programs
Swim Lesson Levels
American Red Cross Learn-To-Swim at the JCC
We use the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lesson structure for our group swim lessons. Learn-to-Swim begins at the age of 3 and progresses through 6 levels.
If your child has previously taken swimming lessons at Camp Kef, the YMCA, or another Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program, you can enroll them in the most recent level they completed. If you are unsure of their level, if they have never taken formal lessons, or have taken lessons at another swim school, please use your best judgment to select a level. We can always adjust their placement at the beginning of the session.
if you would like to have your child swim tested to know what level they are, please email aquatics@phillyjcc.com to set up a time to stop by the pool.
Read below for an overview to help decide what level may be right for your child:
Level 1: Water Acclamation
This level is for children who are not yet comfortable going under water.
Some skills worked on:
• Submerging independently
• Assisted floats
• Assisted front crawl
• Comfort and safety around the water
Level 4: Stroke Introduction
This level is for children who are able to go under water and swim on their fronts and backs independently. They must be able to tread water.
Some skills worked on:
• Endurance Swimming
• Front Crawl, Back Stroke, Elementary Back Stroke, Breast Stroke
• Butterfly Kick
• Sitting Dives
• Safety around the water
Level 2: Water Movement
This level is for children who are able to go under water but cannot swim independently.
Some skills worked on:
• Floating independently
• Front crawl
• Comfort and safety around the water
Level 5: Stroke Development
This level is for children who are able to swim at least half of a lap of every stroke.
Some skills worked on:
• Endurance Swimming
• Front Crawl, Back Stroke, Elementary Back Stroke, Breast Stroke, Side Stroke, Butterfly
• Dives
• Safety around the water
Level 3: Water Stamina
This level is for children who are able to go under water and swim short distances independently (doggy paddle). They must be able to float on their back independently.
Some skills worked on:
• Swimming short/medium distances
• Swimming on back
• Treading water
• Comfort and safety around the water
Level 6: Stroke Mechanics
This level is for children who are ready to start swimming laps and can do at least 2 consecutive laps.
Some skills worked on:
• Endurance Swimming
• Front Crawl, Back Stroke, Elementary Back Stroke, Breast Stroke, Side Stroke, Butterfly
• Dives
• Flip Turns & Open Turns
• Safety around the water
