Swim Lessons
The goal of Parks & Recreation is for swimming to become a lifetime recreational activity for everyone of all ages. Developing the proper skills for water safety, as well as the ability to swim for fun and fitness is very important to us.

Registration for all swim lessons and swim teams will be held from 9 am – 1 pm on Saturday, May 17, and from 12 - 3 pm on Sunday, May 18, at the Tates Creek Recreation Center Ballroom (1400 Gainesway Drive). Cost for swim lessons is $25 per child and all fees must be paid at the time of registration - no exceptions. All programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and fees are non-refundable. When registering for swim lessons and swim teams, please remember to have the following with you: child’s proof of age, child’s skill level and preferred session/time of day (you may want to have more than one option selected). A minimum of three (3) participants must be registered in order for a class to be held.

Parental Support
We believe the parents’ attitude will help their child have a fun, positive experience at swimming lessons. Parents can be particularly helpful with ensuring a positive swimming experience for their child. Children sometimes cry before or during lessons for such reasons as being away from their parents, being in a new environment, fear of water, recollection of a bad water experience or difficulty with taking the instructor’s authority. It is sometimes a problem if parents are in a clear view of the child during swim lesson and swim team. Because children can easily locate a parent and will cry for attention, PARENTS WILL BE ASKED TO SIT IN DESIGNATED AREAS ONLY. A child will sometimes test ways to avoid lessons, such as crying, playing sick or hanging on to the parent. We understand these apprehensions with new situations and the instructor, along with the parent, can work together to help the child overcome these anxieties.

Communication
If you feel your child is not performing to their capability, please notify the instructor before or after class. As we only see them for a maximum of five hours, we need your assistance with personality traits that may be inhibiting the child’s performance. The same holds true for discipline. If there is a method that works effectively for you, and the instructor is not having success with the child, the instructor welcomes your input. Teaching swim lessons is mainly repetition of skills, meaning we often do the same things every day; this is the best way for your child to learn. To a parent sitting in the background, this may seem boring but to a child, it is security and familiarity with the basic learning process.

In swim lessons, we do not emphasize passing or failing a class. No child fails a swim class as all students do make improvements. We distribute cards to those individuals who are ready for the next skill level. Those who are not yet ready for the next level are given progress reports showing where improvement is needed. At the end of every session, each parent will be given an evaluation form so they can offer feedback on their child’s instructor. If during the lessons you have a question or any concerns you don’t feel comfortable in discussing with the instructor, please feel free to speak to the pool manager or swim lesson coordinator.

Youth & Adult Swim Lessons & Class Descriptions

Session I: June 2 – 13
Session II: June 16 – 27
Session III: June 30 – July 11 (no lessons on July 4)
Session IV: July 14 – 25

Level 1 - Water Exploration – This class is for the new student who is fearful and not adjusted to class or water environment.

Level 2 - Primary Skills – This class is for the student who is adjusted to water/class, can submerge face, may float/glide and move arms.

Level 3 - Stroke Readiness – This class is for the student who can float on front or back, roll over, use arms and swim five yards (diving skills will be taught at Olympic-sized pools only).

Level 4 - Stroke Development – This class is for the student who can swim elementary backstroke and crawl stroke for 10 yards without stopping.

Level 5 - Stroke Refinement – This class is for students who can swim at least 10 yards in each of the four basic strokes.

Level 6 - Skill Proficiency – This class is for students who can swim front and back crawl for 50 yards, as well as sidestroke and breaststroke for 10 yards.

Level 7 - Advanced Skills – This class is for students who can swim front and back crawl for 100 yards (with turns), tread water for two minutes and swim breaststroke and sidestroke for 25 yards.

Parent and Me - This special class is for parents and little ones ages 6 - 36 months old with instruction focusing on water safety, accident prevention, songs, games and fun! Cost for Parent and Me classes are $25 per session.

Youth Registration Swim Teams – Swim teams are designed for youth, ages 5 – 15, who enjoy swimming. Anyone who has passed Red Cross Level 3 Class and meets the age requirements is eligible for this program. Swim team practice begins on June 4 and will conclude with the championship meet. There will be ribbons awarded for first through third place in all heats and races of the championship meet. The cost to participate in the swim team program is $25.

Basic Diving Instruction – Any youth who has passed the Red Cross Level 3 Class may participate in basic diving. The cost is $25 per diver and individuals will learn basic dives and proper diving techniques.

Adult Swim Lessons – You are never too old to learn to swim or to improve your stroke. Let our experienced instructors help you discover the wonders of water in our adult swim lessons. For your safety, as well as your child’s safety, don’t delay taking swim lessons for another year. In addition to safety, swimming is a great form of exercise. The cost for adult swim lessons is $25 per session.

Water Aerobics – Water aerobics is a total body, non-impact form of exercise that combines music and movement to help you get in shape. Both swimmers and non-swimmers will benefit from this exercise program. Water aerobics will help you shape up and trim down; it also lessens the stress of body joints, while providing cardiovascular and toning benefits. The cost is $25 per person.