Summer 2012 Aquatics Programs

Program Registration begins April 16 (online and community centers)

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

For the full schedule at each swimming pool, visit the main aquatics home page on March 30.

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. In the Infant/Pre-school Program, we offer Blowfish-- our Parents & Tot classes. Starfish is “water orientation” held in wading pools. NEW this summer is Sea Shrimp (Beginner--Level 1) Sea Horses (Beginner--Level 2 ), Sea Turtles (Intermediate), Sea Eels(Advanced ), Adult and Access Aquatics lessons are also offered as part of our Learn-To-Swim Program. 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 (Sea Eels, Horses, Turtles, Eels & Adult)
• 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 in and around water is very important. Blowfish 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 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. Check each pool description for specific days and times classes are offered.

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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 (in pdf) for specific days and times classes are offered. Parents are required to observe lessons from the parent viewing area available at each pool facility. *Note that many children may stay in their levels for several sessions/seasons, depending upon ability.

Please see the Summer 2012 Aquatics Program Directory (pdf file) COMING March 30.

Sea Shrimp--Beginner Level 1 (NEW CLASS)

Sea Shrimp are just taking their first strokes and beginning the swimming process and are often hesitant about entering the large ocean. This class is designed for young swimmers ages 4-6 years. This class will cover water adjustment, safe water entry and exit, blowing bubbles, underwater bobbing, supported and unsupported front and back floats. This class is a new level in our Learn-to-Swim Program and is designed to help young students transition from Starfish into Sea Horses. If you have a swimmer who has never participated in swim lessons or is too advanced for Starfish but not quite ready for Sea Horses then enroll him/her in our new Sea Shrimp class. Note that many children may stay in this level for several sessions/seasons depending upon comfort level and ability. Classes are held in water depth of 1½ to 4 ½ feet. *To move up to the next level, swimmers must be able to perform all exit skills.

* Exit Skills: Enter and exit water without assistance; full face and head submersion underwater; and unsupported front float.

Sea Horses—Beginner Level 2 Sea Horses are cute playful creatures, but not great swimmers. This class is designed for swimmers who are comfortable in the water and enjoy getting wet but need to learn the basics of swimming. They should be able to float on their front without assistance and will focus on learning to swim the front crawl and back crawl by themselves. Note that many children may stay in this level for several sessions/seasons depending upon comfort level and ability.  Classes are held in water depth of 3 to 4 ½ feet. *To move up to the next level, swimmers must be able to perform all exit skills. *Exit Skills: Swim on front (front crawl) with arms and legs for five yards independently; swim on back (back crawl) with minimal support; and jump into the pool from deck.

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. *To move up to the next level, swimmers must be able to perform all exit skills. *Exit Skills: Swim front crawl half the length of the pool and swim and breathe in a rhythmic pattern; swim back crawl half the length of the pool; flip over from front to back; and swim one lap of at least one of the following strokes: elementary backstroke or breaststroke.

ADULT Swim Lessons 14+ years

Two levels of Adult lessons are offered to accommodate new swimmers and those who want more advanced instruction. Swimming is a life-long fitness and leisure activity where one can enjoy lap swim, water aerobics, and other outdoor water activities. Adult lessons are offered at Pannell Meadowview, Doyle, Natomas HS & Clunie Pools.

Adult—Level One

This class is for those participants who are fearful of the water and new to swimming.  Skills are taught based on the participant’s need. 

Adult—Level Two

This class will be taught to adults who are comfortable in the water and want to improve specific stroke techniques.

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Registration Information             

Beginning April 16th (2012) register online or at selected community centers for all aquatics programs. Online registration is 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.

REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE POOLS.

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

Register at selected Community Centers:

• Coloma Com. Center, 4623 T Street, 10am-4pm, Mo-Th
• Pannell Meadowview Com. Center, 2450 Meadowview Rd, 8:30am-9:30pm, Mo/Wed-Fri
• South Natomas Com. Center, 2921 Truxel Rd, 8:30am-8pm, Mo-Th, Sat 11am-3pm

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, and 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. Class is one two-week session for youth 12-15 years.  Class “graduation” day (Sun. 7/22, 10am at George Sim Pool) is an opportunity for junior guards to exhibit their new skills to family and friends! 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.