Survival Lessons

STARTING PROGRESSION LEVEL: OTTER

COMPLETION PROGRESSION LEVEL: SHARK

AGE RANGE: 6 months - 6 years old

SKILLS LEARNED: Breath control, survival float, swim float sequence

LESSON FORMAT: 200 minutes of consecutive one-on-one lessons across 4-5 weeks, session duration is typically around 10 minutes.

COST: $695 Tuition + $95 Registration Fee

Survival around the water is our top priority for children 6 months and older. Your child will have our undivided attention for 200 minutes of one-on-one lessons. As accidents often happen when children are fully clothed, students will undergo testing in diapers, pull-ups, and clothing from all seasons. Parents will receive education and “in water training” so that you can review and reinforce skills with your child after the program concludes.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your child may be upset and fuss on the first day or maybe even every day. Crying is a child’s only form of communication. We want to make you aware of this because we know how difficult it is for us to see our children upset. Remember, these emotions do not mean your child is “fearful,” but it may be hard to watch at first. We will explain everything as we go and ensure your child’s safety every step of the way. TRUST THE PROCESS!


skill breakdown

  • Breath controls refers to a child’s ability to manage their breathing effectively in the water to prevent water inhalation of drowning.

    Children will learn:

    • How to hold breath underwater

    • How to recognize they are going underwater and instinctively hold their breath

    • How to exhale slowly when submerged to stay calm and preserve oxygen

  • Survival float is also known as the back float. This is a life-saving technique that helps children stay buoyant and conserve energy in the water.

    Children will learn:

    • How to position themselves in the water for optimal buoyancy and balance

    • How to maintain calm, controlled breathing

    • How to keep their face above the water

  • The swim-float sequence is a survival swimming technique that combines swimming, floating, and swimming again to aid a child in reaching safety or remaining secure in the water until rescue.

    Children will learn:

    • How to transition from swimming, to the proper float position, and back to swimming again

    • How to swim a short distance using techniques such as doggy paddling or kicking

important things to note:

Interference

Interference is an interruption of retention in muscle memory due to the student being exposed to scenarios discouraging the proper swimming and floating skills that are required for independence and ultimately survival! Please do not practice with your child until you are taught how by our instructors.

Anyone that will be in the pool with your child should attend the last week of lessons so they may learn how to keep the learned skills in place. You, and any other water-side caretakers, will be in the pool with an instructor and your child.

Some interferences include:

  • FLOTATION DEVICES including life jackets being used to play in the water

  • JACUZZI/PLAYING ON STEPS

  • ZERO ENTRY POOLS AKA WALK-IN POOLS

  • BATHTUBS

Please speak with your instructor about how to work through bath time, pool time, lake time, etc. Our job is to teach your children skills they will use for a lifetime and educate you along the way.

Our new facility is now open, and all sessions take place in our indoor, heated pool.

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Our new facility is now open, and all sessions take place in our indoor, heated pool. 𓇼

Our Progression Levels

  • Otter

    Survival Focus Level 1: Survival Float

    Skill Acquired: Breath Control, Float, and Roll to Float

    The foundational survival skills every swimmer needs to stay safe in the water.

  • Stingray

    Survival Focus Level 2: Survival Flip

    Skills Acquired: Refresh survival skills, progress to grabbing the wall, stepping up, and mastering a 3-second swim.

    Perfect for swimmers ready to add to their survival abilities.

  • Porpoise

    Survival Focus Level 3: Survival Sequence

    Skills Acquired: Refresh survival skills while extending swim and float durations.

    Builds endurance and confidence in combining swimming and floating techniques.

  • Shark

    Survival Focus Level 4: Advanced Survival and Swim Skills

    Skills Acquired: Refresh survival skills, progress from survival sequences to stronger swimming skills, and begin stroke basics.

    Gratuation or survival swim levels, prepares swimmers for more robust and efficient movement in the water.

  • Orca

    Focus: Stroke-Specific Training

    Prerequisite: Completion of Shark level and interest in stroke refinement.

    Includes a free 15-minute pool test with a stroke coach before registration.