Preschool Level 1. | -Successfully demonstrate the exit skills assessments from Preschool Level 1. -Swimmers who are comfortable in the water with floatation devices and/or adult support but are not yet independent. | WITH ASSISTANCE: -Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to back, float on back for 15 seconds then recover to a vertical position. -Glide on back for at least 2 body lengths, roll to front then recover to a vertical position. -Swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for at least 3 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front then continue swimming on front for at least 3 body lengths. |
Preschool Level 3 (Indoors at The Essex Resort & Spa) | To increase proficiency and build on the basic aquatic skills learned in Preschool Levels 1 and 2 by providing additional guided practice with increased distances and times. | Successfully demonstrate the exit skills assessments from Preschool Level 2. | -Successfully demonstrate the exit skills assessments from Preschool Level 2. -Swimmers who are very comfortable in the water but need to build their skills. | INDEPENDENTLY: -Step 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. -Move into a back float for 15 seconds, roll to front then recover to a vertical position. -Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float 15 seconds, roll to front then continue swimming for 5 body lengths. |