SwimAmerica Stations :
New swimmers are evaluated and placed into a station (level) within the first few minutes of the first class of each session. Upon completion of the station goals, swimmers immediately receive a sticker and move up to the next level; they do not have to wait until the end of the session or until their classmates have completed the goals. Each swimmer moves through the progression independently, at his or her own pace. This chart shows the emphasis and skills worked on in each level, and what the station "graduation" goals are.
| Station |
Emphasis |
Related Skills |
Goals |
| 1
Bubbles |
Smiles and Laughter Feet first entry Overly generous positive feedback Some part of face in the water Forceful exhalation |
Anxious and tentative children. Shallow Water. Learning brand new skills. Bubble lead up Air exchange |
10 relaxed bobs |
| 2
Floats & Glides |
Feet first entry. Generous positive feedback. One hand on top squeeze ears One hand on wall other reaching Assist to feet from floating positions & keep swimmers face dry first couple of attempts at back float Support from underwater, hold hands in streamline, head down Support from underwater with head near shoulder, wean to back of head only Head back, belly up! Count loud near swimmer as they attempt the five second glide Jump into chest deep water & back streamline |
Shallow Water Learning brand new skills Streamline Ready position Assured confidence Front float/glide Back float/glide
|
Front Glide and Recover - 5 seconds Back Glide and Recover - 5 seconds |
| 3
Kick |
Long, straight legs; short, fast kick; toes pointed Feet together, pop and drop hips |
Front Kick Back Kick Dolphin Kick |
Front Kick - 15 feet Back Kick - 15 Feet |
| 4
Crawl Stroke |
Squeeze ears and turn head. Lead with the palms of hands, pressure on palms Back of head on shoulder, look up Reach side to side Head still, looking down, three strokes Long arms, roll body, elbows high, hands close to body |
Rollover Sculling Side glide kick Kick 6’s Kick 6’s threes Crawl Stroke |
Side glide kick - 20ft Crawl stroke - 20 ft, no breathing |
| 5
Freestyle |
Turn head with body roll, exhale in water, keep one ear in water, return forehead to water Head back & still, roll shoulders & hips, side to side kick, straight arms |
Freestyle Backstroke |
Crawl stroke with side breathing - minimum of 4 breaths |
| 6
Backstroke |
Extended swimming thru use of drills and alternative strokes Combine sculling and kicking Streamline position from a height! “Why are we diving in the deep end?” |
Free & Back Treading Water Diving safety |
Swim freestyle - 75 ft Swim backstroke - 30 ft Tread water - 1 minute |
| 7
Breaststroke & Butterfly |
“Up, out and around” Toes outside ankles, feet outside knees, knees outside hips Head lift kick, stick Drop & pop, lead with hips Kick in kick out |
Breast Kick Dolphin Kick Butterfly Timing |
Swim Freestyle - 50 yds Swim Backstroke - 25 yds Kick Breaststroke - 20 ft |
| 8
Turns |
Pull breast with fltr kick, stick Hands, head, kick, stick Reach and roll, fast to the “ready position ”Reach with both hands, fast to the “ready position” Tuck chin, reach for feet |
Breast arms Breast timing One hand open turn Two hand open turn Flipturn |
Swim Freestyle - 100 yds using bi-lateral breathing Swim Breastrokes - 25 ysd Swim Butterfly - 30 ft |
| 9
Lifetime Strokes |
Side glide kick position, heels up top leg forward, back leg behind snap and glide Chicken, eagle, snake, breast kick on back. |
Scissors kick Elementary backstroke |
Swim Freestyle - 200 yds using bi-lateral breathing Swim Butterfly - 25 yds Swim Breaststroke - 50 yds Swim Elementary Backstroke - 50 yds Swim Sidestroke - 50 yds |
| 10
Individual Medley |
All review and extended swimming |
|
Swim 300 yds Freestyle Swim 100 yds backstroke Swim 100 yds Individual Medley |
