Swim Levels
The UrSwim Way
We understand that swimming can be stressful and scary for swimmers of all ages. We also understand that fearless swimmers can be stressful and scary for our parents. Swimming is not one-size fits all, as there is no “magic age” a swimmer should be to reach a particular swim level. We tailor our uniformed swim program to meet the needs of our individual swimmer to ensure that they maximize their growth in the water. We also serve a wide variety of swimmers including those with special needs and challenges.
BABY AND ME
It’s time to introduce your baby to the water! In order to prepare your babies for the next phase of their swim education, our instructors focus on getting your baby comfortable and familiar with the pool. At this level, swimmers are introduced to water safety skills, such as floating, submersion, bubbles, and water play. Moms and Dads are welcome to join their babies in the water and assist them with swim skills as instructed by their swim teacher.
ANCHOVIES
Our Anchovy program is designed for children who have had limited experience in the water. Children at the Anchovy swim level are taught basic water safety skills, as well proactive strategies that allow them to identify and prevent dangerous situations from taking place around the pool. Much of the Anchovy swim program focuses on supported swim skills, including floating and front crawl. Our instructors will also teach Anchovies how to place their face in the water and enter and exit the water independently.
SEA TURTLES
This level is for children who are familiar with the water and have had some experience swimming. At this level, instructors lessen their support during swim training to assist the child with swimming independently. Sea Turtles are instructed in front crawl coordination, unsupported front and back float, unsupported front and back glide, and underwater swimming. Depending on the swimmers progression throughout their lessons, our instructors will introduce back crawl arm movements, deep water swimming, and kneel diving.
STINGRAYS
For a child to be at this swim level, they must have basic water competency and independent swim skills. Sting Rays are instructed in front and back crawl endurance (1 pool-length), breaststroke kick, and elementary backstroke. Sting Rays will also get more comfortable in the deep end of the pool, as they learn how to tread water and are introduced to diving. Instructors will teach Sting Rays the fundamentals of breath control and underwater swimming, in which children will be coached on retrieving objects in 3-5 feet of water.
DOLPHINS
At this level, the child should be a strong and independent swimmer working towards mastering more advanced swim skills. During their lessons, Dolphins will practice building endurance in front and back crawl (2-4 pool-lengths) and treading water for an extended period of time. Instructors will help Dolphins will refine their standing dive and swim strokes. Dolphins will be introduced to scissors and dolphin kick, which will prepare them for butterfly stroke and help them coordinate the movements.
SHARKS
Children must have mastered 4 out of the 6 swim strokes (front crawl, backstroke, elementary backstroke, and breast stroke) to be considered for this level. Sharks are taught a more competitive style of swimming and practice increasing their endurance. The primary training for Sharks includes swimming in front and back crawl (4-8 lengths of pool), sidestroke and butterfly coordination, surface dives, and flip turns.
