Youth Classes (Ages 3–17)
Starfish
Introduction to Water Skills: Orientation to aquatic environment, and create a sound foundation for aquatic and safety skills
Level Descriptions (as defined by the American Red Cross)
Water Entry and Exit Enter and exit water safely using ladder, steps or side, Breath Control, Submerge mouth, nose and eyes, Blow bubbles through mouth and nose, Open eyes underwater, pick up a submerged object held at arm's length
Buoyancy on Front Maintain front float position (face in or out of water)
Buoyancy on Back Maintain back float position
Changing Direction and Position Change direction of travel while walking or paddling, Roll over from front to back, Roll over from back to front
Swim on Front Alternating arm action, Simultaneous arm action, Alternating leg action, Simultaneous leg action, Combined stroke on front (any arm and leg action)
Swim on Back Alternating arm action, Simultaneous arm action, Alternating leg action, Simultaneous leg action, Combined stroke on back (any arm and leg action)
General and Personal Water Safety Water safety rules
Seahorses
* Prerequisite: Ability to float unassisted on front and back, completely submerge face
Fundamental Aquatic Skills: Expand on fundamental aquatic locomotion and safetyskills
Water Entry and Exit Enter water by stepping or jumping from the side, Exit water safely using ladder or side
Breath Control and Underwater Swimming Submerge entire head, Bobs, Open eyes underwater, pick up a submerged object
Buoyancy on Front Maintain front float position (face in water), Recover from front float to standing position, Front glide, Float in face-down position (jellyfish float)
Buoyancy on Back Maintain back float position, Recover from back float to standing position, Back glide
Changing Direction and Position Change direction of travel paddling on front or back, Roll over from front to back, Roll over from back to front
Swim on Front Freestyle, with introduction to side breathing, Breaststroke, with introduction to timing
Swim on Back Backstroke, with assistance, Elementary Backstroke, with assistance
General and Personal Water Safety Water safety rules
Helping Others How to recognize a swimmer in distress, How to get help
Sea Turtles
Prerequisite: Swim 15 feet unassisted on front and back (with face underwater) and float for10 seconds unassisted.
Stroke Development Increase swimming skill competency and stroke exposure
Water Entry and Exit Jump into deep water from the side
Breath Control and Underwater Swimming Submerge and retrieve and object, Bobs with the head fully submerged, Rotary breathing
Buoyancy on Front Front glide, Survival float
Buoyancy on Back Back glide, Back float,
Changing Direction and Position Change from vertical to horizontal position on front, Change from vertical to horizontal position on back
Treading Introduction to treading water
Swim on Front Freestyle, with side breath and proper kick technique Breaststroke,with proper timing, Dolphin kick and body motion
Swim on Back Backstroke, with introduction to shoulder movement, Elementary Backstroke
General and Personal Water Safety General water safety rules, Rules for safe diving,
Helping Others Reaching assist
Swordfish
Prerequisite: Swim 25 yards continuously using freestyle, backstroke and breastroke. Comfort in deep water.
Stroke Improvement Develop confidence and competency in strokes and safety skills
Water Entry and Exit
Breath Control and Underwater Swimming Swim underwater, Feet-first surface dive
Changing Direction and Position Open turn on front, push off in streamlined position
Treading Tread water using scissors, breaststroke or eggbeater kick and
sculling arm motions
Swim on Front Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly
Swim on Back Backstroke, Elementary Backstroke
Swim on Side Sidestroke with scissors kick
General and Personal Water Safety Additional instruction and rules for safe diving
Helping Others Throwing assist, Care for conscious choking victim