HFCA Swim Lesson Learning Objectives - Prerequisites

Swim Lessons Learning Objectives – Prerequisites

Beginners – Level 1

Level 2
Fully submerge head and retrieve underwater objects
Explore deep water with support
Demonstrate unsupported front and back float or glide
Level off from a vertical position
Demonstrate rhythmic breathing
Demonstrate step-in entry and side exit
Perform flutter kick on front and back
Demonstrate finning on back
Perform combined stroke on front and back
Demonstrate turning over, back to front and front to back
Float in life jacket with face out of water
Perform reaching and extension assists from deck
Become familiar with rescue breathing


Level 3
Retrieve object, unsupported, with eyes open
Demonstrate bobbing
Jump into deep water from side of pool with life jacket on
Learn the basic rules of safe diving
Dive from the side of the pool (if water depth permits) in kneeling and compact positions
Demonstrate gliding with push-off
Coordinate the components of the front crawl and back crawl
Demonstrate the fundamentals of elementary backstroke and treading water
Reverse direction while swimming on front and back
Become familiar with the H.E.L.P. and huddle positions
Learn how to open airway for rescue breathing


Level 4
Demonstrate deep-water bobbing
Demonstrate rotary breathing
Dive from the side of the pool (if water depth permits) from stride and standing positions
Build endurance by swimming elementary backstroke, front crawl, back crawl, and elementary
backstroke at increased distances.
Learn the basics of breaststroke, side stroke, and turning at the wall
Learn alternate kicks for treading water
Learn rescue-breathing techniques
Become familiar with CPR


Level 5
Demonstrate alternate breathing
Dive from diving board
Demonstrate stride jump entry
Demonstrate long shallow dive
Perform the front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke for increased distances
Perform the sidestroke and the breaststroke and swim under water
Perform open turn on front and back
Learn the basic safety rules for diving from a board
Recognize the signs of spinal injury
Perform feet-first surface dive
Learn the dolphin kick
Increase endurance and skill in treading water


Level 6
Demonstrate approach and hurdle on diving board
Demonstrate jump tuck from diving board
Enhance ability to perform strokes introduced at previous levels
Perform approach stroke
Demonstrate breaststroke and sidestroke turns, speed turn and pullout for breaststroke, and flip turn for front crawl
Perform tuck and pike surface dives
Learn alternate kicks for treading water
Demonstrate a throwing rescue
Roll spinal injury victim face up


Level 7
Incorporate Learn to Swim skills and activities into lifetime fitness habits
Perform springboard dives in tuck and pike positions
Swim continuously for 500 yards, using any combination of strokes
Perform backstroke flip turn
Perform in-water rescue using equipment
Become aware of conditioning principles
Check heart rate
Retrieve diving brick from 8-10 feet of water
Review Basic Water Safety skills
Tread water for 5 minutes
Assist with backboard rescue
Explore alternative aquatic activities