Your Child’s Swim Journey
Every child progresses at their own pace. Here’s what skills each level builds — and how you’ll know when your swimmer is ready to move up.
The Four Levels at a Glance
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Tiny Splashers
6 months – 2 years
- Comfortable entering the water
- Blows bubbles with face submerged
- Kicks legs with support
- Tolerates back float with help
- Reaches for the wall on cue
- Enjoys water play and songs
Parent in the water · 30 min · From $89/mo
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Little Fish
2 – 4 years
- Independent water entry
- Unassisted front float (3 sec)
- Unassisted back float (3 sec)
- Kicks across the pool with kickboard
- Jumps in from the wall
- Rolls from front to back float
Independent · 35 min · From $89/mo
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Junior Sharks
5 – 8 years
- Freestyle across the pool (15m)
- Backstroke with straight arms
- Rhythmic breathing every 3 strokes
- Treads water for 30 seconds
- Dives from the wall
- Open turn at the wall
Independent · 40 min · From $99/mo
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Academy Swimmers
9 – 12 years
- All four competitive strokes
- Flip turns (freestyle & backstroke)
- Breaststroke kick with timing
- Butterfly (full stroke, 15m)
- Treads water for 2 minutes
- Race-pace endurance sets
Independent · 45 min · From $109/mo
How Your Child Moves Up
Advancement is skills-based, not time-based. There’s no waiting period — when your child has mastered the milestones, they move up.
- Ongoing instructor observation
Every class, your instructor is watching for milestone completion — no formal tests, no pressure. - Monthly progress report
You’ll receive a written skills update each month showing which milestones are complete and what comes next. - Instructor recommendation
When your child has consistently demonstrated all level milestones, your instructor will recommend advancement. - Parent conversation
We’ll chat with you first — answering any questions and confirming your child feels confident and ready. - Level-up class
Your swimmer joins the next group at the next available session. We celebrate every move-up!
Where Does My Child Start?
Age is a starting point, but ability matters more. Use this guide — then call us if you’re not sure.
My child is under 2 years old
→ Tiny Splashers. All babies and toddlers under 2 start here regardless of any prior water experience. You’ll be in the pool together.
My child is 2–4 and nervous about water
→ Tiny Splashers. If your child is anxious or has had little water exposure, starting with parent support builds a much stronger foundation.
My child is 2–4 and comfortable in water
→ Little Fish. If they’ll put their face in, float with light support, and jump in without hesitation, they’re ready to go independent.
My child is 5–8 with no formal lessons
→ Little Fish or Junior Sharks. We’ll do a quick, no-stress skills check to see which level fits. Call us at (555) 555-0100 to arrange it.
My child has had lessons elsewhere
→ Skills check first. We place transfer swimmers based on what they can actually do, not what level they left at. No cost, no commitment.
My child is 9–12 and swimming already
→ Academy Swimmers. If they can swim freestyle and backstroke the length of the pool, they belong here. We’ll confirm at the first class.
Still not sure? We offer free, no-pressure placement calls — just phone us and describe what your child can do.
Progress FAQs
- How long does each level take?
It varies — some children advance in 3 months, others take 9 months or more. We never rush it. Confidence built slowly lasts a lifetime. - What if my child regresses?
It happens, especially after illness or a long break. We’ll revisit the milestone, adjust our approach, and never make a child feel bad about it. - Can siblings be in the same class?
Only if they’re at the same skill level. We place each child where they’ll be challenged and supported — keeping siblings together when it genuinely fits.
- My child is advanced for their age — can they skip a level?
Yes, with instructor assessment. We never skip for age alone, but a child who clearly masters all milestones moves up, full stop. - Do you use flotation devices?
No puddle jumpers or arm floaties — ever. These teach incorrect body position and delay real skill development. We use kickboards and noodles as tools, not crutches. - How will I know my child is progressing?
Monthly written reports plus a brief chat after class any time you’d like one. Our instructors love talking about your child’s progress.
Ready to Start the Journey?
Enroll online or call (555) 555-0100 — we’ll find the right level and get your swimmer in the water.