Swimming Lesson Skill Levels

Use the skill guides below to sign up for the correct level. If you are unsure which level to sign up for, you may take a free swim test during any family or public swim time. Classes are separated by skill level and by age. Ages are grouped 3–5, 6–12, and 13+

Students who complete Otters swim lessons will meet basic standards of water competence. Swimming, like any other skill, is best learned through practice. We encourage all participants to participate in FLIP time or other open swim times to practice. You should not expect to move levels without repeating levels or practicing independent of lesson time.

Wiggles & Giggles

Recommended for parents and their children, 6 months to 3 years, who wish to get comfortable in water and prepare for swim lessons. One parent or guardian required in the water with child. Swim diaper required if child is not toilet trained. Register for a Tuesday/Thursday class or drop-in available on Saturdays.

Bubble Guppies

This is an instructor-led parent and child class for children ages 3-4 years-old. Parent or guardian are required in the water with the child. Children begin learning basic swim skills including: floating, finning, swim breaths, and assisted or independent movement. Register for a Tuesday/Thursday class or drop-ins available on Saturdays.

Seahorses (Beginner)

Seahorse level focuses on building confidence and comfort in the water. All skills are performed with instructor or floatation assistance. First time students and those afraid of water should begin here. Three and four year-old beginners are recommended to start first with Bubble Buddies for more attention and comfort. Four classes per session.

Minnows (Beginner Plus)

Minnows is for students learning independence in the water. Instructors provide minimal support and assistance. Students are encouraged to explore independent floatation and movement. Sign up for minnows if you can float independently for 3 or more seconds. Four classes per session

Otters (Intermediate)

Otters is for students to explore new and efficient ways to move through the water. Students learn to move through the water in streamlined ways and explore crawl stroke and back stroke techniques. Sign up for Otters if you can jump into water, move 15 feet in the water then turn back and move to the wall without touching the bottom. Four classes per session.

Stingrays (Intermediate Plus)

Stingrays is for students to improve crawl stroke (freestyle) and backstroke techniques and learn movements for other swim strokes. Students build strength and endurance in preparation for swimming multiple lengths of the pool. Sign up for Stingrays if you can jump into water, swim 20 feet with backstroke, then turn around and swim crawl stroke (freestyle) back to the wall without touching the bottom.  Four classes per session.

Dolphins (Intermediate Advanced)

This affordable and fun class is designed to develop intermediate to advanced recreational swimming ability & water safety skills (pre-competitive swim team). All sessions include skill development, strength and endurance building, and personal water safety. Sign up for Dolphins after passing a swim test with Aquatic Center staff. The swim test is 50 yards (2 big pool lengths) of crawl stroke, 25 yards of backstroke and 25 yards of flutter kick. Eight, 60-minute classes per session.