Summer 2009 Aquatics Programs

ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE NOW

Session 4 online registration deadline is Wednesday July 22.

Use this link for fast registration! www.parksandreconline.cityofsacramento.org

Please see the Aquatics Program Directory (pdf file) for more information.

Swim Lessons—Adventures Under the Sea

Join us in an exciting swim program designed to fit any age group and ability level. Our two-tiered lesson program provides participants with a positive learning experience and teaches lifelong swimming skills. We have made many changes to our preschool swim lessons, and now offer two levels of Parent Participation (Blowfish and Shrimp) which replaces Parents & Tots classes. Bubble Blowers is now “water orientation” (Starfish) held in either “big” pools or in play pools. Beginner (Sea Horses), Intermediate (Sea Turtles), Advanced (Sea Eels), Adult and Access Aquatics lessons will continue as usual with name changes as noted. Please be aware of the name changes of youth lessons listed above and in the fee table and class descriptions. There are no specific age requirements other than for Pre-school lessons and Adult lessons. Sun and water safety information will be integrated into lessons. Swim lessons utilize components of the American Red Cross and other Learn-to-Swim programs.

Directory:

• Infant / Pre-School Lesson Program (Directly Below)
• Learn to Swim Program (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
• Registration Information
• Fees
• Junior Lifeguard Academy
• Photos

Infant/Pre-School Lesson Program

Aquatics experts agree that most children under age four are not ready to learn how to swim on their own. Children between the ages of 6 months and four years respond well to familiar adults in a water environment. Teaching the adults, parents and guardians of these young children about water safety and the limitations their children will have around water is very important. Blowfish and Shrimp classes not only provide information and techniques for parents to orient their children to the water, but also offer a fun, safe environment in which to play together.

CLASSES for Blowfish and Shrimp run for 30 minutes over three days within a one-week session. Starfish are 40 minutes and run for 3 days within a one-week session. Starfish classes at Play Pools run for one week, M-Th for 30 minutes. Check each pool description for specific days and times classes are offered.

Shrimp (child aged 25 mos to 4 yrs with adult) This second level of parents and tots employs the best of both worlds with young children ages 2-4 years in the water with parents. See "BLOWFISH" for more details. Swim diapers are required.

Starfish (ages 4-5 yrs)              Formerly Bubble Blowers, this class is designed for toddlers ages 4-5 years who are non-swimmers or first time group lesson participants to explore basic water readiness skills.  Participants will build on these skills when they progress through the Learn-to-Swim levels. These skills include water adjustment activities, introduction to floating on front and back and elementary propulsion, and basic water safety skills. Classes are held in “big” pools and play pools. *Note that many children may stay in this level for several sessions/seasons, depending upon ability. This is NOT a parent participation class. Parents are required to observe lessons from the parent viewing area available at each pool facility.

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Learn-to-Swim Program

Youth learn-to-swim classes are 40 minutes in length and run for 6 days (Mon/Wed/Fri or Tu/Wed/Th) over the course of the two week session.  Check each pool description for specific days and times classes are offered. Parents are required to observe lessons from the parent viewing area available at each pool facility.

Sea Horses—Beginner “Sea Horses” are cute, playful creatures, but not great swimmers. This class is designed for first time swim lesson participants OR Starfish “graduates.”   Beginner lessons are also for children who have not yet successfully completed the Beginner requirements. Emphasis is placed on water adjustment, safe water entry and exit, and basic swimming skills.  These skills include underwater bobbing, independent floating on front and back, kicking on front and back with assistance, and basic water safety.  Participants are also introduced to swimming on front and back. Children are water tested at the first class and placed into appropriate levels. *Note that many children may stay in this level for several sessions/seasons, depending upon ability. Classes are held in water depth of 3 to 4 ½ feet.

Sea Turtles—Intermediate Young “Sea Turtles” explore their aquatic environment protected by their shells, but learn to swim quickly. “Intermediate” is for participants who have successfully completed Sea Horse level or meet the necessary skill level.  Participants will build upon swimming skills focusing on front crawl, back crawl, and side-to-side breathing.  This level will also increase swimming endurance and coordination as well as introduce breaststroke and elementary backstroke.  Water safety is re-enforced. *Note that many children may stay in this level for several sessions/seasons, depending upon ability. Classes may be held in water depth of 3 to 6 feet.

Sea Eels—Advanced “Sea Eels” are slippery little critters who are strong, graceful swimmers! “Advanced” is designed for participants who have successfully completed the Sea Turtle level or meet the necessary skill level.  Participants will learn butterfly and sidestroke while increasing distance and improving endurance.  Stroke technique is introduced as well as water safety and first aid skills. *Note that many children may stay in this level for several sessions/seasons, depending upon ability. Classes are held in the deep end of the pool.

Registration Information             

Beginning April 6th register online or at selected community centers for all aquatics programs. Online registration is now free!

All classes are filled on a first come—first served basis. Classes that do not meet the minimum numbers required to hold a class will be cancelled.

You may still sign up at the pool beginning the Saturday after the registration deadline (where space is still available), except for session 1 only.

Easy Ways to Register for Aquatics Programs!

Register online at http://www.parksandreconline.cityofsacramento.org for all aquatics programs.

Mail in registration form and correct payment to:

• Aquatics Registration, 4623 T Street, Sacramento, CA 95819 (deadlines apply)

Register at selected Community Centers:

• Coloma Com. Center, 4623 T Street, 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri
• Belle Cooledge Com. Center, 5699 So. Land Park Drive, 8am-4pm, Mon-Fri
• Pannell Meadowview Com. Center, 2450 Meadowview Rd, 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri
• South Natomas Com. Center, 2921 Truxel Rd, 10am-5:30pm, Mon-Fri

Registrations accepted at pools on a limited basis—please call 808-2306 or email aquatics@cityofsacramento.org for more information.

Fees:

Junior Lifeguard Academy

Do you want to get ready for an exciting career as a Lifeguard?
Sacramento Junior Lifeguard Academy provides a foundation of lifeguarding
and life skills, making a smooth transition to the Sacramento Lifeguard
Academy. Sacramento Junior Lifeguard Academy focuses on the five
key areas: prevention of aquatic accidents, fitness, and swimming skills,
response in an emergency, leadership skills, and professionalism as a
lifeguard. Training consists of classroom work, lectures, video presentations,
and teambuilding activities. New this year are two separate sessions for
ages 11-12 years and 13-15 years. Class “graduation” day will be announced
at each pool. Prerequisites: Ability to swim the front crawl for 25 yards
continuously. The program is offered at selected pools. Check each pool listing for availability.

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Photos

Instructor (in yellow shirt) leads Starfish lessons at Land Park Wading Pool.