|
Goal:
Our goal is to
teach you and your children to swim in a fun and safe
environment.
Ratio:
Our
ratio is 1 instructor to 4 students for levels one thru four and 1
instructor to 6 swimmers for levels five and
six.
Credentials:
Our program is modeled after several
different programs with our own unique twists. All our
instructors are CPR, 1st aide and lifeguard trained through the American Red Cross. Our
program director has received the 2008 American Red Cross Hero
Educators Award for this life saving and life skills
program. Visit: alaska.redcross.org/index.php and alaskastar.com/stories/101107/saf_20071011050.shtml
Levels:
There
are 7 levels to our program, each one designed to make a safe and
proficient swimmer. The skills listed are basic guidelines but
may vary from session to session depending on the individuals
attending each class.
Level I:
Level one is an
introductory level class. The students will learn to blow
bubbles, put their faces under water, jump in assisted, learn to
wear lifejackets comfortably and learn buoyancy. They will
float on their backs and tummies assisted. These swimmers are
still learning to be comfortable in water and still need to have
full time assistance.
Level II:
At this level
the swimmer is learning skills that are unassisted. They will
be jumping in unassisted, floating on back and front unassisted.
They will learn to maneuver from one side of the pool to the
other with objects that aide in their buoyancy. They will
begin to learn to hold their breathe as well as the elementary
backstroke. These swimmers are still in need of help when swimming
in the water.
Level III:
Level three
swimmers will improve by leaps and bounds. These swimmers will
increase their yardage and start to concentrate on
technique. These swimmers will be learning the backstroke,
elementary backstroke, freestyle with proper breathing technique
and working on kicking techniques with focus on breathing
correctly. These swimmers will also learn to sit
dive. These swimmers are proficient swimmers but still need to
have an adult within arms reach.
Level IV:
Level four
swimmers are fine tuning all the above strokes, swimming up to 15
yards. They are also learning to dive standing up and are
introduced to breaststroke kick. These swimmers are also
treading water for 30 second intervals. They are diving off the
side and are learning to do flip turns for fun. These swimmers
have reached a level that they can play in the water safely alone
with proper adult supervision.
Level V:
Level five
swimmers are doing freestyle with proper breathing, backstroke,
elementary backstroke and putting together the whole breast stroke
for up to 25 yards. They will start learning dolphin kick and
will be treading water for up to a minute and half. These
swimmers will work on all their technique and be able to swim
without worries, as always with proper adult
supervision.
Level VI:
Level six
swimmers are competent swimmers. They will be doing all the
above along with some new butterfly introduction. All the
strokes for up to 25 yards each, with 15 of butterfly. They
will be treading water for up to 3 minutes. They dive off side
and blocks. These swimmers also get a quick lesson in Alaska
water safety.
Pre-Team:
This level is
for the competent swimmer who is not ready to commit to the swim
team but would like to maintain a level of fitness that is equal to
the first level of swim team entry. This group will be doing
drills supplied by the team coaches and will spend full time in
water swimming and improve stroke technique and
endurance. This is for the skilled swimmer and is by
invitation from instructors.
Our Director, Michelle Caldwell,
first started the program in fall of 2005 because of the need for
more learn2swim programs in our area. She voluntarily runs the
program on deck and in the water, over seeing instructor training,
paperwork, water instruction and all parental and family
connections. Michelle believes that swimming is a life saving
skill and an absolutely must for all to learn especially in Alaska
we have one of the top drowning rates in the USA.
Michelle is recipient of the American Red Cross Hero’s
Educator Award for 2008. She has two daughters who swim on
KNIK, one high school aged and one swimming at University level,
she also has a son involved in the lesson program.
Contact Michelle at
feet2fin@hotmail.com
|
