Beginner Swim Program: Skills, Objectives & Planning

Comprehensive Beginner Swim Program

Beginners should follow a comprehensive training program consisting of two stages.¹³

Stage 1: Foundational Aquatic Skills

In the first stage, six basic skills are taught:

• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Balances
• Glides
• Locomotion
• Respiration

Stage 2: Stroke Technique and Refinement

In the second stage, the objective is to learn the technique of each swimming stroke, along with their regulation starts and turns.¹⁴

Overall Program Aims

• Familiarization with the aquatic environment
• Development of hygienic habits
• Enhancement of movement skills
• Improvement of overall fitness
• Learning basic crawl and backstroke techniques
• Understanding butterfly and breaststroke concepts

Specific Learning Objectives

Technical Objectives¹⁵

• Improve overall fitness
• Enhance base speed
• Improve base resilience
• Increase muscular endurance

Physical Development Goals¹⁶

• Cultivate habits of attendance and punctuality
• Develop willpower and perseverance
• Enhance frustration tolerance
• Improve self-image through goal achievement

Behavioral Development Goals¹⁷

• Establish health and hygiene habits
• Meet and interact with new peers
• Encourage solidarity in achieving common goals
• Accept others with their differences and similarities

Educational and Social Goals¹⁸

These goals are typically integrated throughout the program structure and activities.

Swim School Planning Factors

• Determine school dates
• Appoint director, coordinator, and teachers
• Define learning levels
• Establish class schedule
• Plan advertising
• Organize registration
• Conduct diagnostic tests

Swim School Timelines and Structure

Total Period of the School

Duration of Each Course

Class Duration Options

• Annual
• Semiannual
• Holiday Season
• Monthly
• Fortnightly
• Every 10 days

Class Frequency and Length

• Every other day
• Everyday
• Session Lengths: 60 min. / 45 min. / 30 min.²⁰

Marketing and Promotion Strategies²¹

• Internal and external dissemination
• TV channels and radio stations
• Posters
• Flyers
• Brochures
• Banners/Canvas signs
• Posters (additional placements or types)
• Campaigns (e.g., bring-a-friend)

Coordinator Key Responsibilities

• Manage primary office hours
• Oversee technical and organizational progress
• Provide technical assistance to teachers
• Identify course needs
• Offer support and information to parents
• Conduct assessments (e.g., diagnostic tests)
• Organize student groups
• Supervise staff
• Manage tuition and enrollment