Swimming lessons are designed to ensure safe environments for all our swimmers.  Please carefully consider each level and determine which abilities your child has.  You should enroll your swimmer(s) in the first level they do not meet ALL the listed skills, even if they meet several skills in the next level.  Please note the first day of lessons all swimmers will be evaluated and a swimmer may need to be moved if the swimmer was not enrolled in the appropriate level. For the safety of all swimmers, please let us know if your swimmer has any special needs, including behavior plans or learning plans at school.

            

Bubblers-Can your swimmer:

  • submerge face for 3 seconds
  • comfortably float on their front and back with assistance
  • swim independently 10ft using a noodle or other floatation device
  • jump into water with full assistance

Floaters-Can your swimmer:

  • submerge entire head for 5 seconds
  • float unassisted front and back for 10 seconds                                                      
  • swim unassisted  5ft on front
  • jump into water to instructor

Paddlers-Can your swimmer:

  • swim unassisted 15ft on front and back
  • demonstrate rhythmic breathing
  • tread water for 30 seconds
  • jump into water and return to the side independently

Gliders-Can your swimmer:

  • streamline kick on front and back for 3yards
  • freestyle with rhythmic side breathing for 15yards
  • backstroke for 15yards unassisted
  • perform a kneeling dive

Divers-Can your swimmer:

  • swim freestyle for 3 continuous minutes
  • swim breaststroke 15yards
  • swim butterfly 15yards
  • perform a standing dive

Swimmers-Can your swimmer:

  • swim freestyle for 5 continuous minutes
  • swim 25yards of all four strokes
  • use flip turns
  • perform a racing dive from the starting block

 

If your swimmer can complete all the requirements on this list they should tryout for Dowling Catholic Riptide Swim Team!

 

To prepare for your first day, please keep these things in mind:

  • Goggles will not be allowed in Bubblers or Floaters. 
  • Life jackets or swimsuits with built-in floatation will not be allowed. 
  • Swim shirts or rash guards can restrict movement, weigh a swimmer down and are highly discouraged during lessons.
  • Bring your own towels.