Swimming Ideas Level Structure
Seven levels from the Level Structure course. Exact testable skills — the source of truth is swimminglessonsideas.com.
Quick Reference
| Level | Typical Age | Ratio | Core Focus | Testable Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Adult & Infant | 6mo–3yr | 1:10 | Water introduction with parent in water | 5 skills |
| 2Guppies | 2–4yr | 1:5 | Independent beginner — first group class | 5 skills |
| 3Level 1 | 2+ | 1:5 | Going underwater and supported floats | 4 skills |
| 4Level 2 | 3+ | 1:5 | Streamlines, front crawl, and back crawl | 4 skills |
| 5Level 3 | 4–5+ | 1:5 | Breathing, breaststroke, and butterfly foundations | 5 skills |
| 6Level 4 | 5+ | 1:5 | Distance, competitive skills, and individual medley | 6 skills |
| 7Developmental Swim Team | 8–18yr | Varies | Competitive training without pressure | 5 skills |
Adult & Infant: 1:10 ratio. Guppies–Level 4: 1:5 max. Ages are guideposts, not hard rules — place swimmers by skill, not age.
Adult & Infant
Level 1 of 7Water introduction with parent in water
A parent or guardian is in the water with the infant for the entire class. Focus: water acclimation, comfort, and safety. Songs, games, and gentle guided movements. The adult learns to hold, support, and guide. Predictability is good — same songs and activities build familiarity.
Testable Skills
From the Level Structure course — these are the official skills tested for this level.
- Water comfort
- Supported front glides
- Supported back glides
- Scooping
- Games, Songs, Splashing
Prerequisites
None. Adult must be in the water.
Also Taught In This Level
- · Songs and structured play
- · Parent education on holds and supports
- · Fish face and sound-making
Guppies
Level 2 of 7Independent beginner — first group class
For young swimmers ready to leave parents and join a group. Emphasis on fun, safety, and building confidence through routine. Skills introduced through play. Must be comfortable separating from parent for the full class.
Testable Skills
From the Level Structure course — these are the official skills tested for this level.
- Alligator walk
- Lay flat on your back in zero-depth water with ears underwater.
- Follow instructions and play a three step game like "Treasure Hunt."
- Be a part of a group activity like Bake a Cake
- Independent water exploration in chest deep water with supervision
Prerequisites
Age 2–4. Can separate from parent without crying or clinging. Ready for group participation.
Also Taught In This Level
- · Basic water safety rules
- · Responding to instructor cues
- · Taking turns in a group
Level 1
Level 3 of 7Going underwater and supported floats
Foundation of independent swimming. Swimmers put their face underwater without assistance, recover to standing, and float with support. Every skill builds trust — demonstrate first, then let them try.
Testable Skills
From the Level Structure course — these are the official skills tested for this level.
- Go underwater unassisted.
- Supported Front Glide with face in the water.
- Supported back float with ears in the water.
- Go underwater and stand up on own.
Prerequisites
Comfortable separating from parent. Willing to put face in water.
Also Taught In This Level
- · Retrieve rings from shallow bottom
- · Flutter kick with support
- · Basic breath control (bobs)
Level 2
Level 4 of 7Streamlines, front crawl, and back crawl
Swimmers learn streamline as their default body position. Front crawl and back crawl arm movements introduced over 3–5 body lengths using the Rotation Method.
Testable Skills
From the Level Structure course — these are the official skills tested for this level.
- Streamline 3 body lengths on both front and back (back can be in soldier).
- Streamline and then front crawl arms for 5 body lengths (total).
- Streamline and then back crawl arms for 5 body lengths.
- Introduced to fly kick.
Prerequisites
Can go underwater unassisted. Can float on front and back with minimal support.
Also Taught In This Level
- · Sitting dive
- · Position 11 drill
- · Flutter kick refinement
- · Front crawl 8 meters with breathing
- · Back crawl 8 meters with body at surface
Level 3
Level 5 of 7Breathing, breaststroke, and butterfly foundations
Swimmers extend front/back crawl to 8 meters with body at surface. Breaststroke and butterfly foundations introduced as isolated body motions and arm patterns — not full strokes yet.
Testable Skills
From the Level Structure course — these are the official skills tested for this level.
- Front crawl 8 meters with breathing
- Back crawl 8 meters with body at surface
- Demonstrate "11, Eat, 11"
- Demonstrate Breaststroke Kick on edge
- Demonstrate Butterfly Arms
Prerequisites
Can swim 5 body lengths front crawl and back crawl independently. Comfortable in deep water.
Also Taught In This Level
- · Kneeling dive
- · Tread water 30 seconds
- · Elementary backstroke introduction
Level 4
Level 6 of 7Distance, competitive skills, and individual medley
Endurance and stroke refinement. 50-meter continuous swims. Breaststroke and butterfly progress from isolated skills to full strokes. Flip turns, open turns, and standing dives expected.
Testable Skills
From the Level Structure course — these are the official skills tested for this level.
- Front crawl 20 meters with bilateral breaths.
- Back crawl 20 meters with body in soldier.
- Do: 3 x SL + (1 x (11, Eat, 11) + 1 BR K + Glide in 11)
- Streamline + 2 full Breaststroke strokes
- Streamline + 2 strokes Fly w/ breath on #2
- Swim 50 meters Front or Back Crawl
Prerequisites
Can swim 20 meters front crawl and back crawl. Can demonstrate breaststroke and butterfly foundations.
Also Taught In This Level
- · Flip turns
- · Open turns for breaststroke and butterfly
- · Standing dive
- · 100+ yard continuous swim mixing strokes
Developmental Swim Team
Level 7 of 7Competitive training without pressure
Bridge between lessons and competitive swimming. Structured practice plans: warm-up (get in and go, Position 11, question of the day), drill sets, main sets, cool-down. Practice 4–5 days/week with no required minimums.
Testable Skills
From the Level Structure course — these are the official skills tested for this level.
- Position 11 and Streamline daily drill (2 x 25 SL + Position 11)
- Get in and go warmup
- Question of the Day
- Short distance skill training
- Aerobic conditioning sets
Prerequisites
Level 4 completion or equivalent. Can swim 25 yards in at least two strokes. Minimum 5 years old.
Also Taught In This Level
- · Race starts and finishes
- · Relay exchanges
- · Dryland training routine
- · Two practice levels: Minnows 1 (286 plans) & Sharks 2 (130 plans)
The Complete Progression Path
Swimmers advance when they demonstrate the testable skills — not by age or time in the program.