Swim Lessons: Aqua Tots
Ages: 2 years to 3.5 years
The main objective of this program is to teach you, the parent, how to work safely and effectively with your infant or toddler in the water. The program emphasizes fun and enjoyment, water adjustment, and preparatory activities for future swimming. This program is not designed to teach children to become good swimmers or even to survive in the water on their own. At least one adult must accompany the child in the pool. Both parents are welcome to participate in the class if so desired.
If your child is potty trained, please have him/her use the restroom before each class. For a child not yet potty trained, please outfit him/her in rubber or plastic pants, or special water diapers such as “Little Swimmers.” Before each class begins, we request that you remain on the bleachers until the instructor signals everyone to enter the water. After the class is over, you may stay in the water for further practice, provided that space is available.
Please make a special effort to use positive feedback (and lots of it!) with your child in the water. After completing a skill, always smile and praise your child. For some skills (i.e. “scooping”), you may need to use cueing with your child. A cue is a verbal sign that lets your child know that something is about to happen. An example is “Ready, Set, Go.” The instructor will explain more about cueing during your program.
Builds upon the skills learned in Level 1 &
Provides experiences and activities for children to:
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| Establish expectation for adult supervision. |
| Learn more ways to enter and exit the water in a safe manner. |
| Explore submerging in a rhythmic pattern. |
| Glide on the front and back with assistance. |
| Perform combined stroke on front and back with assistance. |
| Change body position in the water. |
| Expereince wearing a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket in the water. |
| Plus age-appropriate water safety topics. |
Extra Tips for Parents:
- If your child has a favorite bathtub toy, you may bring it with you to the pool.
- Pool is kept at 83°F, if your child becomes easily chilled; have him/her wear a t-shirt for extra warmth.
- We advise that you do not wear dangling jewelry during class.
Parents and children learn to increase a child's comfort level in the water and build a foundation of basic skills, such as arm and leg movements and breathe control. The two levels are fun-filled and help introduce water safety concepts, encouraging a healthy recreational habit that your entire family can enjoy.
