Dexter Community Education

Little Piranhas Swim Lessons program is designed, managed, and run by the Dexter Community Aquatics Club (DCAC). 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. How It Works: Sign up for your preferred time slot. Arrive 15 minutes early to your first lesson so your swimmer can be sorted into the right level! If you have questions, contact Murphy Hansen at operations@dcacswimming.org Level 1: Guppy Course Description: Our Guppy group is perfect for brand new swimmers and those that may have some lesson experience previously or through another organization. Guppies is also a great place for nervous swimmers because our instructors will help swimmers at this level adapt to and build their confidence in the water! Criteria for Advancement: Guppies will advance to Level 2: Clownfish when they can confidently leave the wall gliding (in a streamline), enter the floating position and hold that float for at least 5 seconds, and recover on their own. 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. Criteria for Advancement: Clownfish will advance to the final lesson group in the Little Piranhas Swim Lesson program by using these more advanced water skills to make it across the pool (width of the shallow end of Wylie’s large pool) without the need for any equipment. Level 3: Marlin Course Description: Clownfish will advance to the final lesson group in the Little Piranhas Swim Lesson program by using these more advanced water skills to make it across the pool (width of the shallow end of Wylie’s large pool) without the need for any equipment. 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. “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