Swim Class Levels Explained

Your Guide to Swim Progression

Understanding the Levels

Figuring out the right swim class can sometimes feel like learning a new language. What is the difference between Preschool Level 2 and Learn to Swim Level 1? How do you know when you or your child are ready to move up?

At The Swim Advantage, we proudly follow the trusted American Red Cross curriculum, which uses a proven, step-by-step progression to build safe, confident swimmers. We created this guide to pull back the curtain on our programs and decipher exactly what happens at every stage of the journey.

Whether you are getting your six-month-old comfortable in the water or refining your own strokes for lifelong fitness, use the breakdown below to find your perfect starting point and see exactly how our swimmers progress from their very first splash to full water competency.

Parent and Child Aquatics (Ages 6 Months – 3 Years)

Our Parent and Child Aquatics program is broken down into two developmental stages. A parent must accompany their child to each class, and children must be at least 6 months old to participate.

Level Breakdown

  • Level 1: We focus on getting infants and toddlers comfortable in the water through guided exploration. Parents learn essential holding techniques while children practice blowing bubbles, rolling from front to back, and experiencing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  • Level 2: Moving beyond basic comfort, toddlers begin actively practicing arm and leg movements. With parental support, children explore combined arm and leg actions on their front and back, learn to retrieve submerged objects, and practice drafting with breathing.
parent and child aquatics swim levels

Preschool Aquatics (Ages 4 – 5)

Designed specifically for children approximately 4 and 5 years old, this three-level Preschool Aquatics program facilitates independent development without a parent in the water.

Level Breakdown

  • Level 1: Swimmers learn to enter and exit the water safely, submerge their mouth and nose, and perform assisted front and back glides for 2 body lengths.
  • Level 2: Swimmers begin independent locomotion. Children learn to tread water using arm and leg actions for 15 seconds and swim on their front and back for 3 body lengths.
  • Level 3: Swimmers increase their endurance and independence. Participants practice fully submerging and holding their breath for 10 seconds, treading water for 30 seconds, and swimming 5 body lengths on their front and back.

Learn to Swim (Ages 6 – 99+)

Our Learn to Swim program is a comprehensive, six-level progression designed for participants who usually start at about 6 years of age and continues through adulthood.

Level Breakdown

  • Level 1: Participants learn breath control, bobbing, and how to recover from a front or back float to a vertical position.
  • Level 2: Swimmers push off the bottom, learn to tread water using arm and leg actions, and swim on their front and back for 5 body lengths.
  • Level 3: Swimmers learn the front crawl, elementary backstroke, and scissors kick, and practice survival floating for 30 seconds.
  • Level 4: Participants increase their distance, swimming the front crawl for 25 yards, and are introduced to the breaststroke, butterfly, back crawl, and underwater swimming.
  • Level 5: Swimmers refine all six strokes, learn front and backstroke flip turns, and practice treading water for 5 minutes.
  • Level 6: Swimmers build advanced endurance by swimming 500 yards continuously. Participants then apply these skills to specialized areas: Personal Water Safety, Fundamentals of Diving, or Fitness Swimmer.
learn to swim swim levels

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Now that you understand exactly how our swimmers progress from their very first splash to full water competency, finding the perfect class is easier than ever. Head over to our Programs Page to explore our current schedules, learn more about our offerings, and secure your spot in the pool at The Swim Advantage.