Beginner Swim Lessons

In the Minnows class, an adult can accompany the student in the water but most pre-school age children handle the class well on their own.  Minnows learn to put their faces under water and blow bubbles.  They float on their front and back with instructor support, and learn basic swimming hand and arm movements.  Basic water safety concepts are also taught.

Sharks students are more comfortable in the water than Minnows.  They can put their faces in the water and they will learn beginning swimming skills with instructor support, progressing to some unsupported activities.  They learn to use kick boards, flutter and butterfly kicks.  They are introduced to elementary backstroke, basic safety, and proper life vest use.

Dolphins are completely comfortable in the water.  They practice skills in four and six-foot deep water.  They learn about water safety, life vests, and assisting a distressed swimmer.  Students learn front crawl, elementary backstroke, and the butterfly kick.  Jumping in deep water and basic diving are also featured in this class.

Whales should be completely comfortable in the deep pool.  They will work on a variety of aquatic skills, including all four competitive swimming strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.  The Whales class is ordinarily offered only in the summer. 

If you are unsure of a students level, we can perform a skill test.  Call the Swim Lesson Coordinator at 919-644-0339, ext. 229 with any questions.

Students too advanced for these swim lessons can arrange for private lessons (call the Aquatics Director at 644-0339, ext. 241) or join a swim team.  Private lessons are available for adults as well as children.

Please stop by or call the front desk for class availability and registration information.  See you at the pool!

By Greg Zoltners- Aquatics Director