New Features in the Swimming and Water Safety Program for 2004

Learn-To-Swim Course Levels Reduced from Seven to Six

In the development stage of the new Learn-to-Swim course, various aspects were evaluated to determine the design of the course-one of the greatest challenges was to find a way to maintain participants' interest In evaluating past enrollment, it was evident that participants were not completing all seven levels. Most participants stopped at level three, stroke development.

Based on an advisory group comprised of subject matter experts working in the field of aquatics, it was recommended for the skills and knowledge to be redistributed so that participants could be challenged, yet experience success throughout each level. As a result, the advisory group created a series of six levels -each building upon the skills taught in the previous level. Each level is designed to help participants be successful while remaining challenged. In addition, level 6 is designed to keep participants motivated by allowing them to select from different individual skills-based classes according to their particular interest area.

The Learn-to-Swim course is designed to prepare all participants to be safe in and around water by becoming proficient swimmers. Also, the skills learned in the course lay the foundation for other aquatics courses such as GuardStart and Lifeguard Training.

The six learn-to-swim levels are:

Level 1 - Introduction to Water Skills
Level 2 - Fundamental Aquatic Skills
Level 3 - Stroke Development
Level 4 - Stroke Improvement
Level 5 - Stroke Refinement
Level 6 - Swimming and Skill Proficiency (including Personal Water Safety, Lifeguard Readiness, Fundamentals of Diving,Fitness Swimming)

The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Course Time Reduced from 39 to 30 hours

The aquatics advisory committee was faced with the challenge of reducing the length of the Water Safety Instructor course. By focusing on information that is specific to teaching swimming and water safety, the advisory group was able to reduce the Water Safety Instructor course from 39 to 30 hours. The amount of time devoted to teaching theory was reduced. Administrative information, such as running a swimming program, was removed from the lecture part of the course and the information was placed on a CD-ROM which is included in the Water Safety Instructor Kit. This CD-ROM provides advice, guidance and resources to an individual who has that desire or responsibility. The overall lesson plans are designed to provide clear and concise direction throughout the course, as well as ensure that all WSI courses are taught in a time conscious and standardized format.