Dexter Community Education

In partnership with Dexter Community Aquatic Club - for ages 3 & up. Dive into the world of aquatic adventure with our Little Piranha Swim Lessons, designed to introduce young learners to the joys and skills of swimming in a safe and supportive environment. Our program is structured into three progressive levels, catering to children of varying abilities and comfort levels in the water: Guppy, Clownfish, and Marlin. Indicate your swimmer's level during registration; if you have not participated in swim lessons with us before, please select that option. Level 1: Guppy Course Description: Our Guppy group is perfect for brand new swimmers and those that may have some lesson experience previously (either through DCE or another organization). The Guppy group is also a great place for nervous swimmers to start due to the more “hands-on” support they receive in the water at this level. Instructors will help Guppy swimmers adapt to the water and build their confidence as new swimmers! Skills to Learn Advancement Criteria Water adaptation Breath holding Submersion of Face Blowing Bubbles (mouth & nose) Wall Bobs Beginnings of Flutter Kick Pointed Toes vs. Flexed Feet Front Float/Back Float “Starting Position” (from wall) Front Glide/Back Glide 10 relaxed bobs (bubbles from nose when underwater, no plugging nose) Front glide into front float (5 sec.) Back glide into back float (5 sec.) Level 2: Clownfish Course Description: The Clownfish group is meant for swimmers who have (1) mastered the skills listed above, are comfortable holding their breath and floating on both their stomachs and backs independently. Clownfish must be able to put their faces in the water, fully submerge their bodies, and hold their breath without using their hands/fingers to squeeze/plug their nose. Skills to Learn Advancement Criteria Front Kick/Back Kick kickboard and streamline Side Kick (both sides) kickboard and no floatation Dolphin Kick (stomach & back) Streamline Bobs (w/nose bubbles) Roll over from back to front (and vice versa) from wall glide Bilateral Side Breathing (freestyle) Basics of Freestyle (drills will improve this technique) Streamline Kick (width of big pool) stomach and back Slide Kick (width of big pool) both sides, without aid/a board Freestyle w/proper side breathing (width of big pool) No stopping (wall or bottom) Leaves wall in streamline Bilateral *side* breathing Nose bubbles when face in water Level 3: Marlin Course Description: The Marlin group is meant for swimmers who are still building up their strength and endurance to maintain a body position that is on top of the water. However, through instructor support and guidance, they will become confident swimming both freestyle and backstroke, while also working on getting comfortable with early forms of diving, specifically practicing seated and kneeling dives. Completing the advancement criteria for the Marlin group will lead to swimmers’ graduation from this lesson program. Upon “graduation” swimmers and their families will also have the option to continue with DCAC swimming by joining our “DCAC Pre-Team” program. Criteria for Advancement: Marlins will master both freestyle (bi-lateral breathing) and backstroke swimming (finishing on to the wall on their backs). Marlins will advance to the next level (DCAC Pre-Team) when they can swim at least a 50 yard freestyle (no time standard), at least a 50 yard backstroke, and are able to tread water for at least 1 minute in the deep end of the pool. Skills to Learn Advancement Criteria Front Kick/Back Kick kickboard and streamline Side Kick (both sides) kickboard and no floatation Dolphin Kick (stomach & back) Consistent bilateral side breathing (freestyle) – increasing distance Basics of Backstroke (drills will improve this technique) Jump in from side of the pool (shallow, deep end, and diving well) Beginnings of diving (seated & kneeling dives from the side of pool) Practice treading water in deep end Streamline Kick (width of big pool) stomach and back 50 yards Slide Kick (width of big pool) both sides, without aid/a board 50 yards Freestyle w/proper side breathing (width of big pool) 50 yards Backstroke with stroke count into the wall (and/or backstroke flipturn) 50 yards Tread water for at least 1:00 “We had been doing swim lessons through a franchise for a few years and we were looking for something different. We were excited to see DCAC was offering swim lessons and decided to give it a try. We like that they were flexible and personalized to different abilities. Another bonus was that lessons were taught by DCAC swimmers, and the coaches were also involved and provided encouragement. It was a great experience that gave our little guy the confidence he needed to join DCAC swim team.” - summer 2022 swim lesson parent