The Red Cross Swim programs use continuous evaluation, a process of constantly monitoring the progress of each child and recording an item as complete when the child meets the minimum standards for that item. The continuous evaluation allows the focus to remain on the individual child at all times instead of applying a standard test for all swimmers at the end of each level.
Our Certified Instructors recognize each swimmer’s needs and abilities, consider the steps required to improve his or her performance, and provide opportunities for each swimmer to be included in every activity to the best of his or her ability. Your child will be constantly challenged to learn and develop skills and will continually improve throughout the lessons.
Red Cross Swim is a comprehensive swimming and water safety continuum. Each year our program is taught to 1.2 million Canadians, making it the largest swimming program in Canada.
Swimming is a fundamental movement skill that builds overall motor skills. Children need to develop these foundational skills as part of long-term athletic development.
Participating in Red Cross Swim lessons will assist your child to master the fundamentals of agility, balance, coordination, speed, and rhythmic movement. These skills will prepare your child for a future active lifestyle.
- Health Canada considers swimming to be one of the key physical skills. From a fitness perspective, swimming is a complete physical activity that engages all muscle groups and helps develop strong bodies, good posture, endurance, and flexibility. There is also a low risk of injury when swimming since there is minimal stress on bones and joints. Therefore, many athletes augment their training with swimming.
- Among the most notable health benefits, swimming helps improve circulation and respiration (i.e., it improves the body’s use of oxygen without overworking the heart) and, as a stress reducer, it has an overall feel-good effect on the mind and body. As a regular activity, it also helps manage weight.
- Swimming opens the doorway to a lifetime of complementary aquatic activities and sports such as synchronized swimming, speed swimming, water polo, diving, and surfing.
- Swimming is a skill that can save lives — Your own and others if in a distress situation.
- Swimming is simply a fun recreational activity that individuals and families alike can enjoy.
All of the above make us consider swimming as a fundamental skill that every individual should master.
Program Goals
Red Cross Swim PreschoolChildren ages four months to six years old and their parents or caregivers. |
*For every child and caregiver in the program to have fun, play, learn introductory swimming skills, and learn how to stay safe in, on, and around the water. *Create a nurturing, positive environment that promotes learning. *Reinforce the importance of play as a learning tool for this age group. * Encourage the use of songs, games, and a variety of stimulating equipment and toys to enhance learning. |
Red Cross Swim Kids Program Goals Children ages five and older. Most swimmers will complete all levels by age 12 if they take lessons regularly. |
* For school-aged children to learn five basic swimming strokes and how to stay safe in, on, and around water. * Build swimming ability and strokes through a series of progressions. *Enhance learning through discovery and games and encourage active participation in the water. * Create a positive learning environment by helping swimmers progress and achieve personal bests. |
Red Cross Swim @ School
School-aged children six |
* Offer schools a learn-to-swim program that meets the educational curriculum for fitness and education programs, and fits school timetables. * Encourage all participants to learn swimming skills and water safety. * Create a positive learning environment that allows participants of all levels of ability to participate. *Promote fitness and basic safety skills and knowledge |
Red Cross Swim Program for Adults and TeensAdults and teens who want to learn to swim, improve their swimming skills, or try aquatic sports. |
*Develop swimming skills by introducing aquatic activities and sports according to each swimmer’s interests and ability. * Provide water safety skills and knowledge according to each swimmer’s interests and ability. *Create a positive learning environment by helping swimmers set and achieve personal goals. *Provide encouragement and flexible opportunities for swimmers to continue enjoying aquatic activities. |