Aquatics

Preschool Aquatics

What is Preschool Aquatics?

Preschool Aquatics is recommended for children who are approximately 3 - 6 years of age. However, participation should not be determined by age alone. Consider a child's developmental readiness, maturity and experience in the water. For some preschool children, Parent and Child Aquatics still may be appropriate, while a few may be able to go directly into the Learn-to-Swim courses.

Preschool Aquatics consists of three levels. No skill prerequisites are required for Preschool Aquatics Level 1. For Preschool Aquatics Levels 2 and 3, children must be able to demonstrate the exit skills assessment of the previous level. All children should be evaluated prior to the start of a session or during the first lesson, regardless of level, to determine the appropriate starting point for each child.

On completion of Preschool Aquatics, children may enroll in American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim. A child who completes Preschool Aquatics Levels 1 or 2 and is 6 years old may enroll in the next level of Preschool Aquatics or move on to Learn-to-Swim Level 2. A child who completes Preschool Aquatics Level 3 may enroll in Learn-to-Swim Level 3.

Preschool Aquatics

Levels & Curriculum

Level 1 Skills:
Level 1 introduces basic aquatic skills, which children continue to build on as they progress through Levels 2 and 3 of Preschool Aquatics and then Learn-to-Swim. In addition, children start developing positive attitudes and safe practices around the water in Preschool Aquatics Level 1.

Level 2 Skills:
The objectives of Level 2 are to further develop basic aquatic skills. Children begin to perform these skills at a slightly more advanced level (for example, for longer lengths of time, for longer distances or in deeper water). Many skills in Level 1 are performed with assistance. Level 2 marks the beginning of independent aquatic locomotion skills. Children continue to explore using simultaneous and alternating arm and leg actions on the front and back to gain greater proficiency in preparation for performing strokes. Level 2 also builds on the water safety topics introduced in Level 1.

Level 3 Skills:
The objective of Level 3 is to increase children's proficiency in performing previously learned skills. This is accomplished by providing additional guided practice and increasing repetitions, distances, times or levels of refinement. The skills in Level 3 are performed independently. Children improve their coordination and control of combined simultaneous arm and leg actions and alternating arm and leg actions. New water safety topics are introduced, and previously acquired water safety knowledge and skills are reinforced.

Parking & Directions

All swim lessons are held inside the Campus Recreation center in the Indoor Pool. Valid parking passes are required.

Learn more about parking on campus.