Stage 4 uses the strong body position and stamina developed in earlier stages to incorporate stroke technique. Swimmers will become proficient in Front Crawl (freestyle) and Backstroke. Swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke and butterfly kicks. Swimmers will also start to build endurance of 15-25 yards. All four strokes/kicks must be mastered before advancing.Prerequisite Skills: Stage 4 or swim evaluation.

These first two stages are designed to guide beginner swimmers through the development of breath control (bubble blowing), submersion (bobs), front and back floating and gliding (5-10Ft), treading (10sec) and independent exit from the pool. By the end of Stage 2, all skills will be unassisted. Benchmark skills for these levels include jump-push-turn-grab and swim-float-swim (15ft). No prerequisite or swim evaluation needed.

Stage 3 focuses on developing stamina and improved breath control. Swimmers are challenged with longer independent swims on front and back (10-15yards) and longer treading time. Benchmark skills for this level include jump-swim-grab and swim-float-swim (15-25 yards). Swimmers must be able to complete all skills independently and without flotation before advancing.Prerequisite Skill: Stage 3 or swim evaluation.

The basis of Y swim lessons is water safety skills. Swimmers progress from assisted skills to independent swimming on front and back. Self-rescue skills – asking permission, swim-float-swim, back float, wall grab, and treading – are emphasized at each lesson. Age-appropriate games, drills, and activities encourage practice which builds stamina and develops proficiency.Swimmers who have mastered all skills in the Swim Basics program can register for Preschool Swim Strokes Academy with the recommendation of their instructor or aquatics director.

After mastering the skills in the Preschool Swim Basics program, participants focus on stroke technique and endurance. Age appropriate games, drills, and activities encourage practice which builds endurance and technical proficiency. Water safety skills continue to be emphasized in this program.Prerequisite: Preschool Swim Basics