Fall/Winter Swim Lessons

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 -  Swimmer is at least 5 years old, Comfortable separating from parent and engaging with instructor independently. No prior swim skills required.

Level II: Fundamental Skills - Must demonstrate ALL Level 1 skills: Submerge face and blow bubbles, Supported float on back, Supported float on stomach, Swim 5 yards independently, Exit/enter water independently using the wall or ladder, Alternating arm pulls on stomach, Alternating arm pulls on back, Supported kicking on stomach, Supported kicking on back

Level III: Stroke Development - Must demonstrate ALL Level 2 skills: Hold breath and observe objects underwater, Float on back without support, Float on front without support, Flutter kick on stomach with kickboard, Flutter kick on back with kickboard, Flutter kick on side with kickboard, Front crawl with kickboard and alternating arms, Back kick with kickboard and alternating arms, Swim 25 yards under 45 seconds, Jump from wall unassisted and return to wall

Level IV: Technique Refinement - Must demonstrate ALL Level 3 skills: Streamline bobbing with full submersion, Jump into deep water without assistance, Wall push-off and streamline glide (stomach & back), Breaststroke kick with kickboard (on stomach and back), Swim freestyle arms (25 yards), Freestyle with side breathing (15 yards), Backstroke with alternating arms (15 yards), Elementary backstroke (10 yards), Standing dive from poolside

Level V: Advanced Mechanics - Must demonstrate ALL Level 4 skills: Backstroke (25 yards), Freestyle with side breathing (25 yards), Elementary backstroke (25 yards), Breaststroke with legal kick (10 yards), Vertical breaststroke kick (10 kicks), Front somersault, Dolphin kick with kickboard, Head-up Tarzan swimming (15 yards), Tread water with eggbeater kick (2 minutes)

Level VI:  Stroke Proficiency - Must demonstrate ALL Level 5 skills: Breaststroke (25 yards), Freestyle flip turn off the wall, Freestyle with bilateral breathing (50 yards), Backstroke with flip turn (50 yards), Legal turns for butterfly, breaststroke, and IM, Underwater dolphin kick in streamline (on stomach/back to flags), Butterfly with legal dolphin kick (10 yards), Dive from starting block

Level VII: Competitive Readiness - Must demonstrate ALL Level 6 skills: Freestyle (200 yards) — legal form with flip turns, Backstroke (200 yards) — legal form with flip turns, Breaststroke (100 yards) — legal form with pullouts, Butterfly (50 yards) — legal with legal turns, Individual Medley (100 yards) — race-legal, Relay exchange (step-up), Backstroke start from block, Underwater dolphin kick (15 meters), Race starts with and without wedge

Skill Levels I-IV

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