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Learn-to-Swim Classes, Ages 6 – 12 years No matter what age your child is, there are swim skills to be learned and enjoyed. FCPA aquatic instructors strive to offer students learning experiences that are both fun and effective. For our Learn to Swim classes, use our online selection guidelines to determine the proper class level and current class availability. Help Your Child Succeed at Swim Lessons Sign your child up for the appropriate class based on age and skill level. You will find guidelines to assist you in determining the correct class both online and in the Parktakes magazine. Attend all classes and arrive on time. Review the skills being taught at each level. You can monitor your child’s progress. The class will be taught to the skill level of the group. If you have concerns about your child’s progress, talk to your child’s instructor or the aquatic supervisor at your site. Instructors have only a few minutes between classes so please do not be offended if your child’s instructor can’t spend more time with you. Arrangements can be made for you to interact but please be patient. It is important to realize that all people learn differently (especially since they must learn in a foreign environment, in this case the water.) If your child is not at the same place as the other students, be patient and applaud every accomplishment. Your child will learn. It is essential that he/she have a fun experience in class. Repeating the same level is perfectly acceptable. Some classes must be taken more than once by students because there are so many skills to accomplish. Visit the pool between classes. Children need time to become comfortable in the water and to practice the skills being taught. There are no classes or rentals on Saturday or Sunday afternoons, this time is designated as “Family Time”, which gives you an opportunity to come in and enjoy the water! Check the RECenter’s pool calendar for special events and pool toy availability. Here are some fun at home activities for various age group. Make sure children are always supervised in and around the water. Learn-To-Swim I – III: For a child who can not hold his/her breath in the water, practice breath-holding out of the water. For a young child, try to build up to three seconds, but no more. You should limit the number of times a young child attempts breath-holding to once or twice a day. Use a straw, pinwheel or bubble blowing tool to learn to exhale. Practice making a noise when the child exhales. For a child in Learn-to-Swim I -III, try to build up to five to ten seconds of breath-holding. For a child who is afraid to get his/her face wet, practice in the shower. Let the water hit the child in the face. Using a wet washcloth to drip water on the child's face while taking a bath also works. Make a game of getting your face wet. Use the bathtub like the pool, almost all skills can be reinforced. Practice rolling over like a pancake. Practice kicking while the child is lying on the floor. Exercise the arms for the crawl stroke while reaching for a toy. Practice the Elementary Backstroke with arms on the floor. Learn-To-Swim IV-V: Practice leg kicks and arm strokes while sitting in a chair or lying on the floor. Use pool toys while swimming for fun. Keep a swim log for levels V and higher. Have extra pool time after each lesson.