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  • Swim Lessons for Children

    The Red Cross has developed swim lessons for children and adults that allow everyone the opportunity to learn in a safe environment, at their own pace. Available across the country, swim lessons are taught by certified, knowledgeable and caring instructors who can help swimmers at every level feel comfortable in the water and progress to the next level.

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    What to Expect

    At the Red Cross, our swim lessons for children are tailored to the needs of each child, so that he or she can progress at a comfortable pace. And although some children may advance more quickly or slowly, our instructors ensure that everyone receives the instruction they need.

    In the Learn-to-Swim program, parents or guardians of children up to 3 years of age will actively participate in their kids' swim lessons. This not only helps increase the child's comfort level in the water, but can help parents understand the process and practice skills with their children between classes.

    Children ages about 4 and 5 years old can participate in Preschool Aquatics, learning fundamental skills and progressing towards independent movement in the water over three distinct levels.

    What They'll Learn

    Our Learn-to-Swim program for children ages 6 to 12 is designed to build skills step by step. By allowing students to master one skill before moving on to the next, our swim classes help kids gain confidence in the water with every lesson.

    During their swim lessons, children will spend time on the following six levels:

    • Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills: Students will learn how to feel comfortable in the water and safely enjoy it.
    • Level 2: Fundamentals of Aquatic Skills: Children will learn basic propulsive skills on the front and back.
    • Level 3: Stroke Development: Additional guided practice builds on skills learned in levels 1 & 2 will help students achieve water competency.
    • Level 4: Stroke Improvement: Kids will gain confidence during swim lessons, improve their strokes and gain additional aquatic skills.
    • Level 5: Stroke Refinement: Guidance allows kids to refine their strokes and become more efficient swimmers.
    • Level 6: Swimming and Skill Proficiency: Students will learn to swim with ease and efficiency and gain the ability to swim smoothly over greater distances. Swimmers will also have the option to participate in more advanced courses.

    Sign Up for Swim Lessons

    The Red Cross, through our network of training providers, offers swim lessons for children throughout the country, making it easy to find a class that fits your schedule and needs. Visit our Swim Lessons & Water Safety Classes page to find a facility near you or contact your local pool and ask for Red Cross swim lessons.

    Additional Courses

    Parents enrolling their children in swim lessons may also want to consider taking a CPR and First Aid class. These courses prepare you to respond effectively during medical emergencies, whether you're caring for your own family or helping others. With flexible options including online, in-person and blended learning formats, you can choose the class that best fits your schedule and learning style.

    Why Train With the Red Cross

    Red Cross CPR Training Saves Lives

    Reid Heiser, Life Saver
    One week after 17-year-old Reid completed his Red Cross CPR training, he needed to use it. In November 2011, Reid saved the life of Jim Hammer after he collapsed at the recreation center where Reid worked. Now friends, they share their story.

    Red Cross training matters
    For more than a century, we've prepared people to respond to emergencies of all sizes - from the everyday to the large disaster. Join the millions we train every year and learn the skills that can save a life.

    "Without my friend's training, I would not be here"
    - Watch Bre Dumke's Story

    "The first 7 minutes are critical"
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