overview

This first stage of my three-step curriculum focuses on water safety, survival skills, and drowning prevention. Swimmers learn how to respond to unexpected water entry, conserve energy, recognize hazards, how to call for help, and safely navigate pools, beaches, and lakes.

Topics Covered:

• Water Safety: Pool, home, beach, and lake safety; personal limits; lifeguard recognition; flotation devices.
• Survival Skills: Floating, breath control, directional changes, and finding an exit. Encouraging independence and confidence.
• Swim Fundamentals: Water acclimation, underwater exploration, and basic arm and leg movements.

Independent Safety Sequence — Required to Advance

1. Jump into deep water.
2. Roll onto the back, float for 10 seconds, and call for help.
3. Roll onto the stomach, swim to the wall or stairs, and climb out independently.

This assessment demonstrates foundational survival skills, not complete water safety. Constant adult supervision remains essential.

Now that swimmers have developed foundational water safety skills, this stage focuses on building swimming ability, learning proper stroke technique, and improving efficiency. Hydrodynamic principles help swimmers move effectively through the water, conserve energy, and reduce unnecessary strain.

Topics Covered: 

Stroke Development& Technique

• Front and back glides and kicking
• Breath control, timing, and side breathing
• Freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke
• Treading water
• Body positioning, coordination, and efficient movement

Endurance & Skill Combination

Swimmers build strength and endurance, refine their technique, and combine skills to swim longer distances with greater control and independence.

Expected Outcome: Swimmers progress beyond basic water safety to develop proper swimming strokes, improve endurance, and move confidently and efficiently through the water.