Summer Swim Lessons

at Calvin University

Please use the following descriptions to determine the skill level that would be appropriate for your child.  Children with no swimming experience should be placed in Level I.  Children should be able to accomplish the skills described in Level I in order to be placed in Level II, and so on. We will spend a small portion of the first class testing those children whose parents are uncertain what skill level would be appropriate for their child, but most children will be pre-registered in a skill level; therefore, instruction can begin right away.  Some placement adjustments may be needed in the first few classes if parents have either over- or underestimated their child's ability.

Level I: Water Exploration - Submerge face, blow bubbles supported float: back, front enter/exit water independently navigate comfortably at pool side  alternating arms action supported kicking: front, back, basic safety

Level II: Primary Skills - Hold breath, retrieve objects  unsupported float: back, front  rhythmic breathing jump into shallow end unassisted flutter kick: front, back back flutter kick with some arm action: 5 yd basic safety  

Level III: Stroke Readiness - Retrieve objects, eyes open bobbing, complete submersion jump into deep water  dive from side of pool  prone & supine glide, back, front crawl: 10 yds each (with breathing)  elementary back kick basic safety 

Level IV: Stroke Development - Elementary back: 10 yds sculling front crawl: 25 yds back crawl: 25 yds breaststroke, kick tread water: 2 minutes rescue breathing basic safety

Level V: Stroke Refinement - Beginning dive off board breaststroke:  10 yds. sidestroke:  10 yds. elementary backstroke: 25 yds fly kick, front, back crawl (50 yds each) tread water using 2 kicks; 2 min. familiarity with spinal injuries

Level VI: Skill Proficiency - Diving board approach skills front, back crawl: 100 yds each breaststroke: 25 yds sidestroke: 25 yds butterfly: 10 yds approach stroke: 25 yds breast, sidestroke turns surface dives flip turns treading water: 3 min. throwing spinal injuries

Level VII: Advanced Skills - Front dive off board, front crawl: 200 yds, swimming under water: 15 yds, back crawl: 100 yds, breast, sidestroke: 50 yds, butterfly: 25 yds, backstroke flip turn, conditioning principles, tread water: 5 min. assist with backboard rescue

Skill Levels I-IV offered at 9am, 10am, or 11am

Skill Levels IV-VII offered at 1:00pm

CAMP POLICIES

LOCATION & CHECK IN: Lessons are held at the Venema Aquatic Center at the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex. Please meet on the pool deck on the first day, entering through the locker rooms (family, men’s & women’s locker rooms are available for use) on the lower level of the Hoogenboom Health & Recreation Center.

DIRECTOR:                   

• Dan Gelderloos, Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving Head Coach

INSTRUCTORS:           

• Calvin Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving Team Members
• Guest Instructors