LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM

HCER offers many options for the American Red Cross Learn To Swim Program.  Class options include: (1) Preschool Swim Program, (2) Saturday Youth Swim Lessons, (3) Tues/Thurs Afterschool Swim Lessons,  and (4) Private Swim Lessons. Students are encouraged to move at their own pace in small groups. A description of the skills learned in each American Red Cross Swim Level is provided below.  For further information, call Matt Davis at 330-653-1264.

LEVEL 1: INTRODUCTION TO WATER SKILLS  

Enter and exit water safely; open eyes underwater, pick up submerged object; swim on front and back using arm and leg actions; submerge mouth, nose and eyes; float on front and back; follow basic water safety rules; exhale underwater through mouth and nose; explore arm and hand movements; and use a life jacket.

LEVEL 2: FUNDAMENTAL AQUATIC SKILLS 

Enter water by stepping or jumping from the side; open eyes underwater, pick up a submerged object; roll over from front to back, back to front; swim on side; exit water safely using ladder or side; float on front and back; tread water using arm and leg motions; move in the water wearing a life jacket; submerge entire head; perform front and back glide; swim on front and back using combined strokes.

LEVEL 3: STROKE DEVELOPMENT

Jump into deep water from the side; bob with the head fully submerged; perform survival float; butterfly kick and body motion; use check-call-care in an emergency; dive from kneeling or standing position; use rotary breathing in horizontal position; change from horizontal to vertical position on front and back; perform the HELP and huddle positions; submerge and retrieve an object;  perform front and back glide; perform front and back crawl; perform a reaching assist.

LEVEL 4: STROKE IMPROVEMENT

Shallow dive; open turns on front and back using any stroke; safe diving rules; perform a throwing assist; swim underwater; tread water using sculling arm motions and kick; perform compact jump into water from a height while wearing a life jacket; care for conscious choking victim; perform feet first surface dive; perform the following: front and back crawl, sidestroke swim, breaststroke, butterfly and elementary backstroke.

LEVEL 5:  STROKE REFINEMENT

Tread water with 2 different kicks; learn survival swimming; perform rescue breathing; perform the following: standing dive, pike surface dive, shallow dive, tuck surface dive, butterfly, front flip turn, breaststroke, backstroke flip turn, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, front and back crawl.

LEVEL 6: SWIMMING AND SKILL PROFICIENCY

Refines the strokes so students swim with ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over greater distances. Level 6 is designed with "menu" options that focus on preparing students to participate in more advanced courses including Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard Training courses.