Darien YMCA: School Age Swim Lessons

“The Darien YMCA’s School Age and Progressive Swim Program is designed to meet the needs of all it’s participants at each level of the program. Each level is based on specific skills and age guidelines, as described in the Parent’s Guide to the YMCA Swimming Program. Throughout the entire program, participants are taught skills in a progressive manner and build strength and endurance as they master each level. Aquatics instructors are trained in the National YMCA S.K.I.P.P.E.R.S. Program.

Stage 1 Water Acclimation, ages 5-13 years (Small Pool)
For the beginner or fearful swimmer. Focus on getting comfortable in the water, rhythmic breathing, front and back paddle strokes, and floating.

Stage 2 Water Movement, ages 5-13 years (Small Pool)
Advanced beginner swimmer that is more comfortable in the water. Emphasis is on refining front and back crawl strokes. Swimmers are taught rotary breathing. For completion of this level children must be able to perform two lengths of the small pool doing front and back crawl stroke and be able to float on their front and back for 1 minute.

Stage 3 Water Stamina, ages 5-13 years (Large Pool)
This level is for the comfortable swimmer, an emphasis is on stroke refinement for front crawl, with rotary breathing and backstroke. This level is designed to work longer distances, utilizing the large pool for exposure to deep water and early diving skills.

Stage 4 Stroke Introduction, ages 6-13 years (Large Pool)
Swimmers at this level can swim one length of the large pool doing front crawl with competent rhythmic breathing. Additionally, they can swim one length doing the backstroke. Breaststroke and diving are introduced and the swimmer continues to build endurance.

Stage 5 Stroke Development, ages 6-13 years (Large Pool)
This level is for the advanced swimmer who can successfully complete 25 yards of front crawl and backstroke, can dive from the starting block, and exhibit a competent breaststroke. Open turns are introduced.

Stage 6 Stroke Mechanics, ages 6-13 years (Large Pool)
Stroke refinement and increased endurance are the main focus during this level. They will be introduced to flip turns as well as the butterfly. For completion of this level, swimmers must be able to complete 100 yards front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and 25 yards of butterfly.”