Parent & Child Aquatics (Ages 6 Months-3 Years)

American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics are designed to familiarize children with water and teach swimming readiness. In addition, these courses provide safety information for parents/caregivers and teach techniques they can use to help orient their children to the water. 

A caregiver (at least 16 years of age) responsible for the learner in appropriate swimming attire must be in the water to assist and support the entire lesson.

Bubblers 1 (Parent and Child Aquatics Level 1)
Build a healthy relationship with the water, your child, and other families in this protected culture of learners! This level familiarizes parents and children with the water and teaches swimming readiness skills such as becoming comfortable in the water, support techniques and beginning breath control. This level also provides safety information for parents and teaches techniques parents can use to orient their children to the water. A caregiver (at least 16 years of age) responsible for the learner in appropriate swimming attire must be in the water to assist and support the entire lesson.
Note: Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics Level 1 Newsletter (PDF)

Bubblers 2 (Parent and Child Aquatics Level 2)
Increase aquatic skill development, and self-confidence, and make fitness fun with your family! This level builds on skills learned in Bubblers 1. Parents/caregivers and young children will continue to work on basic skills including water adjustment, support techniques, and breath control. Skills such as floating and kicking on front and back are explored. A caregiver (at least 16 years of age) responsible for the learner in appropriate swimming attire must be in the water to assist and support for the entire lesson. If a child who successfully completes this level are at least 3 years old, they may be ready to enroll in Bobbers (Preschool Aquatics Level 1)
Note: Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level or until they are old enough for Bobbers.

American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics Level 2 Newsletter (PDF)

Preschool Aquatics (Ages 3-5 Years)

Track your child's progress by downloading one of these resources:

• American Red Cross Swim Lesson Achievement Booklet (PDF)
• Cruz Roja Americana Clases de Natación Folleto de Logros (PDF)
• American Red Cross Swim App; to download, visit the Red Cross website or text SWIM to 90999

Bobbers (Preschool Aquatics Level 1)
Swimmers are familiarized to the aquatic environment and helps them acquire basic aquatic skills such as water entry and exit; breath control and submerging; floating/gliding on the front and back; and treading in chest-deep water. Arm and leg actions are also introduced at this level. Swimmers begin to develop positive attitudes and safe practices around water. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Preschool Aquatics Level 1 Newsletter (PDF)

Bobbers Exit Skills Assessment:

All Bobbers exit skills can be performed with support.

1. Enter independently, using either the ramp, steps or side, travel at least 5 yards, submerge to mouth and blow bubbles for at least 3 seconds, then safely exit the water. (Children can walk, move along the gutter or “swim.”)

2. While in shallow water, glide on front for at least 2 body lengths, then roll to back and float on back for 3 seconds, then recover to a vertical position.

Floaters (Preschool Aquatics Level 2)
Swimmers build on basic swimming skills learned in the Bobbers Series including breath control and submerging; swimming using combined arm and leg actions on the front and back; and treading in shoulder-deep water. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Preschool Aquatics Level 2 Newsletter (PDF)

Floaters Exit Skills Assessment:

All Floaters exit skills can be performed with assistance.

1. Glide on front for at least 2 body lengths, roll to back, float on back for 15 seconds, then recover to a vertical position.
2. Glide on back for at least 2 body lengths, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position.
3. Swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 3 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue swimming on front for at least 3 body lengths.

Strokers 1 (Preschool Aquatics Level 3)
Swimmers build on the skills learned in the Bobbers and Floaters levels, with a greater emphasis on swimming on the front and back without assistance and for longer distances. Treading in shoulder-deep water for longer periods of time will also be explored. Water safety concepts are reinforced in this level. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Preschool Aquatics Level 3 Newsletter (PDF)

Strokers 1 Exit Skills Assessment:

All Strokers 1 exit skills are done independently (defined as no adult contact, intervention or use of flotation devices).

1. Step from the side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom, move into a treading or floating position for 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths, then exit the water.
2. Move into a back float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position.
3. Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue swimming for 5 body lengths.

Strokers 2 (Learn-to-Swim Level 3)
Swimmers will focus on stroke development including front crawl and elementary backstroke. Swimmers will be introduced to the scissors and dolphin kicks and will build on the fundamentals of treading water. Diving skills may also be introduced. Participants may also learn rules for headfirst entries and begin to learn to enter the water headfirst from a seated position at the poolside (if the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught). Participants who successfully complete this level and who meet the appropriate age requirement may register for Youth 4. This course may be repeated until the child is old enough for Youth Level 4.

American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 3 Newsletter (PDF)

Strokers 2 Exit Skills Assessment:

1. Jump into deep water from the side, recover to the surface, maintain position by treading or floating for 1 minute, rotate one full turn then turn as necessary to orient to the exit point, level off, swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards, then exit the water.
2. Push off in a streamlined position, then swim front crawl for 15 yards, change position and direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards, then exit the water.

Stroke & Turn (Ages 10-17 years)

Lessons focus on building endurance, stroke, and turn refinement. Participants in this course will be expected to swim longer distances using front crawl, back crawl, butterfly, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke. Participants will also learn to utilize equipment such as pull buoys, fins, paddles, and/or a pace clock. Using swimming as part of personal water fitness will also be discussed. To improve strength and endurance, this course may be repeated.

Prerequisite

• Successful completion of the Youth/Adult lesson 5.

Youth & Teen Learn-To-Swim

Youth lessons are for ages 6 to 12 years and Teen lessons are for ages 13 to 17.

Track your child's progress by downloading one of these resources:

• American Red Cross Swim Lesson Achievement Booklet (PDF)
• Cruz Roja Americana Clases de Natación Folleto de Logros (PDF)
• American Red Cross Swim App; to download, visit the Red Cross website or text SWIM to 90999

Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills

Adapt to the aquatic environment while developing a positive attitude and safe practices around water. Gain basic aquatic skills such as water entry and exit; breath control and submerging; arm and leg actions; floating and gliding on the front and back; and treading in chest-deep water. Learn-to-Swim Level 1 skills overlap with the Preschool Bobbers and Floaters skills. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 1 Newsletter (PDF)

Exit Skills Assessment:
When children complete Learn-to-Swim Level 1, they should be comfortable getting in and moving through the water and be willing to put their face in the water. Children should also be able to use arm and leg movements with assistance.

1. Enter independently, using either the ramp, steps or side; travel at least 5 yards; bob 5 times; then safely exit the water. (Participants can walk, move along the gutter or “swim.”)
2. Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 5 seconds and recover to a vertical position. (This part of the assessment can be performed with assistance.)

Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills

Build on the fundamental aquatic skills learned in Level 1. This level marks the beginning of true locomotion skills. Participants learn to glide and float without support and recover to a vertical position. Participants further develop simultaneous and alternating arm and leg actions on the front and back, laying the foundation for future strokes. New water safety topics are introduced and previously acquired water safety knowledge and skills are reinforced. Many of the skills taught in this level are the same skills taught in Preschool Strokers 1. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 2 Newsletter (PDF)

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 2, they should be increasingly confident in the water. Participants are starting to swim independently using arm and leg movements, but may still need assistance when taking a breath. All Learn-to-Swim Level 2 exit skills are performed independently:

1. Step from side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom, move into a treading or floating position for at least 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths, then exit the water.
2. Move into a back float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position.
3. Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue swimming for at least 5 body lengths.

Level 3: Stroke Development

Swimmers must successfully complete Level 2 as a prerequisite. Focus on expanding the proficiency of previously learned skills by providing additional guided practice. Participants learn and practice survival floating and learn to swim front crawl and elementary backstroke at rudimentary proficiency levels. You introduce the scissors and dolphin kicks and extend the time duration for treading water. Participants also learn rules for headfirst entries and begin to learn to enter the water headfirst from a seated position at poolside (if the water is 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught). As in all levels, new and previously addressed, water safety topics are included. Participants who successfully complete Level 3 have achieved basic water competency in a pool environment. Many of the skills taught in this level are the same skills taught in Preschool Strokers 2. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 3 Newsletter (PDF)

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 3, they have achieved basic water competency in a pool environment. They are starting to show stroke proficiency in the front crawl and elementary backstroke. They have begun learning the breaststroke and the scissors kicks and can tread water for 1 minute. They demonstrate comfort in deep water and maybe able to enter the water headfirst from both the sitting and the kneeling positions (If the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught).

1. Jump into deep water from the side, recover to the surface, maintain position by treading or floating for 1 minute, rotate one full turn then turn as necessary to orient to the exit point, level off, swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards, then exit the water.
2. Push off in a streamlined position then swim front crawl for 15 yards, change position and direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards, then exit the water.

Level 4: Stroke Improvement

Swimmers must successfully complete Level 3 as a prerequisite. Focus on improvement of aquatic skills and increase endurance by swimming the strokes learned in Level 3 (i.e., front crawl, elementary backstroke) for greater distances and with more advanced proficiency. Participants add arm actions to the previously learned scissors kick and breaststroke kick to perform the rudimentary sidestroke and to learn the breaststroke. Participants also begin to learn the back crawl and butterfly, as well as the basics of performing a simple open turn at a wall. Explore diving skills. Participants learn to enter the water headfirst from a compact and stride position at poolside (if the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught). Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 4 Newsletter (PDF)

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 4, they are starting to demonstrate effective and efficient strokes in the front crawl and elementary backstroke. They are starting to show stroke proficiency in the breaststroke, back crawl, butterfly and sidestroke. They can enter the water headfirst from both compact and stride positions (If the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught).

1. Perform a feetfirst entry into deep water, swim front crawl for 25 yards, change direction and position as necessary and swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards.
2. Swim breaststroke for 15 yards, change direction and position as necessary, and swim back crawl for 15 yards.
3. Submerge and swim a distance of 3 to 5 body lengths underwater without hyperventilating, return to the surface, then exit the water.

Level 5: Stroke Refinement

Swimmers must successfully complete Level 4 as a prerequisite. Focus on stroke refinement and increase the distance that they will swim for all six strokes: front crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, back crawl, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke. Participants will work on surface dives, flip turns and explore diving skills (if the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught). Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 5 Newsletter (PDF)

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 5, they are starting to demonstrate effectiveness and efficiency in all strokes. They are starting to work on endurance through longer swims that require using open and flip turns. They can enter the water using the shallow-angle dive (if the water is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught) and can then continue swimming.

1. Perform a shallow-angle dive into water at least 9 feet deep (If the pool is at least 9 feet deep where the lessons are taught)., swim front crawl for 50 yards, then swim elementary backstroke for 50 yards using appropriate and efficient turning styles throughout.
2. Swim breaststroke for 25 yards, change direction of travel as necessary, then swim back crawl for 25 yards using appropriate and efficient turning styles throughout.

Level 6: Swimming and Skills Proficiency-Personal Water Safety

Swimmers must successfully complete Level 5 as a prerequisite. Focus on stroke refinement to develop greater efficiency, power and smoothness for longer distances. Refine the front crawl, back crawl, butterfly, elementary backstroke, breaststroke and sidestroke. There will also be extensive work on turns and water safety skills. Due to the number of skills taught in this course, participants may need to repeat this level.

American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 6 Newsletter (PDF)

Exit Skills Assessment:
When participants complete Learn-to-Swim Level 6, they are able to swim all strokes effectively and efficiently. They are able to swim continuously while using the appropriate turns for the stroke. They also have a solid understanding about how to be safe in, on and around the water.

1. Swim 500 yards continuously using any 3 strokes, swimming at least 50 yards of each stroke.
2. Jump into deep water, perform a survival float for 5 minutes, roll onto back and perform a back float for 5 minutes.
3. Perform a feetfirst surface dive, retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool at a depth of 7 to 10 feet, return to the surface, then back to starting point.