DOLPHIN LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM (LTSP)

is created to teach and develop the skills of swimming in children and support them in reaching the best of their ability, with the ultimate focus on progression to competitive swimming

 The program comprises of 5 levels (Level 1 Puffins, Level 2 Guppies, Level 3 Clownfish, Level 4 Starfish and Level 5 Dolphins), each having a set criteria for progression to the next level.

The program operates 4 classes over a weekend:  2 classes each Saturday (LTS A & LTS B; approx. 14:30 – 16:00pm) & 2 classes Sunday (LTS C & LTS D; approx. 12:30-14:00pm) from September to June in Mayfield Swimming pool.

Each class is comprised of 4 level groups (level 1-4).  Each block of classes is 7 weeks.

Level 5 Skills Development (Dolphins) class is on a Sunday afternoon;  approx. 16:45-17:45pm

Following Level 5  the swimmer will graduate to either the PRE-COMPETITIVE or NON-COMPETITIVE lane swimming groups.

Skills & Progression Details for Learn to Swim Program

The following outlines the skills the swimmer learns during the specific level and therefore the requirements to progress to the next level. Proficiency in the skills is determined by an assessment conducted by the Swim teacher/coach. This is typically performed in the last week of the lesson block. Where sufficient competency is demonstrated, the swimmer is recommended for progression. In the case where there is insufficient competency then a repeat of a level may be recommended. At Dolphin we support our swimmers in reaching the best of their ability. Consideration is always given to the appropriate pace of progress for the child as confidence in the water is a key element of successful swimming.

Puffins, level 1

• kick on their front without aid, with face submerged, blowing bubbles

• demonstrate proficiency when kicking within the body line

• float on their back confidently

• regain a standing position from front and back, and be tall enough to stand in water in level 2

  To progress to the next level (Guppies-Level 2) a swimmer must be able to demonstrate the above skills.

Guppies, level 2

• push and glide away from the sidewall of the pool

• kick on their front and back unassisted without aids

• rotate from their front to their back and return to their front again, and regain a standing position

• develop aquatic breathing patterns and techniques

• demonstrate object locomotor skill development - picking up objects from the bottom of the pool in shallow water, using floatation devices correctly

• enter and exit pool safely and without assistance

• begin to understand and demonstrate arm movements and kick fluidity of front and backcrawl

To progress to the next level (Clownfish- Level 3) a swimmer must be able to demonstrate the above skills.

Clownfish, level 3          

• demonstrate an efficient frontcrawl & backcrawl

• rotate the body 360 degrees without touching the pool floor, sidewalls or any other object (locomotor manipulation)

• demonstrate concurrent, rotary & bi-lateral breathing on front and backcrawl

• demonstrate fundamentals of streamlining - push and glide on their front and back off a wall and the floor

• floating competently on their front and back

• demonstrate an ability to maintain the hips and legs in a high position on backcrawl and remain efficient

• perform a surface dive

To progress to Starfish - level 4, a swimmer must be able to demonstrate the above skills.

Starfish, level 4

• swim frontcrawl and backcrawl perfectly - demonstrate good body position, legs, arms breathing and timing on both strokes

• swim 5 metres breaststroke arms

• kick 10 metres correct, simultaneous breaststroke kick (on a kickboard or with snorkel as a floatation aid in front)

• demonstrate a development of the fundamentals of streamlining - push and glide on their front and back off a wall and hold streamline for at least 2metres

• swim through a hoop from floating position - locomotor manipulation, change of direction and speed

• demonstrate a hand-stand from the bottom of the pool (deep end - 1.6m to 2.2m)

• tread water effectively and calmly for 30 seconds

 To progress to Dolphins - level 5, a swimmer must be able to demonstrate the above skills. 

Dolphins, level 5

• demonstrate a forward somersault from a treading water position - locomotor & stability maneuvers

• demonstrate a kneeling dive and a seated dive from the poolside

• demonstrate an understanding and ability of bilateral breathing

• swim 10 metres frontcrawl efficiently and competently while breathing to the side (bi-laterally)

• swim 10 metres backcrawl effectively and competently while keeping the head still and breathing with rhythm

• swim 10 metres breastroke efficiently - simultaneous kick & arm timing, efficient head position & timing of breathing patterns within the stroke cycle, demonstrate legal and simultaneous feet position on breaststroke at recovery and propulsion phases of the kick

To graduate from Dolphins - level 5, a swimmer must be able to demonstrate the above skills.