Lesson level descriptions

GMCA Swim Lessons are designed to allow students to progress at their own pace. We combine the America Red Cross and American Swim Coaches Association programs to provide a comprehensive lesson program. Students are not expected to pass levels the first time through.

Level 1 - Water Exploration  (Aqua tots)

Approx age: 3 - 6 

Requirements: ready for group atmosphere, comfortable around water without a parent.

Skills to learn:

Learn to put face in water

Blow bubbles in the water

Entry in/out of pool without support

Bob to side of pool with help

Front and back floats with support.

Level 2 - Primary Skills   (Sea Stars)

Approx age: 3-7

Requirements: complete level 1 skills

Skills to learn:

Floats & glides unsupported

Rollovers

Submerge head 3 sec. & retrieve object

Streamline kicking

Introduce arm strokes

Rhythmic breathing bobs

Face in 5 sec with: floating, w/kicking, w/arms

Introduce backstroke arm action

Level 3 - Stroke Readiness  (Super fish)

Approx age 4-8

Requirements:  complete level 1 & 2 skills

Skills to learn:

Rhythmic breathing (side)

Rollovers both directions

Arm strokes plus roll over

Sit dives (torpedoes)

Deep water exploration & jump into deep

Crawl stroke with breathing

15 yard front crawl (freestyle)

10 feet backstroke

Kick (breast& butterfly)

Level 4 - Stroke Development

(Water wonders )

Approx age 5& up

Requirements: complete level 3 skills

Skills to learn:

Improve freestyle, backstroke

Dives from sit, kneel

Extended freestyle (25 yards)

Extended backstroke (20 yds)

Tread water

Introduce arm strokes for breaststroke and butterfly

Breaststroke combined arm & leg action

Butterfly combined arm & leg action

Level 4A Advanced - Fast Track to Swim Team - New this year.

For swimmers who have passes level 4 but not quite ready for swim team.  This class is for those who are seriously interested in swim team.

Approx age 6& up

Requirements: complete level 4 skills

Skills to learn:

Improve the 4 competative strokes

Racing dives from side & block

Extended freestyle (25 yards)

Extended backstroke (20 yds)

Coordinate Arm and leg action for Breastroke and Butterly

Timing of breathing for the 4 strokes

Flip turns and open turns

Level 5 - Stroke Refinement (Intermediate

Approx age 7& up

Requirements: complete level 4 skills

Skills to learn:

Freestyle 25 yds with bi-lateral breathing

Backstroke 25 yds

Standing front dive

Elementary backstroke 25 yards

Breaststroke combined arm, leg  and breathing 25 yds

Breaststroke coordinated arm leg and breathing 

Coordinate Butterfly kick, arms and breathing

Sidestroke kick

Level 6 - Skill Proficiency (Intermediate B)

Approx age 7& up

Requirements:  level 5 skills

Skills to learn:

Refine strokes from previous levels

Side stroke coordinate kick and arms

Elementary back stroke

Improve diving, intro race starts

Extended swimming 50 yd for Free, Back, Breast

25 yds Butterfly, sidestroke & elementary backstroke

Underwater swimming

First aid, CPR