Swim Level Descriptions
Infant, Preschool, American Red Cross Levels I through VI
Swim Level Descriptions below are for programs in the North, Central and South Areas. All levels may not be offered in each Area. See Palm Bay Aquatic Center for additonal programs and level descriptions.
Infant, Preschool,
American Red Cross Levels I through VI
Parent & Child - Level A
For children ages 6 months to 3 years who have little or no previous water experiences. Parent or caregiver must accompany child.
Preschool - Level B
For children ages 3 to 5 years who submerge only reluctantly or not at all and require flotation support at all times.
Level One - Introduction to Water Skills
Enter and exit water safely. Supported floating and kicking on front and back. Open eyes underwater, submerge to retrieve objects. Submerge mouth, nose, and eyes. Exploring arm and hand movements. Exhale underwater. Explore swimming on front and back. Water safety rules. Fundamentals of using a life jacket.
Level Two - Fundamental Aquatic Skills
Enter and exit water using ladder or side. Tread water. Glide on front and back. Floating and kicking on front and back. Explore swimming on side. Turning over front to back, back to front. Enter water by stepping or jumping from side. Open eyes underwater, submerge to retrieve objects. Combined stroke on front and back. Moving in water using a life jacket. Rhythmic breathing.
Level Three - Stroke Development
Jumping into deep water from side. Rotary breathing. Butterfly kicks and body motions. Changing positions from vertical to horizontal on front to back. Dive from sitting or kneeling. Survival float. Perform HELP and huddle positions. Submerge fully and retrieve object. Swim front and back crawl. Reaching assists. Bob with head submerged. Use Check-Call-Care in an emergency.
Level Four - Stroke improvement
Dive from compact or stride position. Breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. Tread water using sculling arm motions and kick. Swim underwater. Diving safety. Throwing assists. Perform feet-first surface dive. Swim on side using scissors kick. Familiarity with CPR. Open turns from front to back. Compact jump into water from a height wearing life jacket.
Level Five - Stroke Development
Alternate breathing. Improve front and back crawl. Butterfly. Breaststroke. Sidestroke. Shallow dive and begin swimming. Front flip turn. Treading water using two different kicks. Backstroke flip turn. Survival swimming. Rescue breathing. Tuck and pike surface dives.
Level Six - Swimming & Skill Proficiency
Prepare for advanced courses. Personal water safety. Lifeguard readiness. Fundamentals of diving. Fitness swimmer.
