Swim Lessons
Big Changes Are Coming to Swim Lessons!
Beginning in September, we’ll be transitioning to the Starfish Aquatic Institute (SAI) curriculum. SAI is an internationally recognized leader in water safety and swim instruction, with a mission to reduce drowning and save lives.
To prepare for this transition, our staff is currently undergoing extensive training—not only on the new curriculum but also on refining their instructional skills overall.
What’s Changing?
We’ve shifted to a learner-based structure organized by color levels. This new format is designed to ease the registration process and better support each child’s learning journey.
To choose the appropriate level, please refer to the lesson drop downs on our website. If your child is not yet able to complete all of the benchmarks or skill steps listed for a level independently, that level is the best starting point.
Swim Level Descriptions
For children age 6-24 months, the StarBabies course introduces infants to the water in a fun and loving environment. Parents or caregivers are taught effective techniques to teach their infants how to float, submerge, move in the water, and roll over to breathe. Classes incorporate songs, activities, and water safety education.
For children age 18 - 35 months, the StarTots course introduces toddlers to the water in a fun and loving environment. Parents or caregivers are taught effective techniques to teach their toddlers how to float, submerge, move in the water, and roll over to breathe. Classes incorporate songs, activities, and water safety education.
Register for White if the student:
Is afraid of water
or
Will not get their face wet
or
Can't swim at all
Age 3-13
Register for Red if the student:
Can
Submerge for at least 5 seconds
and
Will jump in
but cannot yet
Float relaxed (front and back) on the surface without support
Age 3-13
Register for Yellow if the student:
Can
Jump in and come up on the back and float for at least 5 seconds
but cannot yet
Move forward through the water 10 ft (3m), change direction, and come back
Age 3-13
Register for Blue if your child:
Can
Move through the water 10 ft (3m), change direction, and come back
but cannot yet
Tread water for at least 15 seconds
Age 3-13
Register for Green if the student:
Can
Tread water for at least 15 seconds
but cannot yet
Swim basic freestyle stroke with “swim – roll– swim” or rotary (side) breathing
Age 3-13
Register for SS1 if the student:
Has
Successfully completed Swim School Green
and can
Tread water and survival float at least 30 seconds
but
Needs to learn or refine freestyle and/or backstroke technique
Age 6-16
Register for SS2 if the student:
Can
Swim 25 yards freestyle stroke with “rotary (side) breathing”
and can
Swim 25 yards backstroke
and
Needs to learn or refine butterfly and/or breaststroke technique
Age 6-16
Still not sure which swim level is the right fit for your child?
We’ve got you covered! To support a smooth transition into our program, the Aquatics team is offering three free drop-in swim assessments this August to help you determine the best class placement.
Stop by during any of the following times—no admission required unless you plan to stay and swim afterward:
- Sunday, August 10 | 10–11 am
- Tuesday, August 12 | 4–5 pm
- Thursday, August 14 | 5–6 pm
Registration Dates
Registration opens at 7 am for District residents. Non-District residents may begin registering at 7 am, two days later. Registration will close at 5 pm on the final day of the registration period.
Registration Dates for T/Th & Saturday Classes:
- Session 1: 8/25–9/4
- Session 2: 10/6 - 10/9
- Session 3: 11/10 - 11/13
T/Th Class Dates:
- Session 1: 9/9 - 10/2
- Session 2: 10/14 - 11/6
- Session 3: 11/18 - 12/11
Saturday Class Dates:
- Session 1: 9/13 - 10/4
- Session 2: 10/18 - 11/8
- Session 3: 11/22 - 12/13