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New in 2026!
MINNOWS
This level is designed for swimmers who are still new to swim. At the start of the season, caregivers join swimmers in the water and as lessons progress, swimmers gain confidence working independently with the instructor. Through play, routine, and relationship-centered instruction, swimmers continue to build foundational water safety + swim skills, while focusing on gaining the independence to start independent beginner swim lessons.
Is This Level Right For My Swimmer?
This level may be a great fit if your swimmer:
✓ Is ready for learning beginner swim skills
✓ needs extra support participating in independent lessons (due to fear of separating from caregivers, difficulty following safety instructions, still developing key motor skills
Minnows are:
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2y-3y
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already able to follow simple instructions
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building up their strength to kick + scoop
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ready to start learning to submerge underwater
Group lesson format only (3:1)
Caregiver must be ready join swimmer as "parent + me" is faded out through the season
Minnow Skills
• Safe pool entry + exit
• Intro to nose bubbles, full submersions + streamline foundations
• Gradual shift from parent + me to solo skill work with an instructor
• Foundational kicking, scooping, floating skills
• Intro to entering recovery back float from front crawl
• Engagement + participation in independent lesson structure
In MINNOW lessons, pool + water safety + foundational swim skills are reinforced, as swimmers gain confidence to participate in all lesson activities and skill practice with the instructor. They gain capacity to engage without caregiver support in the swim lesson routine, encouraged by a small group of same-level swimmers! in a fun, social group lesson format. Swimmers build confidence to leave their caregivers poolside + lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of swim!
What Success Looks Like
Swimmers become more confident engaging in swim lessons, demonstrating grasp of the routine, activities and key safety and swimming skills.
What's Next?
Once swimmers demonstrate confidence to engage in independent lessons with the instructor, they may progress to beginner skills in the Tadpole class.
PRO TIPS
If your baby shark gets water up their nose, encourage them to blow the water out like they’re blowing into a tissue. Maintaining a calm composure is the key to de-escalating this uncomfortable sensation for them. They may also benefit from a distraction after this as well as they get regulated and ready to try again!
STAY CALM
Prime your swimmer by letting them know what to expect before arriving at the pool.
Communicate with instructors or Admin for support to build smooth transitions.
GAME PLAN + COMMUNICATE
Change + use restroom, apply sunscreen before coming to the lesson
ARRIVE EARLY
Incentives can be used as a tool to motivate successful lesson completion.
ICENTIVIZE AS NEEEDED