Willie The Whale Swim School Parent Guidebook
Aquatic Philosophy
Everyone should learn to swim! Willie The Whale
Swim School is dedicated to providing a creative
learning environment for the development of
swimming and water safety skills.
Our trained instructors create a fun atmosphere using
patience, encouragement and technical expertise that
builds skills & confidence using safe techniques & praise.
It is essential to develop swimming as a lifelong skill.
Swimming is a fun, healthy exercise and developing
competency opens the opportunity to safely enjoy other
recreational water activities.
Thank you for joining our program!
Call today for more information
503-325-7027
Prerequisites for Lessons:
When should children repeat a class? Children with more than a 3-month break from swimming lessons
should repeat the previous level as a refresher course. This pertains to class levels Lil” Shrimp through
Walrus.
Preschool vs. Youth Lessons:
The Preschool Lessons (3 years to 5 years old) include the same skills taught in the Youth Lessons (6
years and older). The Preschool students will, however, be swimming shorter distances and performing
some skills for a shorter amount of time than the older children in the Youth Lessons.
Willie The Whale Swim School
Orca
Sea Lion
Walrus
Sea Otter
Jellyfish
Lil’Shrimp
Aquaduck
Willie The Whale Swim School Classes
ORCA
Strong Swimmers & Confident Children
Prerequisites:
Front Crawl with breathing with proper technique: length of the pool; Back Crawl: length of the
pool; Elementary Backstroke with proper technique - length of the pool; Deep water bobs: 15
bobs.
Skills Taught At This Level:
Review advancement skills
Daily underwater swim for distance
Tread water 1 minute
Introduction to Egg Beater Kick
Pick up object from 8 feet depth
Endurance swim: 5 minute continuous swim: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke,
and Breaststroke-improve technique
Introduction to alternate breathing-Front Crawl
Introduction to Scissors Kick
Introduction to Sidestroke
Introduction to Dolphin kick
Introduction to Butterfly
Head first surface dive: Pike and Tuck
Improve Flip and Open turns
Safety: Basic Boating safety
Safety: Hazards in outdoor aquatic environments: Oceans and Beaches
Advancement Skills:
Endurance swim: 5 minute swim: Use a variety of strokes with flip & open turns with proper
technique.
Breaststroke with proper technique: 1 length of pool
Individual Medley: Butterfly, Back Crawl, Breaststroke, Front Crawl: 1 length each stroke.
Sea Lion
Prerequisites: Front Crawl, with breathing, using proper technique: ½ length of the pool; Back
Crawl: Using proper technique: ½ length of the pool. Underwater swim - 15 feet. Whip kick on
back with equipment: ½ length of the pool. Deep water bobs: 5 bobs.
Skills Taught At This Level:
Review advancement skills for Walrus
Tread in deep water for 30 seconds
Standing dive to long shallow dive
Flip Turns-open, front and back
Breaststroke kick (whip kick) review
Introduction of Breaststroke
Bobbing in deep water 10 times
Improve Front Crawl technique
Improve Elementary Backstroke technique
Improve Back Crawl technique
Safety: H.E.L.P and Huddle position
Safety-Hypothermia
Safety: PFD- Put on PFD, enter into deep water, swim ½ length of the pool
Endurance swim: 2 lengths, any stroke
Advancement Skills:
Front Crawl with breathing with proper technique: length of the pool
Back Crawl: length of the pool
Elementary Backstroke with proper technique- length of the pool
Deep water bobs: 15 bobs
Walrus
Prerequisites: Front Crawl with breathing for 20 feet, Back Crawl for 15 feet, Jump into
Lap pool at 6-8 feet unassisted.
Skills Taught At This Level:
Review advancement skills for Sea Otter
Front Crawl with breathing with technique-50 feet
Back Crawl with technique-50 feet
Jump into deep water and level off
Introduction to Elementary Backstroke: whip kick and zipper arms
Safety: Deep water reaching and throwing assists
Underwater Exploration: underwater swim for 15 feet
Safety: Unassisted rollover and recovery
Safety: Diving Safety
Introduction to Breaststroke kick
Introduction to treading water
Diving-knee dive to standing dive
Feet-first Surface Dive
Change direction in deep water-tread 3-5 seconds
Advancement Skills:
Front Crawl with breathing with proper technique ½ length of the pool
Back Crawl: ½ length of the pool
Underwater swim- 15 feet
Whip kick on back on back with equipment: ½ length of the pool
Deep water bobs: 5 bobs
Sea Otter
Preschool: 3-5 years old & Youth 6-12 years old
Prerequisites: I can do front crawl without taking a breath: Preschool: 10 feet; Youth: 15
feet. I can back glide: Preschool 5 feet; Youth 10 feet. I can do side breathing on the wall
Preschool: 5 breaths; Youth: 10 breaths. I like to bob! Preschool: 5 bobs; Youth: 10
bobs.
Skills Taught At This Level:
Review advancement skills for Jellyfish
Introduction to Front Crawl with Side-Breathing: Preschool: 10 feet; Youth: 15 feet
Back Crawl: Preschool: 10 feet; Youth: 15 feet
Safety: Hazards in aquatic environments-Rivers and lakes
Jump into deep water
Deep water adjustment: unassisted rollover
Underwater exploration: two full strokes underwater
Intro to Diving and Diving safety: sit dive, kneel dive
Introduction to deep water bobs
Advancement Skills:
Front Crawl with Breathing: 20 feet: All ages
Back Crawl for 15 feet: All ages
Jump into lap pool at 6-8 feet unassisted: All ages
Jellyfish
Preschool: 3-5 years old & Youth 6-12 years old
Prerequisites: I am comfortable in the water! I can put my whole face in the water and blow
bubbles for 5 seconds! I can float and glide with assistance on my front and back! I can do it!
Skills Taught At This Level:
Review advancement skills for Lil” Shrimp
Bobbing: Preschool 5 bobs; Youth 10 bobs
Safety: Jump into water wearing lifejacket
Front float with recovery: Preschool: 5 seconds & Youth-10 seconds
Front glide
Assisted to unassisted: Front glide with kick
Safety: assisted to unassisted rollover
Bobbing (rhythmic breathing)
Side breathing on the wall Preschool: 5 times; & Youth: 10 times
Back float and recovery
Back glide
Finning and Flutter
Safety: Buddy System
Underwater exploration-pick something off the bottom of the pool (full body emersion)
Introduction to Back Crawl arm strokes
Side breathing with instructor assistance
Advancement Skills:
Back glide with kick: Preschool 5 feet; Youth 10 feet
Front Crawl without breathing: Preschool 5 feet; Youth 10 feet
Side breathing on the wall: Preschool: 5 breaths; Youth 10 breaths
Bobbing: Preschool 5 bobs; Youth 10 bobs
Lil’ shrimp
Preschool: 3-5 yrs.
For The Non-Swimmer: It is fun to make bubbles and get my eyes and ears wet! My teacher will
help me float and glide in the water. I wonder if a lifejacket will help me float in the water. I’m
learning to love the water!
Skills Taught At This Level:
Pool Rules
Safely entering and exiting the pool
Shallow water adjustment
Introduction to flutter kick. Put entire face in the water
Blow bubbles: preschool 5 seconds; youth 10 seconds
Assisted Front float
Assisted Back float
Assisted Front glide with equipment
Assisted Back glide with equipment
Assisted Front glide with equipment with kick
Assisted Back glide with equipment with kick
Assisted jump into shallow water
Safety: Use of PFD assisted to unassisted float
Advancement Skills:
Put entire face in the water blow bubbles: Preschool 5 seconds;
Assisted front glide with equipment/ kick Preschool: 5ft.
Front float- 5 count-assisted
Back float- 5 count-assisted
Assisted Back glide with equipment/ kick Preschool: 5ft;
Aquaducks
(parent/child)
Prerequisites / Description:
For children 6 months to 3 years who will be accompanied by a parent(s) or other adult in the water. Fun,
water adjustment and basic skill development are emphasized as the instructor guides parents and
children through this level.
• Enter and exit pool
• Holding positions
• Water toys
• Surface bobbing
• “Monkey grip” on side
• Kicking
• Head up front float
• Assisted back float
• Blow bubbles
• Face in water
• Bobbing
• Head up front glide
• Assisted back glide
• Underwater exploration
• Arm movement – “reach & pull”
• Assisted position change
• Parent safety skills
Advancement Skills:
1. Comfortable in water without parent
2. Ability to communicate clearly and follow directions
3. Age 3 years or older
Swim Lesson Tips For Parents
1. Communicate with your child’s swim instructor. There are 5 minutes before and after class for you to discuss your
child’s progress with the instructor.
2. De-emphasize passing or failing a class. No child fails a swim class; they all improve. Several sessions at one swim
level is not uncommon.
3. Bring your child to open play swim to work on the skills being taught in the class.
4. Please have your child use the restroom prior to swim lessons.
5. Bring a large towel and warm clothes for your child for after the lesson.
6. Secure child’s hair from their face prior to lesson.
7. Provide some kind of head covering for wet hair and ears after lesson.
8. Allow only light meals prior to lessons.
9. If you notice your child crying or not paying attention to the instructor, it may be best to withdraw from the child’s
view, sit on the bleachers, or not watch every lesson.
10. Be positive at home concerning swimming. They will be looking for your positive attitude and encouragement.
Homework Tips
Homework helps to get you involved in your child’s swimming progress. It gives both parents and
children a better understanding of the skill in relation to body movement and placement in the
water. These tips can be practiced at home in the bathtub with your help.
Wash Face (Lil’ Shrimp and Jellyfish) Use to encourage the child to get his/her face wet.
Take a Shower (Lil’ Shrimp and Jellyfish) Parent gently pours water over child’s head.
Blow Bubbles (Lil’ Shrimp and Jellyfish) Parents may wish to have child first blow on finger
and say “blow the candle out,” then try blowing in the water. Or, blow bubbles on hand and then
in the water.
Pointed Toes (Lil’ Shrimp and Jellyfish) Have the child point their toes at objects while sitting,
then, try kicking with entire leg.
Holding Breath (Lil’ Shrimp and Jellyfish) Practice out of water or with parent’s help in
bathtub. See how long they can hold their breath while someone counts for them.
Arm Strokes (Lil’ Shrimp and Jellyfish)
Have child make “big arm circles” while they walk.
Arms With Side Breathing (Sea Otter)
Child sits in parent’s lap keeping head down as if it were in
the water. They pretend to take a breath to the side, blow
bubbles down while their arms make big circles.
Kicking (All levels)
Child lays on bed with legs off the side. Concentrates
on keeping legs straight. Emphasize kick from hip
Not Potty-Trained?
If your child is not potty-trained, plastic pants, or a swim
diaper is required. Swim Diapers are easiest for the child.
They are available for sale at the front service desk.
PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS
Children & Adults: One instructor to one student. All levels and skills taught. Staffing and
scheduling dependent upon instructor availability.
SEMI-PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS
One Instructor / 3 students: All levels and skills taught. Half-hour lesson times available
throughout the day.
Refunds
If you are unable to attend the 10 lessons session that you registered and
paid for, our pool management can do one of the following:
1. Transfer your child to the next lesson session
OR
2. Complete a refund request form for the amount paid for. There will be no make-ups!
NORTH COAST SWIM CLUB (NCSC)
Year-round competitive swimming for ages 5 & up.
Must be able to swim 25 yards.
For more information contact:
Head Coach – Alex Reed
[email protected]
253-514-0379
The Astoria Aquatic Center Needs Lifeguards
& Swim Instructors!
Lifeguarding Employment
• Flexible hours
• Great pay
• Job advancement opportunities
• Learn to be a leader & good role model
• Benefits youth and their community
• Training available – Call for classes
Junior Lifeguard
Junior Lifeguard is a fun, challenging program for youths 11 to 14 years old. Jr. Lifeguards will advance
through two skill levels in preparation for becoming a lifeguard by developing rescue skills, C.P.R., FirstAid, Customer Service and water safety skills. Participants will “buddy guard” and develop job skills
necessary to become a lifeguard.
• Learn CPR and First Aid
• Improve Swimming Skills
• Train for Future Employment
• Develop Lifeguard & Leadership Skills
Junior Lifeguards are instructed by experienced lifeguards chosen by their ability to work well with youths
11 to 14 years old and their ability to provide a fun, safe learning experience.
Prerequisites: Must be able to swim 50 ft. front crawl and 50 ft. back crawl. Must be comfortable in deep
water.
JUNIOR SWIM INSTRUCTOR
Junior swim instructor is a fun, challenging program for youths 10 to 14 years old. The Jr. Swim Instructor
will advance through two skill levels in preparation for becoming a Swim Instructor by developing skill
knowledge, stroke improvement, planning lessons and communication.
• Improve Swimming Skills
• Train for Future Employment
• Develop Teaching and Leadership Skills
Prerequisites: Must be 10 to 14 years of age. Must be able to swim 50 ft. front crawl with breathing and
50 ft. back crawl. Must be comfortable in deep water.
Rent the Astoria Aquatic Center Swim Pool
Have The Pool All To Yourself & Your Guests.
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Birthdays
Parties
Groups
Office Parties
Day/Child Care
Youth Groups
Neighborhood Parties
Closing Thought
Thank you for choosing The Astoria Aquatic Center for your Swimming needs! Swimming is
such an important skill! The benefits are endless whether you swim recreationally, for fitness, or
as a competitor.
I am very excited about our Willie The Whale Swim School. This swim lesson program was
specifically designed and developed for the Astoria Aquatic Center. Our goal was to create a fun
progression, with a Northwest atmosphere, that would enable children of all ages to feel
successful and to develop solid skills and a healthy knowledge of water safety.
The Willie The Whale Swim School was developed for the citizens of Astoria and parent
communication is top priority for me. Please do not hesitate to let me or my staff know if there is
something you like, or if there are suggestions for improvement. We value your input!
I believe the value of swimming is a lifelong skill for health and safety. We are here to give you
the best experience possible! Thank you for allowing the Astoria Aquatic Center to provide a
positive swimming experience for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Pam Pearce
Astoria Aquatic Center
Recreation Coordinator
503-325-7027
[email protected]