Niles Park District is excited to offer our Learn to Swim lesson program.  This program is designed for children of all ages and abilities.  Students work toward the development of five core swim competencies.  As they progress, they will be one step closer in becoming a profecient swimmer.  The levels are used to divide students into broad ability groups.  Children progress at individual rates with the opportunity to learn the core swimming skills and progress to advanced strokes.  Learning is self-paced but challenging.  Please read the level descriptions and sign up your student for the lowest level that teaches the skill your child needs assistance in.  If inclement weather cancels a lesson Monday thru Thursday, a make-up will be offered at the same time on Friday of that week.  No lessons July 1-4.

Please have your child come with a swimsuit, towel, goggles, and a swim diaper if necessary.  The swim lesson coordinator holds the right to switch swimmers into the appropriate level if they do not meet the pre-requisite skills.

Register for lessons at the Howard Leisure Center, 6676 W. Howard St.

LEVEL 1- Ages 5 & Up

Pre-requisite: None, Ratio 1:6.  This level is designed to adjust children to the water.  This level will create a safe and fun environment for students to feel comfortable and excited to be in the water.  Skills taught include: bubbles, bobs, submerge face in water, safe water entry & exit, and water safety.  If the student is afraid of water, can not swim at all, and will not get their face wet, sign up for this level.

LEVEL 2- Ages 5 & Up

Pre-requisite: Pass Level 1, Ratio 1:6.  This level is designed to teach front and back floating and gliding with and without support.  If the student can not swim without support, but loves the water, will get their face wet, and will jump in, sign up for this level.

LEVEL 3- Ages 5 & Up

Pre-requisite: Pass Level 2, Ratio: 1:6.  This class is designed to teach forward movement and direction change.  The flutter kick combined with front and back floats will be perfected.  Front crawl and back stroke arm movements and rotary breathing will be introduced.  If the student can swim under water or on the surface, can get the occasional breath, and is not afraid, sign up for this level. 

LEVEL 4- Ages 6 & Up

Pre-requisite: Pass Level 3, Ratio 1:6.  This class is designed to teach and perfect body rotation and arm movements for the front crawl and back stroke.  This level will continue to combine floating, kicking, arm movements and breathing.  Elementary back stroke will be introduced.  On the completion of level 4, students will be able to swim the width of the pool.  The beginning techniques of treading water will also be introduced.  If the student can independently maintain a front and back float for 10 seconds, has the basic arm and head rotation, and can tread water for at least 15 seconds, sign up for this level.

LEVEL 5- Ages 6 & Up

Pre-requisite: Pass Level 4, Ratio 1:6.  This class is designed to integrate body movement and begin stroke development.  Rotary breathing will be refined, and students will begin to swim front crawl and back stroke the length of the pool.  The beginning techniques of diving and breaststrokes will also be introduced.  If the student can swim front crawl and back stroke for the width of the pool, sign them up for this level.

PRESCHOOL SWIM- Ages 3-5   

Pre-requisite: None, Ratio 1:4.  This class is designed to meet the needs of preschoolers.  This class will develop a high comfort in the water, a readiness to swim, and for those children who are developmentally ready, teach beginning swim skills.  This class will provide a variety of ways to have fun in the water through games and songs while in a safe environment.  This is an independent class; therefore no parent or caregiver should plan on being in the water.