City of Davis

Swim Lessons

We offer a series of progressively advanced group lessons for children who want to master many swimming skills. Participants must successfully perform the skills covered in each course to advance to the next level. Most children need to take two or three sessions of each level in order to master the necessary skills. Water safety is emphasized throughout the learn-to-swim program.

Lesson Procedures:

• If you are unsure of the swim lesson level of your child, we offer free swim evaluations during any of our recreational swimming times. A Pool Manager is available to conduct an assessment of swimming skills, upon which you will receive a written record of your child’s assessed level to bring to the Pool Cashier for registration in the appropriate level.
• If you miss the last day of lessons, any unclaimed report cards can be picked up on-site at the Pool Cashier’s office.
• If your child wears a diaper, remember that they will need to wear a swim diaper in the pool to help protect against waterborne illnesses. Swim diapers are sold at the pools for a small fee.

On the First Day of Lessons:

• When you arrive, please let the pool cashier know that you are there for swim lessons. The cashier will direct you to a specific area of the pool.
• Your child’s assigned level will be posted.
• The Pool Manager will make announcements and call each level.

Lesson Supervisors:

• During all swim lessons, we have a Pool Manager on the pool deck that would be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your child’s lessons.
• If you are not sure what level your child is in, speak with the Pool Manager, who will help you find your class.

A complete list of currently available classes can be found in the Recreation Schedule, as well as class level descriptions and information .

City of Davis Learn-to-Swim Program

Private Swim Lessons

All ages - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:1

This class is designed to provide one-on-one instruction for all levels of ability. Children under 3 years may require parent participation in the pool. These are one week sessions.

Adult Swim Lessons

Ages 15 years & over - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:4
Adult lessons are offered during the summer months

Adult Swim Lessons - Beginners:
This swim program is geared towards the beginner swimmer. Sessions (led by a certified swim instructor) focus on submersion, floats, and glides to front and back crawl.

Adult Swim Lessons - Intermediate:
This swim program is geared towards the intermediate swimmer. Participants should be comfortable swimming at least 10 yds in shallow water. A certified swim instructor will work to build your swim level to the point of being comfortable swimming lengths in deeper water.

Sea Horse

Ages 6 months – 3 years old - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:10
Sea Horse lessons are offered during the summer months

This course is designed for parents interested in acquainting their young children ages 6 to 36 months to the water in a fun and safe environment. Parents are directly responsible for their children’s instruction while under the guidance and supervision of a certified instructor.

Preschool Aquatics

Ages 3 – 5 years old

Tadpole (Level 1a) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:3
Tadpole is designed for children with little or no exposure to the water. Children orient to the aquatic environment and gain basic aquatic skills. Must be able to participate without parent involvement.

Otter (Level 1b) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:4
Children gain greater independence in their skills and develop more comfort in and around the water.

Turtle (Level 1c) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:5
Children start to gain basic swimming propulsive skills to be comfortable in and around water.

Swim Lessons

Ages 5 – 14 years old
Participants who have passed out of "Turtle" should enroll in "Guppy" (Level 2)

Starfish (Level 1) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:8
Orients children to the aquatic environment and helps them gain basic aquatic skills in a group setting. No prior experience is necessary, however, must be able to participate without parent involvement.

Guppy (Level 2) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:8
Children need to be comfortable in the water prior to enrolling in this level; previous swimming instruction is recommended. This course is taught in a structured class environment where children begin to learn to swim and float independently.

Stingray (Level 3) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:8
Children will learn and continue to refine the basic front and back crawl. Participants will be introduced to deep water and diving skills.

Swordfish (Level 4) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:8
Children will increase their stamina as they continue to develop the front and back crawl. They will be introduced to the breaststroke.

Dolphin (Level 5) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:8
Participants will continue to refine their skills, concentrating on form and efficiency. The butterfly kick and basic turns, and sidestroke are introduced.

Shark (Level 6) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:8
Participants will continue to refine their skills, with an emphasis placed on butterfly, flip turns, and increasing participant's stamina.

Killer Whale (Level 7) - Instructor : Student Ratio is 1:8
This swim level reviews all of the fundamental swimming skills with the goal of perfecting technique and increasing endurance. Various skills and drills will be introduced, depending on skill proficiency of the participants.

Recreational Swimming

The City of Davis strives to make its pools a fun and safe place for families to cool off in the summer. Come enjoy the new spray park feature at Manor Pool as well as the slides (at both Manor & Arroyo Pool). Reminder, as per Cal/OSHA regulations, all riders must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the waterslides. Also, please remember that active in-water supervision is required for all non-swimmers.

For schedules, fees, and more information, please visit the Recreational Swimming page.

Coming in Summer 2012!

• Hot Monday Nights
  Special event at Manor Pool—includes music, theme, and trivia
  Download the flyer
   
• Inner Tube Water Polo
  Come and beat the summer heat with the Inner Tube Water Polo program evenings at Arroyo Pool!
  Download the flyer
   
• Aide Mentor Camp
  Get a jump start on your future as a Swim instructor Aide for the City of Davis! Participants will build leadership skills and learn how to successfully work with children in the water.
  Download the flyer
   
• Jr. Guard Program
  Want to be a lifeguard but not old enough yet to enroll in an American Red Cross Life guarding course? Get a jump start on your future as a lifeguard with the Jr. Guard Program!
  Download the flyer
   

Wheelchair Lift Available

Wheelchair lifts are available at all City pools for those who have difficulty entering a pool. Manor Pool features a "zero entry" pool that gently slopes from ground level into the water. Contact our office for more information about the lifts or about our Inclusive Recreation program.

Contact

Questions about the Aquatics Program should be directed to the Community Services Department, (530) 757-5626 or csweb@cityofdavis.org.