|
| Spring Youth Swim Lessons |
Minnetonka Aquatics Learn to Swim
The Minnetonka Learn-to-Swim program was developed by top USA Swimming coaches and swim instructors who are passionate about teaching proper stroke technique and water safety. The goal of our program is to empower every participant with skills, knowledge and confidence in their swimming ability, while developing a lifelong commitment to safety, wellness and enjoyment in the water. We employ a variety of techniques to create a fun, safe and challenging learning environment for young swimmers.
Spring swim lessons vary in length from 30 to 60 minutes and run at varying times from April through June. For specific class dates and times and to register please visit, www.minnetonkaaquatics.org
Any and all questions regarding times, dates, levels, or level placement should be directed to our Learn to Swim Coordinator Wil Coe. Wil can be reached by phone at 952-388-9206 or by e-mail at William.Coe@minnetonka.k12.mn.us
.
|
Greenhorn Level - Ages 6 months to 3 years + parent
The Greenhorn levels provide a structured learning environment in which children become comfortable in the water while accompanied by their parent(s). Instructors use fun activities to help children gain confidence and make the water an enjoyable place for a new swimmer.
Greenhorn 1 – This is a water adjustment class for young (6 to 12 months) or apprehensive swimmers and their parent. Using a gentle, structured approach with games, songs and other activities, children gain the confidence to lie on their back assisted with ears submerged, submerge their face in the water and feel safe in a pool environment.
Greenhorn 2 - This is a water adjustment class for more fearless, eager little swimmers (1 to 3 years) who still need to be accompanied by a parent in the water. This is a fun, faster, more advanced class that uses a gentle and structured approach to build confident swimmers with games, songs and other activities. Children learn to submerge up to 4 seconds and lie on their back assisted with ears submerged for up to 30 seconds. Greenhorn 2s will also learn how to stay safe in a pool environment and be exposed to wearing a life jacket.
Sailor Level - Ages 3 to 5
The Sailor level is for our beginning swimmers. Classes are fun and packed with learning the fundamentals of floating, streamlining (controlled glide) and safety. The goal of this level is to give children confidence in and around water.
Sailor 1 – This class is for inexperienced and/or cautious swimmers. Sailor 1s learn a variety of water adjustment skills, such as how to submerge their whole head for 4 seconds, how to maintain forward momentum, independent movement with a flotation device, staying safe in a pool environment, lying on their back assisted with ears submerged for up to 30 seconds, jumping in from the side of the pool and reaching underwater for items without goggles.
Sailor 2 – In this class, Sailor 2s are taught forward motion with their face in the water while using a flotation pack and noodle on both their front and back. They will be introduced to streamlining off the wall and breath control. By the end of class, Sailor 2s will be required to safely jump in the water, turn and swim back to the wall using a flotation device with little to no assistance.
Sailor 3 – In this class, children learn to streamline off the wall to an “island” on both their stomach and back with no assistance, as well as how to breathe in a rhythm for advanced breath control. The front crawl, elementary backstroke, deep water swimming and the diving board will also be introduced. By the end of class, Sailor 3s will be required to independently float on their back for 1 minute in both shallow and deep water.
Skipper Level - Ages 5 to 7
The Skipper level is filled with fun and safe fundamentals of body streamlining (controlled gliding), the four competitive strokes (front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly), treading water and basic diving from the side of the pool and diving board. Safety in and around the pool and other bodies of water will be highlighted in a safety lesson. Body position and how to breathe while maintaining a calm, relaxed rhythm is stressed, giving Skippers the ability to swim further and in a more efficient manner.
Skipper 1 – This class is for inexperienced and/or cautious swimmers. Skipper 1s will learn a variety of water adjustment skills. Participants will learn to submerge their whole head for 4 seconds, how to maintain forward momentum, independent movement with a flotation device, safety in a pool environment, how to lie on their back assisted with ears submerged for up to 30 seconds, how to jump in from the side of the pool and to reach for underwater items without goggles.
Skipper 2 – In this class, children will learn to streamline off the wall to an “island” on both their stomach and back with no assistance, as well as how to breathe in a rhythm for advanced breath control. Introduction to the front crawl and elementary backstroke will begin. The front crawl, elementary backstroke, deep water swimming and the diving board will also be introduced. By the end of class, Skipper 2s will be required to independently float on their back for 1 minute in both shallow and deep water.
Skipper 3 – In this class, Skipper 3s will be focused on learning efficient kick, front crawl with rhythmic breathing and backstroke fundamentals. Swimmers will be introduced to sculling, underwater swimming and treading water. Aquatic safety will be a top priority, and swimmers will learn the do’s and don’ts of age-appropriate water lifesaving skills. By the end of class, Skipper 3s will be required to tread water independently for 2 minutes.
Skipper 4 – In this class, Skipper 4s will focus on improving their Skipper 3 skills, as well as learning the breaststroke kick and body dolphin roll. Swimmers will be challenged to swim and kick an entire length of the pool (25 yards) without stopping. Again, safety will be a top priority and swimmers will be expected to follow pool rules and demonstrate age-appropriate water lifesaving skills.
Skipper 5 – In Skipper 5, students will focus on polishing their Skipper 4 skills. Swimmers will be introduced to proper breaststroke and butterfly arm placement. By the end of class, Skipper 5s will be required to swim the length of the pool with proper technique performing the freestyle, backstroke and kicking. Safety skills will be emphasized and swimmers will tread water to build endurance. Throughout class, each swimmer will work toward a goal of continuously treading water for 5 minutes.
Admiral Level - Ages 7 to 13
The skills learned in each Admiral level vary greatly to better address the different experience levels among this age group. Admiral 1 is for older swimmers who have not been exposed to water and may be inexperienced and/or cautious. Though new to swimming, children are placed with others their age to increase their confidence and enjoyment in the water. Admiral 2 and 3 are designed for swimmers who have been in lessons and have a strong knowledge of the four competitive strokes (front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly). Safety in and around the pool and other bodies of water will be highlighted in a safety lesson. This advanced level will help children gain pride and confidence in their swimming ability.
Admiral 1 – The Admiral 1 level is for inexperienced and/or cautious swimmers. Admiral 1s learn water adjustment skills, submersion and independent movement. Once students master these skills, they will move to streamlining (controlled gliding) off the wall to an “island” with no assistance and to breathing in a rhythm for advanced breath control. Also, Admiral 1s will be introduced to deep water and to the diving board. At the end of class, Admirals will be able to independently float on their back for 1 minute in both shallow and deep water.
Admiral 2 – This is a 60-minute, non-competitive “team” style workout for students who want to increase endurance and refine their technique. Admiral 2s will be introduced to flip turns, proper finishes and swimming ‘sets’ utilizing a pace clock. Registrants need to know how to swim front crawl with rhythmic breathing, the backstroke, as well as the breaststroke and butterfly kick.
Admiral 3 – This is a 60-minute, non-competitive “team” style workout for advanced students who want to increase their endurance and their polish technique. Admiral 3s will be introduced to diving off the starting blocks, breaststroke and butterfly turns, as well as competitive swimming rules. Admiral 3s need to have advanced knowledge of the front crawl with rhythmic breathing and the backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly stroke.
|
|
|
