Swimming Lesson Options

Preschoolers will work on developing their independence with water skills. Some of these skills include jumping into chest-deep water unassisted, submerging and exhaling underwater, and floating and gliding with various buoyant aids. They will be introduced to lateral rollovers and practice their flutter kick on their backs.

Preschoolers will kick and glide their way through the water on their fronts and backs. They will work on retrieving objects from the bottom of water that is waist deep and strive to master their floats, rollovers, glides, and kicks. In this level, they work their way into deeper water for side entries and jump in with their lifejackets on.

Preschool 4

Preschoolers will gain some independence in deep water. They will practice jumping into deeper water (including getting out by themselves), sideways entries, and opening their eyes underwater. These swimmers in training will work on completing 5m of front crawl in their life jackets and focus on improving their ability to tread water.

Preschool 5

Preschoolers will work towards achieving important swimming milestones. They will work on being able to support themselves, tread water for 10 seconds, and complete 5m swims, including front crawl and back crawl. Wearing a lifejacket, they will practice forward entries into deep water, learn to whip kick in a vertical position, and be introduced to interval training.

Building the foundation of swimming skill development, beginner swimmers will gain confidence in the water as they learn safe entries into various depths of water, treading water while wearing a lifejacket, opening their eyes underwater, and developing breath control. Once they have learned their float, rollovers, glides, and kicks from front to back, they will progress to the next level by front crawling.

Swimmers will make a splash with their kneeling dives and forward roll entries. Swimmers will be challenged with the introduction to more difficult (but fun) skills such as handstands in shallow water and front somersaults (in water). Increased time and distance components are incorporated for skills learned, such as the flutter kick on the front and back, whip kick on the back, front and back crawl, and interval training.

Swimmers will move from a beginner to an intermediate swimming level. Swimmers will complete standing dives, tread water for 1 minute, and work towards being able to swim underwater for 5m. Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50m. In addition to improving their front crawl, back crawl, and whip kick, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke.

Swimmer 5

Swimmers will be challenged with a whole new set of skills: shallow dives, tuck jumps (cannonball entries), eggbeater kick, and backwards somersaults (in water). Technique and endurance will also receive greater focus as swimmers will need to complete longer distance swims and interval training sessions for all their strokes.

Swimmer 6

As the final level in the Swimmer program, swimmers will build up their advanced skill set. Swimmers will work towards mastering stride entries, company jumps, and lifesaving kicks. They will also refine their strokes to enhance their swimming strength, power, and endurance, which are critical for success in the 300m workout required to complete the level.

Rookie Patrol

Rookie Patrol lays the foundation of the Swim Patrol program. It includes 4 main components: stroke refinement, fitness, first aid, and lifesaving. Stroke refinement focuses on the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Fitness components include a 350m workout and a 100m time swim. Swimmers will learn how to assess conscious victims, contact EMS, and administer treatment for bleeding. Rookie Patrol is rounded off with an introduction to lifesaving skills, including self-rescue techniques, victim recognition, and using throwing assists.

Ranger Patrol

Stroke refinement and underwater proficiency continue to be a focus in Ranger Patrol as it is critical for supporting swimmer fitness levels to increase as they work towards a 200m timed swim. First Aid at the Ranger Patrol level includes assessment of unconscious victims, treating for shock, and procedures for obstructed airways. Lifesaving skills are expanded to include object support and non-contact rescues with a buoyant aid.

Star Patrol

Star Patrol will prepare simmers for the Bronze Star award. Strokes will continue to be refined through completion of 100m swims. It demands good physical conditioning as swimmer will be challenged with a 600m workout, 300m timed swim, and a 25m object carry. First aid in this level focuses on the treatment of bone and joint injuries and respiratory emergencies like asthma and allergic reactions. Lifesaving skills include in-water defence methods, rolling over and supporting victims in shallow water. Swimmers who complete Star Patrol will be well on their way to becoming bona fide lifesavers.

Adult 1

Adult swimmers will work towards completing short-distance swims (10-15m) on their front and back. They will work through swimming stroke fundamentals, including floats, rolls, glides, and kicks. Swimmers will develop their underwater skills as they continue to build their confidence in the water.

Adult 2

Adult swimmers will practice various entries into deep water, including dives, rolls, and tuck jumps (also known as cannonballs). As they work on building strength and endurance, they will aim to be able to tread water for 1 to 2 minutes. New underwater skills are introduced, such as handstands in shallow water and front somersaults (in water).

Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute and swim 50m. In addition to improving their front crawl, back crawl, and whip kick, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke.

Adult 3

Adult swimmers will work towards mastering front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Challenging skills such as shallow dives, stride entries, and compact jumps will be completed, as well as focus on developing lifesaving kicks. Swimmers can expect to improve their fitness levels as they work on completing 300m workouts and 23-50m sprints.

Swimmer Assessments are available for:

• Swimmers who have had a break in their swimming lessons
• Individuals who have had no formal swimming training/lessons
• Swimmers who are coming to learn swim programs

During a Swim Assessment, a certified instructor evaluates the swimmer’s ability to complete a series of skills. Based on their assessment, the evaluating instructor will make a recommendation on which Lifesaving Society program and level will be the fit for them. 

Please contact the Westlock Aquatic Centre at 780-349-6677 to schedule a complimentary assessment with a certified instructor.