Parent & Child Aquatics Level 1
Purpose
To familiarize young children (from ages 6 months to about 3 years) to the water and prepare them to learn to swim in the American Red Cross Preschool Aquatics or Learn-to-Swim courses. It is not designed to teach children to become good swimmers or to survive in the water on their own.
Prerequisites
No skill prerequisites
Child must be at least 6 months old to enroll
Parent or other caregiver must accompany each child into the water and participate in each class
Learning Objectives
Learn to ask for permission before entering the water.
Learn how to enter and exit the water in a safe manner.
Feel comfortable in the water.
Explore submerging to the mouth, nose and eyes completely.
Explore buoyancy on the front and back position.
Change body position in the water with support.
Learn basic water safety rules and how to avoid water hazards around the home.
Learn about the importance of wearing a life jacket and experience wearing one.
Learn how to stay safe in, on and around the water, including knowing how to stay safe in the sun and how to avoid recreational water illnesses.
Learn how to call for help and the importance of knowing first aid and CPR.
Parent & Child Aquatics Level 2
Purpose
To familiarize young children (from ages 6 months to about 3 years) to the water and prepare them to learn to swim in the American Red Cross Preschool Aquatics or Learn-to-Swim courses. It is not designed to teach children to become good swimmers or to survive in the water on their own.
Prerequisites
No skill prerequisites
Child must be at least 6 months old to enroll
Parent or other caregiver must accompany each child into the water and participate in each class
Learning Objectives
Learn to expect adult supervision when near water.
Learn more ways to enter and exit the water in a safe manner.
Explore submerging in a rhythmic pattern completely.
Glide on the front and back with assistance.
Perform combined stroke on front and back with assistance.
Change body position in the water.
Learn about the importance of wearing a life jacket and experience wearing one.
Learn how to stay safe in and around various aquatic environments.
Learn how to recognize an emergency, call for help and perform simple non-swimming assists.
Learn steps to take to avoid overexposure to direct sunlight.
Learn to look carefully before entering the water.
Learn what to think about and do when exhausted or caught in a dangerous situation.
Preschool Aquatics Level 1
Purpose
To orient preschool-age children to the aquatic environment and to help them acquire rudimentary levels of basic aquatic skills
Prerequisites
There are no skill prerequisites for Preschool Aquatics Level 1. Participants start at about 4 and 5 years old.
Learning Objectives
Enter and exit water using ladder, steps or side
Blow bubbles through mouth and nose
Submerge mouth, nose and eyes
Open eyes under water and retrieve submerged objects
Front and back glides and recover to a vertical position
Back float and recover to a vertical position
Roll from front to back and back to front
Tread with arm and hand actions
Alternating and simultaneous leg actions on front and back
Alternating and simultaneous arm actions on front and back
Experience wearing a life jacket in the water
Learn how to stay safe, including recognizing an emergency and knowing how to call for help
Learn how to stay safe in, on and around the water, including the use of a life jacket, recognizing lifeguards and sun safety
Preschool Aquatics Level 2
Purpose
To build on the basic aquatic skills learned in Level 1
Prerequisites
Successfully demonstrate the exit skills assessments from Preschool Aquatics Level 1
Learning Objectives
Enter water by stepping in
Exit water using ladder, steps or side
Bobbing
Open eyes under water and retrieve submerged objects
Front and back floats and glides
Recover from a front or back float or glide to a vertical position
Roll from front to back and back to front
Tread water using arm and leg actions
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back or back
Finning arm action on back
Learn how to stay safe, including recognizing an emergency and knowing how to call for help
Learn how to stay safe in, on and around the water, including the use of a life jacket, recognizing lifeguards and sun safety
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment (can be done with assistance):
Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to back, float on back for 5 seconds then recover to a vertical position.
Glide on back for at least 2 body lengths, roll to front, float for 5 seconds then recover to a vertical position.
Swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 3 body lengths, roll to back, float for 5 seconds, roll to front then continue swimming on front for 3 body lengths.
Preschool Aquatics Level 3
Purpose
To increase proficiency and build on the basic aquatic skills learned in Levels 1 and 2 by providing additional guided practice with increased distances and times
Prerequisites
Successfully demonstrate the exit skills assessments of Preschool Aquatics Level 2
Learning Objectives
Enter water by jumping in
Fully submerge and hold breath
Bobbing
Front, jellyfish and tuck floats
Recover from a front or back float or glide to a vertical position
Back float and glide
Change direction of travel while swimming on front and back
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
Tread water using arm and leg actions
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
Learn how to stay safe, including recognizing an emergency and knowing how to call for help
Learn how to stay safe in, on and around the water, including the use of a life jacket, recognizing lifeguards and sun safety
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment:
Step from side into chest-deep water, move into a front float for 5 seconds, roll to back, float for 5 seconds then return to a vertical position.
Move into a back float for 5 seconds, roll to front then recover to a vertical position.
Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front then continue swimming for 5 body lengths. (You can assist the child when taking a breath.)
Learn To Swim Level 1
Purpose
To begin developing positive attitudes, good swimming habits and safe practices in and around the water
Prerequisites
None - Participants start at about 6 years of age.
Learning Objectives
Enter and exit water using ladder, steps or side
Blow bubbles through mouth and nose
Bobbing
Open eyes under water and retrieve submerged objects
Front and back glides and floats
Recover to vertical position
Roll from front to back and back to front
Tread water using arm and hand actions
Alternating and simultaneous leg actions on front and back
Alternating and simultaneous arm actions on front and back
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
Learn how to stay safe, including recognizing an emergency and knowing how to call for help
Learn how to stay safe in, on and around the water, including the use of a life jacket, recognizing lifeguards and sun safety
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment:
Enter independently, using either the ladder, steps or side, travel at least 5 yards, bob 3 times then safely exit the water. (Participants can walk, move along the gutter or “swim.”)
Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 3 seconds and recover to a vertical position. (This part of the assessment can be performed with support.)
Learn To Swim Level 2
Purpose
To give participants success with fundamental skills, including learning how to float without support and to recover to a vertical position
Prerequisites
Valid American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills certificate
OR
Successful demonstration of all certification requirements from Level 1
Learning Objectives
Enter and exit water by stepping or jumping from the side
Fully submerge and hold breath
Bobbing
Open eyes under water and retrieve submerged objects
Front, jellyfish and tuck floats
Front and back glides and floats
Recover to vertical position
Roll from front to back and back to front
Change direction of travel while swimming on front or back
Tread water using arm and leg actions
Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
Finning arm action
Learn how to stay safe, including recognizing an emergency, knowing how to call for help and perform simple non-swimming assists
Learn how to stay safe in, on and around the water, including the use of a life jacket, recognizing lifeguards and sun safety
Learn to look carefully before entering the water
Learn what to think about and do when exhausted or caught in a dangerous situation
Currently authorized Water Safety (r.09) instructor
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment:
Step from side into chest-deep water, move into a front float for 5 seconds, roll to back, float for 5 seconds then return to a vertical position.
Move into a back float for 5 seconds, roll to front then recover to a vertical position.
Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to the front then continue swimming for 5 body lengths. (You can assist the participant when taking a breath.)
Learn To Swim Level 3
Purpose
To build on the skills in Level 2 by providing additional guided practice in deeper water
Prerequisites
Valid American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills certificate
OR
Successful demonstration of all certification requirements from Level 2
Learning Objectives
Enter water by jumping from the side
Headfirst entries from the side in sitting and kneeling positions
Bobbing while moving toward safety
Rotary breathing
Survival float
Back float
Change from vertical to horizontal position on front and back
Tread water
Flutter, scissor, dolphin and breaststroke kicks on front
Front crawl and elementary backstroke
Learn to look carefully before entering the water
Learn to perform simple non-swimming assists
Learn to recognize, prevent and respond to cold water emergencies
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment:
Jump into deep water from the side, swim front crawl for 15 yards, maintain position by treading or floating for 30 seconds and swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards.
Learn To Swim Level 4
Purpose
To develop participants’ confidence in the strokes learned in Level 3 and to improve other aquatic skills
Prerequisites
Valid American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 3: Stroke Development certificate
OR
Successful demonstration of all completion requirements from Level 3
Learning Objectives
Headfirst entries from the side in compact and stride positions
Swim under water
Feet-first surface dive
Survival swimming
Front crawl and backstroke open turns
Tread water using 2 different kicks
Front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly
Flutter and dolphin kicks on back
Learn to look carefully before entering the water
Learn what to think about and do when exhausted or caught in a dangerous situation
Learn to perform simple non-swimming assists
Learn about recreational water illnesses and how to prevent them
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment:
Perform a feet-first entry into deep water, swim front crawl for 25 yards, change direction and position as necessary and swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards.
Swim breaststroke for 15 yards, change direction and position as necessary and swim back crawl for 15 yards
Learn To Swim Level 5
Purpose
To further learn how to coordinate and refine strokes
Prerequisites
Valid American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 4: Fundamental Aquatic Skills certificate
OR
Successful demonstration of all completion requirements from Level 4
Learning Objectives
Shallow-angle dive from the side then glide and begin a front stroke
Tuck and pike surface dives, submerge completely
Front flip turn and backstroke flip turn while swimming
Front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly
Sculling
Learn to look carefully before entering the water
Learn what to think about and do when exhausted or caught in a dangerous situation
Learn to perform simple non-swimming assists
Learn about recreational water illnesses and how to prevent them
Learn how to call for help and the importance of knowing first aid and CPR
Learn basic safety guidelines for participating in aquatic activities at water parks
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment:
Perform a shallow-angle dive into deep water, swim front crawl for 50 yards, change direction and position of travel as necessary and swim elementary backstroke for 50 yards.
Swim breaststroke for 25 yards, change direction and position of travel as necessary and swim back crawl for 25 yards.
Learn To Swim Level 6 – Personal Water Safety
Purpose
To refine strokes so participants swim them with more ease, efficiency, power and smoothness and over greater distances
To teach students how to prevent aquatic emergencies in various aquatic environments.
To introduce and practice self-rescue techniques
Prerequisites
Valid American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 5: Stroke Refinement certificate
OR
Successful demonstration of all certification requirements from Level 5
Learning Objectives
Increase endurance while performing the following strokes:
o Front crawl–100 yards
o Back crawl–100 yards
o Butterfly–50 yards
o Elementary backstroke–50 yards
o Breaststroke–50 yards
o Sidestroke–50 yards
Demonstrate the following turns while swimming:
o Front crawl open turn
o Backstroke open turn
o Sidestroke turn
o Front flip turn
o Backstroke flip
o Butterfly Turn
o Breaststroke Turn
Tread water, kicking only, in deep water (2 minutes)
Demonstrate a feet-first surface dive and retrieve and object from a depth of 7 feet
Demonstrate the HELP position (2 minutes)
Demonstrate the huddle position (2 minutes)
Demonstrate a survival float in deep water (5 minutes)
Demonstrate a back float in deep water (5 minutes)
Demonstrate survival swimming (10 minutes)
Swim while clothed, using any type of stroke if time permits
Demonstrate self-self-rescue techniques while clothed if time permits
Discuss basic safety rules for open water environment and boating
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment:
Swim 500 yards continuously using any 3 strokes of your choice, swimming at least 50 yards of each stroke.
Jump into deep water, perform a survival float for 5 minutes, roll onto back and perform a back float for 5 minutes.
Swim 20 yards, perform a feet-first surface dive, retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool at a depth of 7-10 feet, return to the surface and swim 20 yards back to the starting point.
Learn To Swim Level 6 – Fundamentals of Diving
Purpose
To refine strokes so participants swim them with more ease, efficiency, power and smoothness and over greater distances
To introduce and practice fundamental springboard diving skills
Prerequisites
Valid American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 5: Stroke Refinement certificate
OR
Successful demonstration of all completion requirements from Level 5
Learning Objectives
Increase endurance while performing the following strokes:
o Front crawl–100 yards
o Back crawl–100 yards
o Butterfly–50 yards
o Elementary backstroke–50 yards
o Breaststroke–50 yards
o Sidestroke–50 yards
Demonstrate the following turns while swimming:
o Front crawl open turn
o Backstroke open turn
o Sidestroke turn
o Front flip turn
o Backstroke flip turn
o Butterfly Turn
o Breaststroke Turn
Discuss and demonstrate the following skills for diving:
o Basic stretching exercises
o Body alignment and control
o Surface dive
o Diving from Poolside
Kneeling position
Forward dive fall-in
Standing dive
o Diving from the Diving Board
Kneeling position
Forward dive fall-in
Standing dive
o Takeoff from the Deck
One-part takeoff
Two-part takeoff
o Takeoff from Poolside
One-part takeoff
o Takeoff from the Diving Board
One-part takeoff
Two-part takeoff
o Tuck Position
o Forward Jump, Tuck Position
With one-part takeoff from poolside
With one-part takeoff from the diving board
With two-part takeoff from the diving board
o Forward Dive, Tuck Position
With one-part takeoff from poolside
With one-part takeoff from the diving board
With two-part takeoff from the diving board
o Pike Position
o Forward Jump, Pike Position
With one-part takeoff from poolside
With one-part takeoff from the diving board
With two-part takeoff from the diving board
o Forward Dive, Pike Position
With one-part takeoff from poolside
With one-part takeoff from the diving board
With two-part takeoff from the diving board
o Forward Dive, Pike Position
o Discuss rules for safe diving
o Learn to look carefully before entering the water
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment:
Swim 500 yards continuously using any 3 strokes of your choice, swimming at least 50 yards of each stroke.
Perform a two-part takeoff with a feet-first entry from a 1-meter diving board.
Perform a two-part takeoff with a head-first entry from a 1-meter diving board.
Learn To Swim Level 6 – Fitness Swimmer
Purpose
To refine strokes so participants swim them with more ease, efficiency, power and smoothness and over greater distances
Prerequisites
Valid American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 5: Stroke Refinement certificate
OR
Successful demonstration of all completion requirements from Level 5
Learning Objectives
Increase endurance while swimming the following strokes:
o Front crawl–100 yards
o Back crawl–100 yards
o Butterfly–50 yards
o Elementary backstroke–50 yards
o Breaststroke–50 yards
o Sidestroke–50 yards
Demonstrate the following turns while swimming:
o Front crawl open turn
o Backstroke open turn
o Sidestroke turn
o Front flip turn
o Backstroke flip turn
o Breaststroke turn
o Butterfly turn
Demonstrate etiquette in fitness swimming
Discuss and demonstrate how to use the following equipment while swimming:
o Pull buoy
o Fins
o Pace clock
o Paddles
Describe the principles of setting up a fitness program
Demonstrate various training techniques
Calculate target heart rate
Apply the principles of water exercise
Certification Requirements
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities, including in-water skills
Successfully complete the following exit skills assessment:
Swim 500 yards continuously using any 3 strokes of your choice, swimming at least 50 yards of each stroke.
Perform the Cooper 12-minute swim test and compare results with the preassessment results. (Swim for 12 minutes to cover the greatest distance possible, using whatever stroke is preferred. Rest as necessary, but go as far as possible.)
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