Swim Lessons

Southgate Recreation & Park District is proud to offer one of the finest and most comprehensive swim lesson programs in Sacramento. The Aquatics team is dedicated to teaching every participant how to swim, regardless of age or ability. This is achieved by ensuring low student to teacher ratios and small class sizes, which allow for personal attention and feedback from instructors. Instructors use a combination of professional training techniques and years of teaching experience. Participants with special needs should contact the Aquatics Recreation Supervisor at least two weeks before the first lesson to make any necessary arrangements.

For further information, please call (916) 526-0234.

Swim Lesson Evaluation Days

Swim Lesson Evaluation Day 1

Swim Lesson Evaluation Day 2

SWIM LESSON GUIDELINES

1. Please arrive early and have your student ready for instruction. All classes begin and end as scheduled.
2. All classes are 30 minutes. Each group session is 8 days, Monday – Thursday. Each private session is 4 days.
3. Class size is limited to 6 students. Exceptions: Starfish is limited to 10 students; Guppies is limited to 4 students.
4. We suggest that you select your 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd choice for registration, as your first choice may not be honored if classes are full.
5. Classes may be added or deleted from class sessions depending on enrollment.
6. In the event that the level of instruction must be changed, please notify your current instructor, and make the necessary change with a cashier during regular registration hours. Level transfers must be completed within the first 2 days of instruction.
7. In the event that a class is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, it will be made up on the next available Friday. You will be informed by your instructor if this occurs.
8. No class refunds will be issued after the class has begun.

SWIM LESSON CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Level 1: Starfish (6 months – 3 years, with parent participation)

This class is designed to adjust the child as well as the parent or guardian to the aquatic environment.  Child must wear swim diaper and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the water at each session.

Level 2: Guppies (3 – 5 years)

This class is designed for the youngster who cannot float.  Students will acquire skills such as front and back floating, arm strokes, flutter kick and submerging.  Child must be three years old and mature enough to be in the water by themselves.

Level 3: Otter (3 – 5 years)

This class is designed for the youngster who is very comfortable in the water, but unable to float on their own. Students will acquire skills such as front and back floating, as well as being introduced to front crawl and back crawl strokes. Child must be three years old and very comfortable being in the water by themselves.

Level 4: Polliwogs (6 years and up)

This class is designed for the older youngster who cannot float.  Students will learn and practice making forward momentum using front and back crawl as well as submerging.  Child must be at least 6 years old.

Level 5: Tadpoles (6 years and up)

This class is designed for the youngster who has completed Guppies, Otters or Polliwogs or who can float on their front and back comfortably without assistance.  This class will introduce the front and back crawl strokes.

Level 6: Goldfish (6 years and up)

This class is designed for students who have completed Tadpoles, or who are able to demonstrate back crawl arm action and at least 15 feet of front crawl.  Students will work on improving coordination of the front and back crawl strokes while being introduced to rhythmic breathing and glides.

Level 7: Barracudas (6 years and up)

This class is designed for students who have successfully completed Goldfish, or who are able to demonstrate 30 feet of front crawl and back crawl.  Students will begin learning rotary breathing, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and dives.

Level 8: Dolphin/Shark (6 years and up)

This class is designed for students who have successfully completed Barracudas, or who are able to at a minimum swim 25 yards of front and back crawl and demonstrate the elementary backstroke and breaststroke.  This class will continue to work on building swimming mechanics and endurance while introducing students to the butterfly stroke and flip turns.

Level 9: Teen & Adult Beginners (12 years & up)

This class is designed for non-floaters and beginning floaters.  Classes develop floating ability and stroke technique.

Private Swim Lessons (all ages/abilities)

This class provides tailored one-on-one instruction for all ages and levels of ability. Private instruction is offered at the New Aquatic Center. Children under 3 years may require parent participation in the pool.  Private lessons include four 30-minute lessons.