The Knowledge Tank!

Learn more about all sorts of different topics under drowning prevention initiatives here!

National Swim Programs



American Red Cross – Six-Level Learn to Swim program designed for children 6 years and up, including adults! (Also offered: mommy and me based water introduction courses starting at 6 months).  Based on self-paced progression, students learn basic water safety, emergency assistance of others and stroke development in each level.  Course length varies by location, typically meet for 8-10 sessions of 30-45 min each in a group based setting.

http://www.redcross.org/ux/take-a-class/program-highlights/aquatics

History: American Red Cross was founded in 1881, it launched the first ever national water safety campaign prior to WWI (early 1900’s) and claims to remain the gold star of aquatics training.

Private Water Safety Instructor Certification offered 

Infant Swim Resource – Two-level, age based survival swim program for infants/toddlers and young children 6 months – 6 years of age. Six months – 1 year of age learn roll to float and basic water introduction.  Second level teaches swim-float-swim sequence as a foundation of survival and confidence in the water.

https://www.infantswim.com.  Course length varies by child, typically meet 4-5 consecutive days weekly for 10 minute private sessions for between 4-8 weeks.

History: Infant Swim Recourse was founded over 45 years ago, based on Harvey Barnett, PH.D’s initiative to prevent drowning after witnessing one himself as a lifeguard around the age of 18.  ISR was founded and began operating at a time that infant swimming was nearly unheard of and was met with mixed praise and uncertainty even being met with strict disregard from the American Academy of Pediatrics who originally took a stand against swimming children under the age of 4.   In 2010, the AAP reversed its decision citing increasing evidence to support swimming of ages 1-4 (but not going so far as to recommend this for EVERY child).

Private ISR Instructor Certification Offered

StarFish Aquatics Institute (SAI)- Two programs age based: Star-Babies/Star Tots, (6-36 months) 5 levels of non-swim, non-survival skill, water safety educational family based instruction.  StarFish Swim School (ages 3 and up): 5 levels of progression based on child’s pace offering instruction of 5 core swimming competencies.  (Children wishing to pursue further swim education can transition into Starfish Stroke School) .  Course length varies by location, typically includes 6, 30 minute sessions within a two week period per level.

http://www.starfishaquatics.org

History: Founded in 1999 to advance risk management and develop/implement competency based training program.

Facility based program/ Private Instructor Certification and continuing education available.

Swim-America:  Three programs age based: Infant toddler (12-36 months), Preschoolers (3-6), School age (6 and up).  Infant toddler program is water introduction/child self-development with propelling skills towards 2 years old as survival skill.  Swim-America’s program begins swim skill building with preschoolers ages 3-6.  Course length varies by location, typically includes 6, 30 minute sessions per course.  These can be offered in group or private settings.

http://www.swimamerica.org/Home

History:  Founded in 1988 by the American Swimming Coaches Association as a natural feeder/progression into competitive swimming. Under the idea that children should learn to swim “the right way, the first time”; however, are not developmentally ready for swim lessons until the age of 2.

Private Instructor Certification Available.

YMCA – Three programs age based: Parent/Child (6-36 months), basic acclimation to water.  Preschool (3-5 years): Beginning swim skills including float.  Youth, (6 years and older) beginning swim skill progressing through levels up to proficiency in strokes. Lessons are offered in 30 minute sessions, usually 2 weeks at a time

**Note: YMCA’s operate as separate charters and can utilize different programs.  Some YMCA’s have started incorporating the option of ISR lessons for their Infant programs, etc. 

www.YMCA.net

History:  Young Men’s Christian Association was founded in London, 1844 to allow fellowship of men across all levels of class. The passion of YMCA members were to address and meet social needs in their communities.  In 1851, the first YMCA was founded in the US in Boston.  YMCA’s Swim Education initiatives began in 1909 as a means to build confidence in young men.  This initiative evolved over time to include families and those with special needs, seeking to provide a feeling of safety in the water, promote problem solving and build self-esteem in students.

Instructor Certifications under YMCA Facilities.

Adult Learn to Swim:

U.S. Masters Swimming: http://www.usms.org

.

.

.*Pardon the dust - this page is under construction!

.

.

.

.