The YMCA's Aquatics Program is part of our mission to help people develop character and a positive sense of self worth. We are setting the foundation for the development of
character and self esteem by helping people to learn to swim at their own pace. Four key values are taught and practice throughout our swim program. They are: caring,
honesty, respect, and responsibility.
We use the YMCA of the USA's National Swim Lesson Program here at the Casco Bay Regional YMCA.
Preschool Swim Lessons(ages 4 - 5 years)
Guidelines:
- The children are taught swimming skill, by using the Guided to Discovery Method. This is student centered learning.
Children are asked questions to make them think what something looks like and then to demonstrate the skill.
- The program is designed to take an average of one year to move from one level to another.
- There are four levels in the preschool program with each level building upon the previous.
- All four levels use the pool at the same time, so if a child has advanced he/she can be moved during the session and does
not have to change times or days.
- When a child turns 6 years of age he/she has to move to the Youth Swim Program
- There are five components in the Preschool program which are the same as in the Youth Program:
- Stroke Development
- Personal Growth
- Rescue
- Water Sports and Games
- Personal Safety
Levels:
Pikes (ages 4 & 5) beginner level
Children learn basic paddle stroke on the front, sides, and back. Float belts and noodles re used. Classes are 1/2 hour in length and
meet once a week for 6-8 weeks.
Ratio:1 instructor to 6 children
Eel (ages 4 & 5) beginner level
Child should be able to float on both front and back for 20 seconds with float belt on, paddle 10 yds. on stomach with face in the
water with a float belt on, and 5 yds. without a float belt.
Ratio:Ratio: 1 instructor to 6 children
Ray (ages 4 & 5) beginner level
To enter this level child must be able to: jump in to the pool without assistance; paddle 25 yds. with a float belt or 15 yards without
on front, back and side; front and back float for 20 seconds with or without float belt.
Ratio:Ratio: 1 instructor to 6 children
Starfish (ages 4 & 5) beginner level
To enter this level a child must be able to do front and back float for 30 seconds without float belt; front alternating paddle with
rhythmic breathing; front symmetrical paddle.
Ratio:Ratio: 1 instructor to 6 children
*Note if child completes this level by age 6 he/she will enter the minnow level in the youth program.
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Youth Swim Lessons(ages 6 years and older)
Guidelines:
- Knowing your child's correct level will help facilitate registration.
- The program is designed so that on the average it should take a child one year of continuous lessons to complete each level. There are seven levels.
- A child must be six years of age by the first day of class to be registered in the youth program.
- Children must use sex appropriate locker rooms for the youth program. If there is a problem or concern with this please speak with the Program Director.
- Classes meet one day each week for 1/2 hour in length.
- The seven levels consist of five components:
- Stroke Development
- Personal Growth
- Rescue
- Water Sports and Games
- Personal Safety
Levels:
Polliwog (ages 6+)
Beginner level. Skills: front and back float, paddle on front, back and side
Ratio: 1 instructor to 8 students
Guppy (ages 6+)
To enter this level, children should be able to: front and back float for 30 seconds with or without float belt; paddle for 25 yards
with float on the front, back and side; paddle for 20 feet without float belt on the front, back and side; jump without assistance;
should be comfortable in deep water.
Ratio: 1 instructor to 8 students
Minnow (ages 6+)
To enter this level, children should be able to: front and back float for one minute; front alternating paddle with rhythmic breathing
for 25 yards with or without a float belt; 25 yards of front and back symmetrical paddle; 25 yards side and back alternating paddle;
and kneeling dive.
Ratio: 1 instructor to 10 students
Fish (ages 6+)
To enter this level, children should be able to: do a standing dive; 25 yards front overarm stroke with rotary breathing; 25 yards each
of rudimentary breaststroke, sidestroke, backstroke, and elementary backstroke.
Ratio: 1 instructor to 10 students
Flying Fish (ages 6+)
To enter this level, children should be able to: swim 50 yards of each; front crawl, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, back crawl,
and sidestroke; 15 yards butterfly.
Ratio: 1 instructor to 10 students
Flying Fish (ages 6+)
To enter this level, children should be able to: swim 50 yards of each; front crawl, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, back crawl,
and sidestroke; 15 yards butterfly.
Ratio: 1 instructor to 10 students
Shark (ages 6+)
To enter this level, children should be able to: swim 100 yards with bilateral breathing; 100 yards of each of breaststroke, back
crawl, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke; 15 yards butterfly.
Ratio: 1 instructor to 10 students
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