PROGRAM REGISTRATION
Before you make your swim class selection, check our registration guideline.
If your child….
Register in
Lifesaving Society:
Previously in
Red Cross
AquaQuest:
Previously in
Red Cross
Swim:
Previously in
YMCA:
Is 4 to 12 months old and ready to learn to enjoy the water with a
parent…
Parent & Tot 1
AquaTots 1
Starfish
Continuing L’il Dippers:
Splashers
Is 12 to 24 months old and ready to learn to enjoy the water with a
parent…
Parent & Tot 2
AquaTots 2
Duck
Continuing L’il Dippers:
Bubblers
Is 2 to 3 years old and ready to learn to enjoy the water with a
parent…
Parent & Tot 3
AquaTots 3
Sea Turtle
Continuing L’il Dippers:
Bobbers
Is 3 to 5 years and just starting out on his or her own....
Preschool 1
(formerly Preschool A)
Continuing
Preschool AQ 1
Sea Turtle
Continuing L’il Dippers:
Bobbers
Can get in and out alone, jump into chest deep water assisted, float
and glide in a PFD on front and back, blow bubbles and get face
wet...
Preschool 2
(formerly Preschool B)
Completed
Preschool AQ 1
Salamander
Completed L’il Dippers:
Bobbers
Can get in and out alone, jump into chest deep water, submerge and
exhale underwater, and float on front and back assisted for 3-5
seconds...
Preschool 3
(formerly Preschool C)
Completed
Preschool AQ 2
Sunfish
Continuing L’il Dippers:
Floaters
Can jump into deep water wearing a PFD; recover objects from the
bottom; hold their breath underwater float and glide on front and
back...
Preschool 4
(formerly Preschool D)
Completed
Preschool AQ 3
Crocodile
Continuing L’il Dippers:
Floaters
Can do solo jumps into deep water and get out by themselves; swim
front crawl 3 - 5 m and do flutter kick on their front, back and side…
Preschool 5
(formerly Preschool E)
Completed
Preschool AQ 4
Whale
Completed L’il Dippers:
Floaters
Is 5 to 12 years and just starting out.......
Swimmer 1
Completed AQ 1
Continuing
Swim Kids 1
Continuing L’il Dippers:
Floaters/Learn to Swim I:
Otter
Can jump into the water with and without a PFD; open eyes, hold your
breath, open your eyes and exhale underwater; float ,kick and glide
on your front and back...
Swimmer 2
Completed AQ 2
Completed
Swim Kids 1
Completed L’il Dippers:
Divers/Learn to Swim II:
Seal
Can jump into deeper water; roll sideways into water wearing a PFD;
support self at the surface without an aid; do whip kick in the vertical
position; and swim 10 - 15m on front and back...
Swimmer 3
Completed AQ 3/4
Swim Kids 2/3
Completed Learn to Swim
IV: Swimmer
Can complete the Canadian Swim to Survive Standard: Roll – Tread
(1 minute) – Swim (50m); handstands and kneeling dives; and whip
kick on their back...
Swimmer 4
Completed AQ 5/6
Swim Kids 4/5
Completed Star 1
Can do dives; swim underwater; tread water for 2 minutes; 25m of
front and back crawl; whip kick on your front; breaststroke arms with
breathing; and interval training of 4 x 25m...
Swimmer 5
Completed AQ 7
Swim Kids 6
Completed Star 2
Can do shallow dives and cannonballs; stationary eggbeater kick;
50m of front and back crawl; breaststroke for 15-25m; sprint 25m;
interval training of 4 x 50m...
Swimmer 6
Completed AQ 8
Swim Kids 7
Completed Star 3
Can do stride entries and compact jumps; eggbeater kick and scissor
kick; sprint breaststroke over 25m; and a workout of 300m...
Swim Patrol – Rookie
Completed AQ 9
Swim Kids 8
Completed Star 4
Preferred successful completion – Rookie
Swim Patrol – Ranger
Completed AQ 10
Swim Kids 9
Completed Star 5
Preferred successful completion – Ranger
Swim Patrol – Star
Completed AQ 11
Swim Kids 10
Completed Star 6
Bronze Star
Completed AQ 12
Preferred successful completion – Star
January 2010
Completed Master
Swimmer
Parent & Tot Curriculum
At-a-glance
The Lifesaving Society Parent & Tot Program structures in-water interaction between parent and child to stress the importance of
play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills. Activities and progressions are based on child development, so parents
register in the level appropriate for their child’s age. Lifesaving Society Water Smart® tips complement skills learning.
PARENT & TOT 1
4 to 12 months
PARENT & TOT 2
12 to 24 months
PARENT & TOT 3
2 to 3 years
Entries and Exits
1. Enter and exit the water safely
with tot
1. Entry from sitting position
2. Exit the water – assisted
1. Jump entry – assisted
2. Entry and submerge from sitting
position – assisted
3. Exit the water – unassisted
3. Blow bubbles on and in water
4. Face wet and in water
5. Attempt to recover object below
surface
4. Hold breath underwater – assisted
5. Attempt to open eyes underwater
6. Attempt to recover object from
bottom
6. Entry from sitting position
wearing PFD and return – assisted
7. Standing jump entry, return
to edge – assisted
8. Jump entry and float wearing
PFD – assisted
Entries and Exits
Underwater
Skills
2. Readiness for submersion
Entriestoand
Swim
Survive
Exits® Skills
Movement / Swimming Skills
3. Hold tot on front, eye contact
4. Hold tot on back, head and
back support
5. Front float (face out) – assisted
6. Back float – assisted
7. Float wearing PFD – assisted
8. Arms: splashing, reaching,
paddling, on front and back
9. Legs: tickling, splashing, kicking,
on front and back
7. Front float (face in) – assisted
8. Back float – assisted
9. Kicking on front and back
– assisted
10. Surface passes with continuous
contact
9. Front and back “starfish” floats
– assisted
10. Front and back “pencil” floats
– assisted
11. Kicking on front and back
– assisted
12. Underwater passes
Water Smart® Education
Water Smart® drowning prevention messages are an integral part of the Swim for Life® Program. These messages are embedded
in content and program support materials.
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SWIM FOR LIFE AWARD GUIDE
Preschool Curriculum
At-a-glance
The Lifesaving Society Preschool Program gives children a head start on learning to swim. Preschool
Programs develop an appreciation and healthy respect for the water before these kids get in too deep.
In our preschool progressions we work to ensure 3 to 5-year-olds become comfortable in the water and have fun developing a
foundation of water skills. We incorporate Lifesaving Society Water Smart® education in all Preschool levels.
PRESCHOOL 1
PRESCHOOL 2
PRESCHOOL 3
Entries and Exits
1. Enter and exit shallow water
2. Jump into chest-deep water
– assisted
1. Enter and exit shallow water
wearing PFD
2. Jump into chest-deep water
1. Jump into deep water wearing
PFD, return and exit
2. Side roll entry wearing PFD
3. Submerge
4. Submerge and exhale (3–5 times)
3. Hold breath under water
(3–5 sec.)
4. Submerge and exhale
(5–10 times)
5. Recover object from bottom in
waist-deep water
Underwater Skills
3. Face in water
4. Blow bubbles in water
Swim to Survive® Skills
6. Front float, lateral roll to back;
swim 2–3 m to grasp nearest edge
Movement / Swimming Skills
5. Float on front and back wearing
PFD or using other buoyant aid
6. Safe movement in shallow
water – with or without
assistance
7. Glide on back wearing PFD
5. Float (assisted) on front and
back (3–5 sec. each)
6. Roll laterally front to back and
back to front, wearing PFD
7. Glide on front and back
wearing PFD (2–3 m each)
8. Flutter kick on back with
buoyant aid (5–10 m)
7. Float on front and back
(3–5 sec. each)
8. Roll laterally front to back
and back to front
9. Glide on front and back
(3–5 m each)
10. Flutter kick on back (5–10 m)
11. Flutter kick on front (3–5 m)
Water Smart® Education
Water Smart® drowning prevention messages are an integral part of the Swim for Life® Program. These messages are embedded in
content and program support materials.
13
SWIM FOR LIFE AWARD GUIDE
Preschool Curriculum
At-a-glance (continued)
PRESCHOOL 4
PRESCHOOL 5
Entries and Exits
1. Jump into deep water, return
and exit
2. Side roll entry
1. Forward roll entry wearing PFD
Surface Support
3. Wearing PFD, tread water with
sculling arm action
2. Tread water (10–15 sec.) with
sculling arm action and any kick
Underwater Skills
4. Open eyes under water
5. Recover object from bottom in
chest-deep water
3. Submerge and hold breath (5–10 sec.)
4. Recover object from bottom in
chest-deep water
Swim to Survive® Skills
6. Wearing a PFD,
side roll entry into deep water;
tread (10–15 sec.);
swim/kick (5–10 m)
7. Front float,
pendulum rollover to back;
swim (3–5 m) to grasp nearest edge
5. Wearing PFD,
side roll entry into deep water;
tread (15–30 sec.);
swim/kick (10–15 m)
Movement / Swimming Skills
8. Glide on side (3–5 m)
9. Flutter kick:
on front (3–5 m);
on back (8–10 m);
on side (3–5 m)
10. Front crawl (3–5 m)
6. Whip kick in vertical position
with a buoyant aid (10–20 sec.)
7. Front crawl (5–10 m)
8. Back crawl (3–5 m)
Fitness
9. Interval training:
4 x 8–10 m flutter kick on back
with 15–20 sec. rests.
SWIM FOR LIFE AWARD GUIDE
14
Swimmer Curriculum
At-a-glance
The Swimmer Program makes sure children learn how to swim before they get in too deep. Progressions accommodate 5 to 12-yearolds including beginners and swimmers who want to build on the basics. Lots of in-water practice develops solid swimming strokes
and skills. Water Smart® education is part of every level.
SWIMMER 1
SWIMMER 2
SWIMMER 3
Entries and Exits
1. Enter and exit shallow water
2. Jump into chest-deep water
3. Jump into deep water wearing PFD
1. Jump into deep water,
return and exit
2. Side roll entry wearing PFD
1. Kneeling dive into deep water
2. Forward roll entry into deep
water with and without PFD
3. Tread water (30–45 sec.) with
sculling arm action and any kick
3. Tread water – 60 sec.
4. Recover object from bottom in
chest-deep water
4. Handstand in shallow water
5. Front somersault (in water)
5. Jump into deep water,
tread 30 sec. and
swim/kick (15–25 m)
6. Canadian Swim-to-Survive®
Standard: Roll entry into deep water,
tread 1 min. and swim 50 m
Surface Support
4. Wearing PFD, tread water
(30 sec.) with sculling arm action
Underwater Skills
5. Hold breath under water (5–10 sec.)
6. Exhale under water through mouth
and nose (5–10 times)
7. Open eyes under water
Swim to Survive® Skills
8. Wearing PFD,
jump into deep water, tread 30 sec.,
and kick on back (5–10 m)
Movement / Swimming Skills
9. Float on front and back
10. Roll laterally front to back and
back to front
11. Glide on front, back and side
(3–5 m each)
12. Flutter kick on front and back
(3–5 m each)
6. Flutter kick on back and side
(10–15 m each)
7. Whip kick in vertical position
(15–30 sec.)
8. Front crawl and back crawl
(10–15 m each)
7. Flutter kick on back (5 m); pendulum
roll to front; flutter kick on front (5 m)
8. Flutter kick on front (5 m); pendulum
roll to back; flutter kick on back (5 m)
9. Whip kick on back (10–15 m)
10. Front crawl and back crawl
(10–15 m each)
9. Interval training:
4 x 9–12 m flutter kick
with 10–15 sec. rests
11. Interval training:
4 x 25 m flutter kick
with 15–20 sec. rests
Fitness
Water Smart® Education
Water Smart® drowning prevention messages are an integral part of the Swim for Life® Program. These messages are embedded in
content and program support materials.
SWIM FOR LIFE AWARD GUIDE
32
Swimmer Curriculum
At-a-glance (continued)
SWIMMER 4
SWIMMER 5
SWIMMER 6
Entries and Exits
1. Standing dive into deep water
1. Shallow dive into deep water
2. Tuck jump (cannonball) into
deep water
1. Stride entry into deep water
2. Compact jump into deep water
3. Jump entry into deep water,
and tread 2 min.
3. Tread water legs only (30–60 sec.)
using a lifesaving kick
4. Back somersault (in water)
4. Swim underwater (5–10 m)
to recover object
5. Stationary eggbeater kick
(30–60 sec.)
6. Breaststroke (15–25 m)
7. Front crawl and back crawl
(50 m each)
8. Head-up front crawl (10–15 m)
5. Eggbeater kick on back (10–15 m)
6. Scissor kick (10–15 m)
7. Breaststroke (25–50 m)
8. Front crawl and back crawl
(50–100 m each)
Surface Support
2. Tread water – 2 min.
Underwater Skills
3. Swim underwater – 5 m
Swim to Survive® Skills
4. Roll entry into deep water, tread
(1–2 min.) and swim 50–75 m
Movement / Swimming Skills
5. Whip kick on front (10–15 m)
6. Breaststroke arms drill (10–15 m)
7. Front crawl and back crawl
(25–50 m each)
Fitness
8. Interval training:
4 x 25 m front or back crawl
with 15–20 sec. rests
9. Sprint front crawl – 25 m
9. Interval training:
4 x 50 m front or back crawl
with 30 sec. rests
10. Interval training:
4 x 10–15 m breaststroke
with 15–30 sec. rests
11. Sprint front crawl and back crawl
– 25 m each
9. Interval training:
4 x 25 m breaststroke
with 30 sec. rests
10. Sprint breaststroke – 25 m
11. Workout (300 m):
50 m warm-up (choice of strokes)
4 x 25 m front crawl with 15 sec. rests
4 x 25 m back crawl with 15 sec. rests
50 m cool-down (choice of strokes)
Water Smart® Education
Water Smart® drowning prevention messages are in integral part of the program. These messages are embedded in Must Sees,
lesson plans and program support materials.
33
SWIM FOR LIFE AWARD GUIDE
Adult Swimmer Curriculum
At-a-glance
The Adult Swimmer Program is for beginners who may be just starting out or swimmers who just
want help with their strokes. Within the Adult Swimmer curriculum, participants set their own goals to develop water confidence
and smooth recognizable strokes. Water Smart® education is a part of all levels. Instructors should be prepared to adopt thses items
and awards to accommodate the needs of the adult learners and provide the flexibility for them to select the skills they want to
learn to achieve their personal swimming goals.
ADULT 1
ADULT 2
ADULT 3
Entries and Exits
1. Enter and exit shallow water
2. Jump into deep water,
return and exit
3. Side roll entry wearing PFD
1. Standing dive into deep water
2. Forward roll entry into deep
water with and without PFD
3. Tuck jump (cannonball) into
deep water
1. Shallow dive into deep water
2. Stride entry into deep water
3. Compact jump into deep water
4. Tread water (1–2 min.).
4. Tread water legs only (30–60 sec.)
using any kick
5. Handstand in shallow water
6. Front somersault (in water)
7. Swim underwater (5–10 m)
5. Back somersault (in water)
6. Swim underwater (5–10 m)
to recover object
Surface Support
4. Wearing PFD, tread water (30 sec.)
with sculling arm action
Underwater Skills
5. Hold breath under water (5–10 sec.)
6. Exhale under water through mouth
and nose (5–10 times)
7. Open eyes under water
8. Recover object from bottom in
chest-deep water
Swim to Survive® Skills
8. Canadian Swim-to-Survive®
Standard: Roll entry into deep
water, tread 1 min. and swim 50 m
9. Wearing PFD,
jump into deep water,
tread 30 sec. and
swim/kick (15–25 m)
SWIM FOR LIFE AWARD GUIDE
56
Adult Swimmer Curriculum
At-a-glance (continued)
ADULT 1
ADULT 2
ADULT 3
Movement / Swimming Skills
10. Float on front and back
11. Roll laterally front to back
and back to front
12. Glide on front, back and side
(3–5 m each)
13. Flutter kick on front, back,
and side (5–10 m each)
14. Whip kick in vertical position
(15–30 sec.)
15. Front crawl or back crawl
(10–15 m)
9. Flutter kick on back (5 m);
pendulum roll to front;
flutter kick on front (5 m)
10. Flutter kick on front (5 m);
pendulum roll to back;
flutter kick on back (5 m)
11. Whip kick on back (10–15 m)
12. Whip kick on front (10–15 m)
13. Breaststroke arms drill (10–5 m)
14. Front crawl and back crawl
(25–50 m each)
7. Eggbeater kick or scissor kick
on back (10–15m)
8. Breaststroke (25–50 m)
9. Front crawl and back crawl,
(50–100 m each)
10. Head-up front crawl (10–15 m)
15. Interval training:
4 x 25 m flutter kick
with 15–20 sec. rests
16. Interval training:
4 x 25 m front or back crawl
with 15–20 sec. rests
17. Sprint front crawl – 25 m
11. Interval training:
4 x 50 m front or back crawl
or breaststroke
with 30 sec. rests
12. Sprint front crawl, back crawl, or
breaststroke (25–50 m)
13. Workout (300 m):
50 m warm-up (choice of strokes)
4 x 25 m front crawl
with 15 sec. rests
4 x 25 m back crawl
with 15 sec. rests
50 m cool-down
(choice of strokes)
Fitness
16. Interval training:
4 x 9–12 m flutter kick
with 10–15 sec. rests
Water Smart® Education
Water Smart® drowning prevention messages are an integral part of the Swim for Life® program. These messages are embedded in
content and program support materials.
57
SWIM FOR LIFE AWARD GUIDE
Fitness Swimmer Curriculum
At-a-glance
The Fitness Swimmer Program is for swimmers of any age who want to improve their overall physical fitness in the water. Fitness
Swimmer provides a structured approach to improve physical fitness based on accepted training principles and practices including
interval training. Participants set their own goals.
Fitness
Fitness
FITNESS SWIMMER
1. Pace Clocks and Timers
2. Stretches for Swimmers
3. Kicking Interval training
4. Swimming Interval training
5. Workout – 300 m
6. Workout Design
7. Distance Swim
8. Sprint Swim
1
Pace clocks and timers.
2
Stretches for swimmers.
Purpose
Purpose
To develop the ability to use timing
devices for pace development and
as a training tool.
To introduce basic stretches
appropriate for swimmers.
Must See
Must See
❏ Use of a timer to measure
swimming time over a specific
distance
❏ Four stretches for swimmers
demonstrated
❏ Use of a timer to measure and
control rest time between
intervals
❏ Use of a timer to measure
personal pulse rate during
training
Notes
Notes
• Timers may include a variety of
• Encourage learners to stretch safely.
devices such as pace clocks, stop
watches, swimmer’s watches or
watches with stop watch functions, or
a coach who provides verbal time
cues.
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SWIM FOR LIFE AWARD GUIDE
Maintain a gentle continuous stretch
(15–30 sec.) that creates gentle
tension, but no pain.
• Stretches can be performed whenever
the swimmer chooses. This may be
before, after or during training
activities.