We currently offer various types of swim lessons from May through August. The Progressive Swim Program/Camp is competitively based; however, competition does not have to be the primary goal of the swimmer. Another program is a more traditional Learn to Swim Program. Both provide wonderful opportunities for your child to become comfortable in the water and to learn how to swim.

The Progressive Swim Program:
The Progressive Swim Program/Camp is a summer full of swimming. This unique program is designed to allow swimmers to advance at their own pace and runs Monday-Friday for the entire summer.

Throughout the summer, swimmers will advance through levels that will introduce them to the four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, & butterfly) as well as dive starts and racing turns. This fun-filled learn-to-swim program is perfect for those looking for an alternative to traditional swim lessons. Once students have completed all levels, they will have the skills and knowledge to try out for a competitive swim team. It is our goal that all swimmers progress toward the higher levels and longer class sessions. All instructors for this program have competitive-swimming backgrounds.
For more information, please contact Gary Kessie or Whitney Barr at 509.777.4246 or gkessie@whitworth.edu.

Traditional Summer Swim Lessons:
These lessons run in two week blocks. The students are placed into levels during registration based on ability. All levels are offered, from beginner to advanced.

Levels include:

Beginner is the precursor to our level system. It is designed for the child’s first lesson away from Mom and Dad, with the goal of getting the child comfortable in the water. (Average age: 3-4 yrs.)

Level 1 is a basic water introduction course for children who are more independent. Getting comfortable in the water is the main goal. Things such as blowing bubbles, submerging the head, and floating will be taught. Most skills will be done with assistance. (Average age:
3-4 yrs.)

Level 2 is where the child gains independence in the water. Fear of the water, both deep and shallow, are overcome and the basic concepts of swimming are introduced. Assistance during skills is also slowly taken away. (Average age: 4-7 yrs.)

Level 3 is where the child begins to learn freestyle (front crawl) and the basics of the other strokes. By this level children are fully comfortable in the water, both deep and shallow, moving freely by themselves. To succeed in the next level, children should be able to swim about 15 yards by themselves on both their front and back, as well as display side breathing. (Average age: 6-8 yrs.)

Level 4 is where the child enhances the previously learned strokes and learns breaststroke and butterfly. Swimming endurance is also gained at this level, with a requirement of 25 yards for both freestyle and backstroke. (Average age: 8-10 yrs.)

Level 5 is where children build endurance in all four strokes and refine their technique. Requirements to succeed in competitive swimming consist of 50 yards of both freestyle and backstroke, as well as 25 yards of breaststroke and butterfly. (Average age: 10 yrs. and up)

For more information, please contact Gary Kessie or Whitney Barr at 509.777.4246 or gkessie@whitworth.edu.