Learning Life Saving Swim Skills
About Our Classes
Little Owls Swim School offers one-on-one swim lessons to infants and young children. These children are taught the swim-float-swim sequence (as developmentally appropriate). They repeat this sequence until they reach the steps or side of the pool. Once children are fully skilled, they have the opportunity to practice their skills fully clothed for "Silly Swim" lessons. Once lessons are completed, students are encouraged to maintain their skills by attending twice monthly maintenance lessons(or semi-annual refresher lessons).
8 months - 12 months
If your child is not yet walking, he/she will learn the rollback-to-float technique. Infants in this age group are taught the survival skills of rotating from a face down to a face up position; then independently maintain a floating posture to rest and breathe until help arrives. When fully skilled, children have the ability to remain in this posture for an extended period of time without becoming exhausted because they are floating naturally. Lessons are conducted one-on-one with a certified instructor, 4 days per week (Monday through Thursday). Each lesson is approximately 8-10 minutes in length. All lessons have a performance-based exit, not a time based exit. When I have observed the beginning stages of physical fatigue, the lesson is concluded for that day. Students generally master the rollback-to-float skill in approximately 4 to 5 weeks. Students are required to attend all lessons each week. Each child is different so the lessons are tailored to your child’s progress and abilities. Parents, guardians, or caretakers can observe lessons from the pool deck chairs.
13 months and older
Once your child has been walking for at least 6 weeks, he/she will learn the swim-float-swim sequence. They will learn to propel themselves through the water, independently, in a head-down position for approximately 3 to 5 seconds. When they feel the need to breathe, they will be trained to roll to their back in a floating position, float independently for 3 to 5 seconds, then flip over and swim for another 3 to 5 seconds. They can continue this sequence several times until they are able to reach safety. We will teach the basic skills, and with some reinforcement at home, your child will have all the needed confidence to potentially save themselves from an aquatic accident. It is a motor skill that will improve with consistent repetition and practice. You may notice that your child will learn some skills quickly, but then be hesitant to learn other new skills. This is perfectly normal for children. The initial primary focus of lessons is the rotation from face-down to face-up, which will provide even the youngest “swimmers” a lifesaving skill while they are becoming developmentally ready for other swimming behaviors. Students generally master these skills in approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Students are required to attend all lessons each week. Parents, guardians, or caretakers can observe lessons from the pool deck chairs.