Swim Lesson Fees: $35. Payment is due when you register your child for a class.

The American Red Cross offers a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate swim program that teaches you, your child and other family members how swim skillfully and safely. The prerequisite for each level is the successful demonstration of skills from the preceding level, expect for Level 1 which has no prerequisites. Each level also includes lessons in water safety. On first day of lessons, we go through a skills checklist with each student to ensure they are in the correct level. Following the skills checklist the students will start learning and practicing skills appropriate for the given class level. On the last day of lessons, a review of all skills will be completed and their accomplishments will be acknowledged with certificates.

Level One Preschool Aquatics: Orients children to the aquatic environment and helps them gain basic aquatic skills in the wading pool and large pool, formerly the “Minnows” class.
Level Two Preschool Aquatics: Helps children gain greater independence in their skills and develop more comfort in and around the water.
Level Three Preschool Aquatics: Helps children to gain basic swimming propulsive skills and to be comfortable in and around the water.

Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills: Helps participants feel comfortable in the water and develop basic skills such as: bubble blowing, submerging the face and head, supported front and back float, breathing, and kicking.
Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills: Gives participants success with fundamental skills including submerging head for 5-10 sends, retrieving objects from shallow water, independent front and back floats, independent flutter kick and fining 5 yards (front and back).
Level 3: Stroke Development: Builds on the skills in level 2 through additional guided practice with skills such as the beginning front crawl (breathing to the side), introduction to backstroke and butterfly, retrieving objects from bottom, and jumping into deep water.
Level 4: Stroke Improvement: Develops confidence in the skills learned and improves other aquatic skills including introduction to elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, turns at the wall, and continued work on front & back crawl and butterfly.
Level 5: Stroke Refinement: Provides further coordination and refinement of strokes including the dolphin kick, alternate side breathing, and introduction to distance swimming, refinement of all strokes.

Private Swimming Lessons: Private lessons are available through the Central Klickitat County Park & Recreation District at a rate of $85 per session. These lessons are taught by Red Cross certified lifeguards who are on staff with the district. Private lesson dates & times will be arranged with the instructor & parents. There are limited times when private lesson can be taught. Please ask for additional details.

Guard Start: A pre-lifeguard course for kids ages 11-14: July 5-9th or August 2-6th; Class Time: 5:30-7pm. Monday class is over at 6:30pm; Cost: $35
Lifeguard Certification: *Must be 15 or older: July 12-16th or August 9-13th. M-F 5:15pm to 8PM; Saturday 9am-1pm (if needed). Course includes certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR, AED and First Aid; Cost is $50
*If you will turn 15 prior to next swim season, talk to the manager, Lori Anderson, and arrangements can be made to insure certification prior to the pool opening in 2010!

Policies
*Please check in at the front desk as your child arrives for lessons
*Refunds will not be given after a class has started.
*The District reserves the right to cancel a class at any time due to insufficient participants. Credits & or refunds will be issued.
*Anyone with an open wound, or contagious condition will not be allowed in the pool.

Preparing your child for lessons
*Bring lots of towels & warm clothes.
*Goggles are suggested, but please be sure the goggles fit before lessons start!
*If your child has long hair, please put it in a ponytail or braid.
*Let the instructor know if your child has any medical conditions.
*Parents should remain seated & try to not distract their child during lessons.
*Have your child use the restroom prior to the start of lessons.

FAQ: Swimming Lessons

What causes fear of the water?
Some of the more common causes of early fear of the water have to do with the way parents or caretakers relate to their children in & around water. These causes include:
• Being raised by parents or caretakers who are afraid of the water & have either knowingly or unknowingly communicated this fear to their children;
• Being raised in an environment that prevents childhood water play, whether as a result of lack of opportunity or parental actions;
• Being forced into water activities beyond the ability or comfort level;
• Being carelessly handled in water experiences;
• Being involved in or witnessing a traumatic water accident; or
• Having a fear of the unknown or a general fear of new experiences.

What helps prevent fear of the water?
You can help reduce fear in the following ways:
• Provide enjoyable non-threatening water activities that are simple & fun which will build confidence.
• Arrange for regular, continued contact with a water environment for your child.
• Select safe water environments & supervise all water play.
• Treat water mishaps sympathetically, but do not alarm your child.
• Be aware of your facial expressions & choice of words so that you do not signal panic or fear.
• Try using goggles. This may help children explore under the water.
• Teach your child “respect” for the water & water rules without implied threats or fear.
• Lead by example. Follow rules & enjoy the water with your child. Get your face wet; perform some of the simple & fun activities in the program.

What if my child already has a fear of the water?
Respect your child’s feelings. Teasing or getting angry only makes matters worse. Please tell the instructor, as they will understand the situation and try to ease the fear.
• Provide plenty of time for your child to adjust to the new setting.
• Concentrate on activities with which your child is comfortable and ready.
• Expose your child to other children who are having fun.
• Play with your child in the water and express a fun and relaxing mood.

How many lessons is it going to take for my child to “swim”?
Children vary widely when it comes to learning a skill. In general, each child’s readiness is influenced by physical development, previous experiences, home environment, parental attitudes & individual preferences. For most skills, there are simple prerequisites, activities & lead-ups that can prepare the child to perform those skills. For example, before children are ready to put their entire face in the water, they may need to practice blowing bubbles, washing the face, & putting parts of the face in the water. It may take 30–80 lessons before a child can swim independently. However, to make sure your child does learn to swim well, be sure that he or she completes all of the learn-to-swim levels.

What if my child cannot keep up with the class?
The progress of your child is not compared with that of any other child. Because they have different experiences & backgrounds as well as different learning rates, children acquire skills at different times. The instructor can adapt & adjust the level of difficulty to the individual child. This way, your child will feel a part of the group but will practice at his or her level. If you believe that your child needs to be in a different level class, consult with the instructor or the facility program coordinator.

What can I do to help?
You will be taking the first step by enrolling your child in swim lessons. You need to have your child attend class on a regular basis, work together with the instructor and take time the time to let your child swim and just have fun in the water before or after lessons.

How many levels should my child complete?
Your child should complete all of the Learn-to-Swim levels to develop full swimming competency. It may take several seasons for a child to successfully complete all levels. If he or she swims only during the summer months, skills will be diminished. Regular practice is necessary to keep skills & progress to the next level.

Will my child become "drown proof" after participating in the Learn-to Swim program?
Participation in any swimming lesson program does not “drown proof” your child. It is only the first step in developing your child’s water safety & swimming skills. Year-round practice, regular exposure to water and positive encouragement are the tools needed for developing your child’s comfort level in water and improving his or her swimming skills.

Why it is not recommended that "water wings,” swim rings or other inflatable flotation devices be used as a personal flotation device?
Inflatables, such as water wings, swim rings & other flotation devices, are not designed to be used as substitutes for U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets or adult supervision. Swimmers may go beyond their ability and fall off the inflatable, which may lead to a drowning situation. Inflatable materials deteriorate in sun and rough pool surfaces, leading to deflation and leaks.