Learn-to-Swim Levels Flashcards

A student in a Learn-to-Swim Level 2 class is able to float on their front and back and can perform a combined arm and leg action. What is the primary objective for this student to master before advancing to Level 3?

Answer: Achieving independent propulsion for a short distance

Learn-to-Swim Level 2, Fundamental Aquatic Skills, focuses on giving students success with fundamental skills. The key objective is for students to gain independence in their propulsive movements on their front and back, which serves as the foundation for the formal strokes introduced in Level 3. Treading water and headfirst entries are introduced in Level 3, and rotary breathing is a component of Level 4 stroke improvement.

Which of the following skills is a primary focus of Learn-to-Swim Level 3, Stroke Development?

Answer: Introducing the front crawl and elementary backstroke

Level 3, Stroke Development, is where participants build on the fundamental skills from Level 2 and are first introduced to the coordinated movements of the front crawl and elementary backstroke. Flip turns and shallow-angle dives are introduced in Level 5, and swimming strokes for longer distances like 50 yards is a focus of Level 5 as well.

A WSI is screening a new 8-year-old student for placement. The child can comfortably submerge, float on their back for 20 seconds, and swim a combined arm/leg action on their front for 15 yards. However, they show no signs of rotary breathing and have difficulty with the timing of the back crawl. Which is the MOST appropriate level for this student?

Answer: Level 3: Stroke Development

The student has demonstrated skills beyond Level 2 (independent propulsion). The primary needs are developing the front crawl with rotary breathing and learning the back crawl, which are key components of Level 3, Stroke Development. Level 4 focuses on improving these strokes over greater distances, which would be premature for this student.

In which Learn-to-Swim level are participants first expected to demonstrate proficiency in treading water for an extended period (e.g., 1 minute) and are introduced to diving from the side of the pool?

Answer: Level 4: Stroke Improvement

Learn-to-Swim Level 4, Stroke Improvement, focuses on increasing endurance and confidence. Key skills introduced at this level include treading water for a full minute and performing standing dives from the side of the pool. Level 3 introduces treading but for a shorter duration (e.g., 30 seconds).

Which of the following is an exit skill assessment requirement for Learn-to-Swim Level 5, Stroke Refinement?

Answer: Performing front and back flip turns

Level 5, Stroke Refinement, focuses on making swimmers more efficient over longer distances. A key part of this efficiency for front crawl and back crawl is learning the appropriate flip turns, which are introduced and assessed at this level. The 500-yard continuous swim and Cooper test are characteristic of Level 6, while the 15-yard swims are exit skills for earlier levels like Level 3.

The Personal Water Safety, Fitness Swimmer, and Fundamentals of Diving options are all components of which Learn-to-Swim level?

Answer: Level 6: Swimming and Skill Proficiency

Level 6, Swimming and Skill Proficiency, is designed to refine strokes so they are smooth, efficient, and powerful over greater distances. It is unique in that it offers specialized 'menu' options for students to pursue based on their interests, including Personal Water Safety, Fitness Swimmer, and Fundamentals of Diving.