SWIM SCHOOL
The WEST Swim School not only promotes water safety but gives our swimmers a distinct advantage should they choose to continue into competitive swimming. We teach our own curriculum from a competitive swimming standpoint, maximizing safety, effectiveness and efficiency by focusing on proper technique from the beginning.
We offer Youth Group Lessons and Private Classes for children, teens and adults!
If you have any questions about group or private lessons please reach out to our Lessons Manager at lessons@westswimteam.com.
Youth Group Swim Lessons Level Guide
Shallow Water Classes
GUPPIES: (Ages 2-3 years old)*
Give your young swimmer a headstart introduction to the water, setting them up for the greatest long-term success. *Only offered at select times, swimmers not yet potty-trained must adhere to our Diaper Policy.
3:1 Child to Instructor Ratio
Skills to Pass:
- Fully submerged head & face
- Front Float - 3 seconds
- Back Float - 3 seconds
- Jump off edge unassisted
- Climb out of pool independently
MINNOWS: (Ages 3-6 years old)
Young or new swimmers with little experience or not yet comfortable in the water. *Swimmers must be potty-trained, NO diapers allowed.
4:1 Child to Instructor Ratio
Skills to Pass:
- 5 Head Bobs - fully submerged
- Exhale underwater through nose
- Front Float - 5 seconds
- Back Float - 5 seconds
- Front Streamline - 5 yards
- Back Streamline - 5 yards
Mackerels: (Ages 3-10 years old)
Swimmers who’ve successfully passed Minnows level, are comfortable in the water and working towards independence. *Swimmers must be potty-trained, NO diapers allowed.
4:1 Child to Instructor Ratio
Skills to Pass:
- 10 Head Bobs - fully submerged
- Exhale underwater through nose
- Front Float - 10 seconds
- Safety Rotation Front-to-Back
- Front Streamline - 10 yards
- Back Streamline - 10 Yards
- Side Kick with Side Breath
- Basic Freestyle Swim - 10 Yards
- Backstroke Swim - 10 Yards
Deep Water Classes
Trout: (Ages 4-12 years old)
Swimmers who’ve successfully passed Mackerels level and are independent in the water. This is a DEEP WATER class and swimmers must be able to get themselves to safety.
5:1 Child to Instructor Ratio
Skills to Pass:
- Tread Water - 30 Seconds
- Exhale Underwater - Nose Bubbles
- Side Kick with Side Breath
- Freestyle Swim - 12.5 Yards
- Backstroke Swim - 12.5 Yards
- Chicken Airplane Rocket - 12.5 Yards
- Kneeling Dive into Streamline
Salmon: (Ages 4-12 years old)
Swimmers who’ve successfully passed Trout level and are independent in the water. This is a DEEP WATER class and swimmers must be able to get themselves to safety.
7:1 Child to Instructor Ratio
Skills to Pass:
- Tread Water - 45 Seconds
- Exhale Underwater - Nose Bubbles
- Side Kick with Side Breath
- Freestyle Swim - 20 Yards
- Backstroke Swim - 20 Yards
- Breaststroke Kick - 20 Yards
- Standing Dive into Streamline
Orcas: (Age 4-12 years old)
Swimmers who’ve successfully passed Salmon level and are independent in the water. This is a DEEP WATER class and swimmers must be able to get themselves to safety.
7:1 Child to Instructor Ratio
Skills to Pass:
- Tread Water - 60 Seconds
- Side Kick with Side Breath
- Freestyle Swim - 40 Yards
- Backstroke Swim - 40 Yards
- Breaststroke Swim - 20 Yards
- Butterfly / Dolphin Kick - 20 Yards
- Racing Dive into Streamline
adult PRIVATE LEssons
It is never too late to learn to swim! At WEST Coast Aquatics we believe everyone should know how to swim and be able to enjoy a lifetime of fun and fitness in the water. Whether you want to be a proficient lap swimmer or compete in Masters or Triathlons, our adult swim program covers the basics to advanced instruction and will help you meet your swimming goals. Click Here to book your next session!
What comes after SWIM SCHOOL?
After completing WEST’s Swim School program swimmers will be ready for our Recreation Swim Team which offers swimmers an opportunity to improve their technique and fitness while learning the fundamental skills of competitive swimming. Recreation Team swimmers have the option to compete and the flexibility to progress at their own pace.