Class Levels and Descriptions

Mt. Vernon Swim Team has Learn-To-Swim Classes for all levels of swimmer.  Each level of instruction builds on previous skills within our program, or experience your child might already have with swimming.  Skills in swimming are acquired with experience and are not age specific. The more appropriately your child is placed, the more they can make progress in learning to swim.  

We generally evaluate and place similarly skilled swimmers together on the first class of a session, and teach to the level of the participants in each class.  Our first priority is helping your child progress in their skills, no matter where they might begin within a given level of class.  

Below are descriptions of each class level offered.  When registering for classes please try assess your child's experience/skill level.  If you are unsure of what level to register for, please email a coach/instructor at edward.pacey@gmail.com

Level: 1 Beginner

Intro to Water Skills: blowing bubbles, holding breath, rhythmic breathing, supported front/back float, supported front/back kick.  

This class is designed to get new lessons participants comfortable in the water and begin learning basic skills.  Skills are often taught as part of games and group play.  

Level 2: Beginner

Fundamental Water Skills: water safety awareness, unsupported front/back float, unsupported front/back kick, basic freestyle and backstroke arm and leg action with rhythmic breathing.

This class is designed for new swimmers who already are comfortable with the water, or have previous experience with lessons but do not know formal swimming strokes.  

Level 3: Intermediate

Stroke Development: side rhythmic breathing, freestyle, backstroke, treading water, elementary backstroke, breaststroke.

This class is for swimmers with basic water skills, and teaches the basic strokes and safety skills like treading water and elementary backstroke and the basic drills for three of the four competitive swimming strokes.

Level 4: Advanced

Stroke Improvement: timing and breathing components of all four competitive strokes, treading water, diving, drills for freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, endurance/fitness, swim team and/or lifeguard readiness.

This class is for advanced swim lessons participants who want to learn or improve in all four competitive strokes, refine water skills and build endurance, prepare for participation in competitive swimming, lifeguard classes.   

All four levels of instruction are offered during each session (see session schedule) with class sizes generally limited to a 5:1 swimmer:instructor ratio or less.