Level 1: Water Acclimation

Skills:

• Use wall to move side to side

• Enter/exit pool

• Blow bubbles out nose

• Hold breath underwater with eyes in the water for 5 seconds

• Assisted front float with kicking

• Assisted back float with ears in the water

• Elementary freestyle front crawl

• Elementary backstroke

Goals:

• Float with kicking on front unassisted

• Effortless back float with ears in water unassisted

• Hold breath underwater with eyes in the water for 5 seconds

• Safely reach the pool wall and climb out

• Jump off the pool side and swim to an exit point at least 5 feet away without apprehension

Requirements:

• Comfortably enter water without parents

• Demonstrate confidence and lack of fear (private lessons may be suggested)

Questions to Ask:

Does the student need a swim backpack or life jacket?

Does the student show hesitation when entering the pool?

In order to move on:

Students must display confidence in water, demonstrate basic floats, and move safely within the pool. Mastery of basic swimming strokes is not essential at this level, but foundational techniques should be established.

Level 2: Basic Skills and Independence

Skills:

• Freestyle with side breathing

• Submerge to retrieve toys

• Backstroke

• Breathing techniques while swimming

Goals:

• Gain the skills to be considered an independent swimmer

• Swim a distance of 10 feet without assistance

Requirements:

• Comfortably put face in water without apprehension

• Float on back for 10 seconds calmly

• Swim on stomach and smoothly roll to back and float

• Familiarity with beginner freestyle or elementary backstroke techniques

• Jump off the side of the pool and swim to an exit point at least 5 feet away without apprehension

Questions to Ask:

Can the student jump in, swim 5ft, and return to the wall?

Can the student hold their breath underwater comfortably?

Does the student float effectively on both back and front?

In order to move on:

Students aged 2-5 should demonstrate the ability to kick off the wall, use side arms, and breathe for 15 meters with an unassisted safety roll and successfully float with side arm for one minute.

Level 3: Stroke Development

Skills:

• Introduction to breaststroke coordination

• Independent surface dives

• Side breathing while kicking on front

• Freestyle techniques

• Back glides and back kicking

• Assisted safety roll

• Introduction to treading water

Goals:

• Efficient freestyle with side breathing

• Master backstroke with a streamlined start

• Execute elementary backstrokes and deep dives

• Familiarity with breaststroke basics

Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability in basic strokes and safety techniques

• Comfort in jumping into water, swimming without assistance, and reaching the wall

Questions to Ask:

Can your child comfortably take 3-4 breaths while swimming freestyle?

In order to move on:

Students should confidently swim using the major strokes, demonstrate safety techniques, and be comfortable in deeper waters.

Level 4: Advanced Stroke Refinement and Endurance Building

"Welcome to DCS Swim Academy's Free Assessment! Sign up and we'll call to discuss your child's swimming comfort level, including their experience and feelings about water. Post-call, visit Boundary Waters Aquatic Center to pay and receive a code. Use this code on our website to conveniently schedule your swim sessions."

"Welcome to DCS Swim Academy's Free Assessment! Sign up and we'll call to discuss your child's swimming comfort level, including their experience and feelings about water. Post-call, visit Boundary Waters Aquatic Center to pay and receive a code. Use this code on our website to conveniently schedule your swim sessions."

Level 1 Swim Lessons Description

In Level 1 swim lessons at DCS Swim Academy, our goal is to introduce beginners to water basics.

Activities:

• Getting comfortable in the water

• Basic water safety rules

• Blowing bubbles and learning breath control

Goals:

• Building confidence in the water

• Understanding fundamental water safety

• Preparing for basic swim techniques

Goggles are needed

This level is perfect for those just starting their swimming journey, focusing on comfort and safety in the water.

In Level 2 at DCS Swim Academy, we focus on developing basic swimming skills and enhancing water confidence.

Activities:

• Basic stroke techniques (freestyle and backstroke)

• Floating and gliding in the water

• Learning to submerge and retrieve objects

Goals:

• Mastering fundamental swim strokes

• Building independence in the water

• Improving overall water comfort and safety

What You’ll Need:

• Comfortable swimwear

• Goggles

• Swim fins for stroke enhancement

Level 4 Swim Lessons Description

Level 4 at DCS Swim Academy is designed for advanced swimmers focusing on technique perfection and competitive skills.

Activities:

• Perfecting all swim strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly)

• Advanced diving techniques

• Introduction to competitive swimming skills like turns and sprints

Goals:

• Achieving proficiency in all swim strokes

• Developing advanced swimming techniques

• Preparing for swim competitions or advanced aquatic activities

What You’ll Need:

• Comfortable swimwear

• Goggles

• Swim fins for advanced drills and speed training