Olympic Way - Learn to Swim Program

Olympic Way 1

Orientation to Water

Establishes the foundation for the acquisition of swimming skills. Athletes in this level will develop the fundamental skills needed to learn to swim.

Pre-requisites:

• Minimum 5 years of age to maximum of 7
• Comfortable entering water and able to fully immerse head under water
• Able to stand on bottom of teach pool (approximately 3 feet deep)
• Can work safely in a group structure, listen and take directions from coaches

Skills learned:

• Entry and immersion
• Buoyancy and floatation
• Submersion and breath control
• Movement in the water
• Propulsion through the water

Olympic Way 2

Skill Development

Swimmers in the group will continue to developing fundamental body positions, kicking in proper body lines, introduction to breaststroke and rhythmic breathing while swimming. 

Pre-requisites:

• Minimum 5 years of age and a maximum age of 8 
• Has completed Olympic Way level 1 or equivalent experience
• Comfortable kicking on front and back
• Able to swim 25 metres unassisted
• Able to kick 50 metres 
• Can work safely in a group structure, listen and take directions from coaches

Skills learned:

• Streamlining - propulsion
• Basic strokes – free, back, intro breaststroke, dolphin kick 
• Specific skills – submersion, underwater push-offs, treading water, introduction to diving 
• Transition to deep pool

Olympic Way 3

Skill Improvement

Improves all four strokes by focusing on the fundamental body position, kicking and improving the rhythm of arms. Swimmers will build endurance in both kicking and swimming build on diving and turn skills learned in level 2. When swimmers finish this level, they will have the skills necessary to be safe around water & ready to advance to the competitive program.   

Pre-requisites:

• Minimum 5 years of age & Maximum age of 9 
• Has Olympic Way level 2 or equivalent experience
• Comfortable swimming in the 50 metre (deep pool)
• Able to swim 50 metres unassisted
• Able to kick 100 meters 
• Can work safely in a group structure, listen and take directions from coaches

Skills learned:

• Major focus - breathing and stroke timing
• Stroke Improvement – free, back, breast, fly
• Introduction to turn skills
• Basic diving skills
• Building endurance