The Springfield Sharks Swim Club Learn-to-Swim program helps children develop basic water safety skills. We take a non-traditional approach to instruction which involves getting children into the water daily and as much individual support as possible. The ultimate goal of our learn-to-swim program is to prepare our students to become members of our competitive team.

Who qualifies for “Swim Lessons?”:

Any child 18 and under who is not able to swim a complete, non-stop 25 yards without assistance.

Children under the age of 5 must be fully potty-trained (NO swim diapers – NO exceptions), able to listen to instruction, and able to sit on edge of pool with limited supervision (guardians are welcome to enter the water with their own child if they are not able to meet the listening requirement)

Programming:

• Instruction of floating, breathing (bubbles) and overall comfort with the water
• Instruction of basic swim techniques for rudimentary freestyle and backstroke – including kicking and pulling
• Instruction of safe underwater swimming, submerging techniques, and jumping from edge of the pool into the water
• Programming involves instructors being hands-on with students and making use of flotation devices; progress is student-led and focused and will center the student’s comfort with the water and belief in their abilities, with appropriate challenges provided by instructors (especially for more reluctant or anxious students).