Learning to swim takes a lot of time and patience. Beginners, especially children, need a gentle, understanding approach to foster confidence and strength in the water. So, if your toddler has never taken any swim lessons, experienced instructors from San Diego recommend taking parent-tot classes in which your kid will feel secure by your side while learning to relax in the water.

But if you have a preschooler (3-5), experts advise signing up for Level 1 classes, as they’re specially devised to introduce your little ones to the world of water activities in a fun and safe way. Would you like to learn more? The guide below lists everything your kids will learn in Level 1 while having a wonderful time. Keep reading to find out more!

What are the skills of a Level 1 swimmer?

Level 1 swimmer classes are intended for kids aged 3-5. The course focuses on enabling them to become relaxed and comfortable in the water. On top of that, children will be introduced to fundamental water skills and essential water safety rules.

Essential skills for a Level 1 swimmer include the following:

1. Entering and exiting the water safely and confidently

Experienced instructors will help kids practice getting in and out of the water to help them eliminate any fear and be completely aware of potential hazards.

2. Submerging the head and retrieving objects

At this level, children are also encouraged to submerge their heads in the water to become comfortable with going underwater and picking up objects from the shallow pool steps. Since some kids of this age don’t like getting their faces wet, this exercise will help them combat the fear and build a solid foundation for mastering the skill.

3. Fundamental water movements

Students will also practice basic water movements including monkey crawl, monkey roll, front float, back float, etc. Here’s a short overview:

• Monkey crawls are a crucial water safety skill. Students practice moving along the pool edge using the pool wall for support. This exercise will teach them to stay calm if they accidentally fall into the water. They’ll also understand the wall is where they can get out of water. Finally, this strengthens their upper body as they need to hold onto their hands.
• Monkey rolls are another significant water skill. Kids at this level will practice rotating in the water with support to learn to relax while moving in the water.
• Front float and back floats are essential life-saving skills. Kids will learn to float on their stomachs and back with the instructor’s assistance.
• Front glide and back glide are the foundation for swimming movements. Children will learn to glide on the front and the back without support for a few feet.

4. Introduction to fundamental swimming movements

Children will practice basic arm and leg movements, including supported front and back swimming. They’ll be introduced to monkey-tree-banana, an introductory stroke sequence designed to develop comfort and basic skills in the water.

5. Survival swimming and water safety

During Level 1 classes, students will acquire essential water safety tips to ensure they feel and stay safe in and around the water.

6. Preparing for the next level: Level 1 Swimmer exit requirements

At the end of Level 1, students will be ready to advance to Level 2 if they’ve mastered a few basic skills independently. They must be able to:

• Float independently on their front and back for 5 seconds.
• Glide independently for 5 feet on both their front and back.
• Swim 5 feet using arms and kicking, both on their front (with face in water) and back, while supported

Where can my toddler take swim lessons in San Diego?

If you’re unsure what swim level your kid is and have no idea how to get them ready for a swim lesson, you’ve come to the right place. Plunge San Diego’s experienced instructors are there to help your children acquire this life-saving skill in a fun and safe way.

Our lessons are devised with a lot of care and love and your kid will feel secure and entertained. They’ll progress at their own pace with the constant support of the leading professionals in San Diego and beyond. Visit us today and let your kid’s swimming adventure begin!