Swim Level Placement Guide

Proper placement is very important. Your child should be challenged, but not overwhelmed. The following list indicates the minimum requirements your child should possess for each level on the first day of class.

If they are unable to complete the skills, they will be moved to the lower level, if space allows. If there is no opening, a credit will be issued for a future registration, but classes will not be overloaded, and for the safety of the entire class, they will not be allowed to stay in the upper level.

INFANT TODDLER (Ages 6 months - 3)

This lesson program is designed for children who are new to the Orange Town Pool Swimming Lesson Program and have no prior water experience.

Prequalification: 

A parent or guardian must be in the water with their child, following direction from the instructor.

Note: For children under age 1, it is recommended that you consult your child's pediatrician before starting swim lessons.

To pass Infant Toddler:

• Children must participate in at least one full Infant Toddler session before advancing to Preschool
• The Infant Toddler instructor will provide advancement recommendations for all 3-year-oldS

PRESCHOOL (Ages 3-5)

This lesson program is designed for children who are new to the Orange Town Pool Swimming Lesson Program and have limited water experience.

Prequalification: 

Children must be able to separate from their parent or guardian and participate in the water independently.

To pass Preschool, children must be able to: 

• Hold breath, fully submerge head, and bob underwater
• Swim 15 feet on both front and back without assistance or flotation

BEGINNER 1 (Ages 5+ OR Passed Preschool)

This lesson program is designed for children who are comfortable in the water and ready to begin learning foundational swimming skills and water safety.

Prequalification: 

Children must have passed Preschool or be at least 5-years-old.

• For 5-year-olds new to lessons: Consider enrolling in Preschool to acclimate to the facility, class structure, and instructors before starting Beginner 1
• For 5-year-olds with fear of the water OR separation issues: It is recommended they remain in Preschool until these concerns are resolved

To pass Beginner 1, children must be able to: 

• Jump into deep water unassisted and recover to the surface
• Swim 1/2 lap of freestyle with face in the water and side breathing
• Swim 1/2 lap of backstroke with correct body position and full arm recovery
• Tread water for at least 15 seconds 

BEGINNER 2 (Ages 5+ OR Passed Beginner 1)

This lesson program is designed for children who have foundational swimming skills and are ready to build endurance.

Prequalification: 

Children must have passed Beginner 1 or be at least 5-years-old, and be able to:

• Jump in deep water unassisted and recover to the surface
• Swim 1/2 lap of freestyle with face in and side breathing
• Swim 1/2 lap of backstroke with correct body position and full arm recovery
• Tread water for at least 15 seconds 

To pass Beginner 2, children must be able to:

• Swim 1 lap (25 yards) of freestyle with rotary breathing
• Swim 1 lap (25 yards) of backstroke with correct body position and full arm recovery
• Demonstrate proper breaststroke and butterfly kick for 15 feet
• Retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool
• Tread water for at least 30 seconds

ADVANCED BEGINNER 

This lesson program is designed for children who are confident swimmers and are ready to refine their strokes and technique.

Prequalification: 

Children must have passed Beginner 2 and be able to:

• Swim 1 lap (25 yards) of freestyle with rotary breathing
• Swim 1 lap (25 yards) of backstroke with correct body position and full arm recovery
• Demonstrate proper breaststroke and butterfly kick for 15 feet
• Retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool
• Tread water for at least 30 seconds

To pass Advanced Beginner, children must be able to:

• Complete a standing dive from the side of the pool
• Swim 2 laps (50 yards) of freestyle with rotary breathing and consistent technique
• Swim 2 laps (50 yards) of backstroke with proper form and endurance
• Swim 1/2 lap of legal breaststroke
• Swim 1/2 lap of legal butterfly 
• Tread water for at least 1 minute

SWIM TEAM DEVELOPMENT 

This lesson program is designed for children who are preparing for swim team participation and want to enhance their competitive stroke techniques, speed, and endurance. 

Prequalification: 

Children must have passed Advanced Beginner and be able to:

• Complete a standing dive from the side of the pool
• Swim 2 laps (50 yards) of freestyle with rotary breathing and consistent technique
• Swim 2 laps (50 yards) of backstroke with proper form and endurance
• Swim 1/2 lap of legal breaststroke
• Swim 1/2 lap of legal butterfly 
• Tread water for at least 1 minute

Focus Areas Include:

• Stroke refinement and technique
• Starts and turns
• Building endurance for swim team readiness
• Understanding lane etiquette and competitive swimming rules