Level Descriptions
These descriptions are for your information—you don't need to choose a level for your child, we’ll do that for you. A 10-minute evaluation is required for all NEW students wishing to register for levels other Waterbabies, Level 1, or Adult. We then assign a child to the correct level where he or she will make the most progress and be challenged appropriately.
When your child is ready to advance, your instructor will recommend a level and, if necessary, a lesson time change.
1,2,3 levels are for children over the age of 3 and may use the aid of fins. They are designed to teach any child to be water safe and to be able to navigate in a pool from one wall to another. After completion of 1,2,3 levels children will have a solid base for stroke technique.
Level 1: Swim
Level 2: Breath
Level 3: Body Positioning
In our stroke classes children will work through layered drills to learn how to move one part of their body at a time and slowly gather the layers together as they build coordination and learn the correct form of each stroke. All stroke classes are for children 3 and up and will not use the aid of fins.
Freestyle
Backstroke
Breaststroke
Butterfly
Waterbabies
Adults
Menlo Mavericks
Prerequisite: Three years and older; no experience necessary.
Class Description:
Children will be introduced to the water using toys; they will learn to relax while submerged and swim a short distance while holding their breath. The “fast button” will be introduced and the arms will be stretched forward in order to maximize efficiency. Back floats will also be introduced.
Techniques like the "fast button" are important at this level where a child needs a fun visual to achieve a body position. The "fast button" is an imaginary spot on the sternum that, if pressed with the chin, makes you swim really fast (keeps the head down).
Level Completion:
When child can swim with their head down, arms stretched forward, and splashy kicks for four yards without stopping.
Prerequisite: Three years and older; completion of Level 1 or placed by evaluation.
Class Description:
Children will learn to pop up for air, take one breath, and then put their heads back down without stopping to kick or put their feet on the bottom. Swim aids such as floats may be used but to complete this level all skills must be done without assistance. Body positioning will be emphasized. Back sculling, or "smashing bugs," will be introduced to kids that can float on their backs.
Level Completion:
When child can swim 12 ½ yards without assistance or stopping, and is able to pop up for air when needed. Arms should be stretched out and chin on the “fast button”. Unassisted back floats should be mastered.
Prerequisite: Three years and older; completion of level 2 or placed by evaluation.
Class Description:
Children will still work on pop–ups but without the use of fins. “Long digs” will be introduced to prepare for freestyle. Body positioning both on front and back will be stressed. And straight legs kicking will be emphasized.
Level Completion:
When Child can swim 12 ½ yards unassisted and without the aids of fins, child must have good control over body positioning and stretching of the arms. Child must also be able to control body positioning on back and advance four yards without letting the legs sink (either by sculling or kicking).
Prerequisite: Must complete level 3 or placed by evaluation.
Class Description:
Children will learn correct freestyle technique, side breathing and body rotation. Free style will be taught with big, slow arms and fast kicks to maximize distance per stroke. Floats will be used to aid in drills but for completion of level children must swim unassisted.
Level Completion:
When child can consistently swim 25 yards of correct freestyle and is proficient at breathing.
Prerequisite: Must complete Freestyle level or placed by evaluation.
Class Description:
Children will learn correct backstroke technique and body rotation. Children will learn to relax and stretch on their back while maintaining correct body position. Long bodies will be emphasized while children are taught slow arms and fast kicks to maximize distance per stroke.
Level Completion:
When child can consistently swim 25 yards of perfect backstroke.
Prerequisite: Must complete Backstroke level or placed by evaluation.
Class Description:
Breaststroke arms and legs will be taught separately and slowly combined to ensure correct timing. Pull, kick, and glide will be stressed to ensure efficiency.
Level Completion:
When child can consistently swim 25 yards of well timed and coordinated breaststroke.
Prerequisite: Must complete Backstroke level or placed by evaluation.
Class Description:
First children will learn dolphin kick then slowly will add the arms into the stroke. Breathing will then be added and end result will be a 4 kick butterfly. This in not the correct competition form but will give children a good base for butterfly as they progress in their swimming ability through their teenage years.
Level Completion:
When child can consistently swim 12 1/2 yards of well timed and coordinated 4 kick fly.
Class Description:
Parent participation class where babies are introduced to the water through songs and games. When parents are ready, children will be submerged and eventually will learn to swim. Each game that we play together as a group can be adjusted to accommodate a parent's comfort level and the swimming ability of the child.
Level Completion:
Because of separation anxiety, children will not move out of Waterbabies until the age of 3.
Class Description:
This is a learn-to-swim program for beginners. It's great for anyone who is uncomfortable being in the water, and for those who enjoy the water but don't know how to perform a swim stroke. The instructor teaches the class out of the water, verbally directing and providing on-deck demonstration. Classes will work at the pace of the student and will be geared towards the individual goals and needs of each swimmer.
Level Completion:
When an adult knows the basics and wants further instruction, we recommend our Swim Pro Lessons. For further practice in a group setting, we recommend joining Menlo Masters.
When swimmers have mastered all of the levels and have graduated from the Butterfly class, they are ready for the Menlo Mavericks. The Mavericks is our year-round team that offers fun, non-competitive practice with family-oriented league meets in the summer. We offer three levels of age-appropriate workouts. Find out more.