Red Cross Swim Preschool

7-level program for children 4 months to 5 years of age This seven-level program allows your children to enter levels based on their age and abilities:

• During levels 1 and 2, the parent or caregiver will participate in the classes together with their child.
  
• Level 3 can provide a transition where parents can gradually leave their preschooler with the Instructor.
  
• Levels 4 to 7 can be unparented - the children will be with the Instructor at all times.

Each level is built around an aquatic animal theme and has its own mascot, which will make learning engaging and fun for young children.

LEVEL 1: Starfish (4 to 18 months)
An introductory class for babies and their parent or caregiver. To enter this level, babies must be able to hold their head up. The goal of this orientation to water class is to experience buoyancy, movement, entries, and songs and play in the water.

LEVEL 2: Duck (18 to 30 months)
For toddlers or older babies with a parent or caregiver. Toddlers build confidence while enjoying the water through games, songs and active water play.

LEVEL 3: Sea Turtle (30 to 36 months parented or 3 - 5 years unparented)
A transitional level for preschoolers and their parents. Parents can gradually transfer the preschoolers to the care of the Instructor, or, for children 3 - 5 years old who have not previously taken swimming lessons, Sea Turtle is where they will enter the program. This level develops skills in swimming, glides, and floating and builds awareness of deep water and safe entries.

LEVEL 4: Salamander (3 to 5 years)
Preschoolers actively learn new swimming skills including assisted floats and glides through games and songs. The fun includes learning to jump into chest deep water.

LEVEL 5: Sunfish (3 to 5 years)
Assisted by an Instructor, preschoolers work on stroke and skills progressions. Learning also focuses on good judgement in, on and around the water, and entries and floats in deep water.

LEVEL 6: Crocodile (3 to 5 years)
Preschoolers start independent glides and kicking in deep water. Endurance is built through increasing distance for front and back swims. Swimmers learn about the dolphin kick and try synchro skills in the water.

LEVEL 7: Whale (3 to 5 years)
In Whale, children will learn to swim independently and participate in team games. Preschoolers will increase their distance and improve skills in front and back swims. Swimmers also learn about throwing assists to help another person in the water.

Please click here for an Aquatics Program Conversion Chart (from AquaTots to Red Cross Swim Preschool)

Click here for Red Cross Swim Preschool Registration Form (with parent participation)(PDF)

Click here for Red Cross Swim Preschool (without parent participation)(PDF)

• Back to Swimming Programs page.