Swim Lessons and Swim Team Prep

at Calvin University

Please use the following descriptions to determine the skill level that would be appropriate for your child.  Children with no swimming experience should be placed in Level I.  Children should be able to accomplish the skills described in Level I in order to be placed in Level II, and so on. We will spend a small portion of the first class testing those children whose parents are uncertain what skill level would be appropriate for their child, but most children will be pre-registered in a skill level; therefore, instruction can begin right away.  Some placement adjustments may be needed in the first few classes if parents have either over- or underestimated their child's ability.

Level I: Water Exploration - Create an enjoyable atmosphere, explore the water, create familiarity and confidence in the pool, and introduce water safety

Level II: Fundamental Skills - Introduce basic swimming drills and build confidence for independent swimming using floatation devices for extra assistance.

Level III: Stroke Development - Develop independent swimming proficiency and acquire basic stroke techniques to build endurance and confidence in the pool.

Level IV: Technique Refinement - Increase endurance and introduce basic competitive swimming concepts to improve freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke techniques.

Level V: Advanced Mechanics - Introduce all four competitive strokes, improve stroke mechanics, and practice advanced skills needed for swim team placement.

Level VI: Stroke Proficiency - Refine competitive stroke techniques and improve stroke efficiency to be able to tackle longer endurance swim swims.

Level VII: Competition Ready - Master advanced stroke techniques needed for swim competitions, refine starts and turns, and learn racing strategies.

Skill Levels V-VII

CAMP POLICIES

LOCATION & CHECK IN: Lessons are held at the Venema Aquatic Center at the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex. Please meet on the pool deck on the first day, entering through the locker rooms (family, men’s & women’s locker rooms are available for use) on the lower level of the Hoogenboom Health & Recreation Center.

DIRECTOR:                   

• Dan Gelderloos, Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving Head Coach

INSTRUCTORS:           

• Calvin Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving Team Members
• Guest Instructors