Summer Swim Program
Tentative Summer Learn-to-Swim Program Overview
Our Summer Learn-to-Swim Program is built on the nationally recognized American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety curriculum, designed to help students of all ages become confident, capable, and safe in and around the water. This program is intended for grades K-6. Transportation provided! The purpose of this webpage is to outline the program and gauge community interest. If interested in this program, please contact Rich Everly at: reverly@addisoncsd.org
Program Purpose
The primary goal of the program is to develop lifelong water safety skills and swimming ability in a safe, supportive environment. Instruction emphasizes both skill development and safety awareness, ensuring participants not only learn how to swim, but how to make safe decisions around water.
Program Structure
The program is organized by age and skill level, following a progressive, skill-based approach:
1. Early Water Introduction
- Focus on comfort in the water
- Basic skills like floating, kicking, and breath control
- Emphasis on enjoyment and confidence-building
- Typically for younger or beginner swimmers
👉 Objective: Help participants feel safe and comfortable in the water
2. Fundamental Skill Development
- Introduction to basic strokes (front crawl, back float, etc.)
- Water safety concepts introduced in every lesson
- Increased independence in the water
👉 Focus: Building foundational swimming ability and safety habits
3. Stroke Development & Endurance
- Refinement of stroke technique (freestyle, backstroke, etc.)
- Introduction to deeper water skills
- Increased distance and endurance
👉 Focus: Improving efficiency, coordination, and stamina
4. Advanced Skills & Water Competency
- Stroke refinement and swimming longer distances
- Treading water and survival skills
- Introduction to basic rescue awareness
👉 Focus: Strong swimmers with practical safety skills
Key Program Features
Safety-First Instruction
Water safety is integrated into every lesson—not treated as a separate topic. Students learn:
- Safe behavior in, on, and around water
- Risk recognition and decision-making
- Basic personal water safety skills
Skill Progression & Assessment
- Students progress through levels based on demonstrated skills
- Instruction follows clear learning objectives and benchmarks
- Continuous feedback helps students improve each session
Structured Lesson Design
Each class follows a consistent format:
- Warm-up / review of prior skills
- Introduction of new skills
- Guided practice and repetition
- Safety topic integration
- Wrap-up and feedback
This structured approach supports consistent learning and confidence-building.
Inclusive & Supportive Environment
- Instruction tailored to individual ability levels
- Positive reinforcement and skill-based progression
- Emphasis on building confidence alongside competence
Age Groups Served
- School-age children (primary focus)
- Opportunities for younger children or teens depending on enrollment
- Potential for adult beginner sessions if interest exists
(Aligned with Red Cross program groupings for youth and adult learners)
Program Outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will:
- Demonstrate improved swimming ability
- Understand essential water safety principles
- Build confidence in aquatic environments
- Be better prepared for recreational and emergency situations