Swim Lessons
Program
The Lake Ridge "Learn to Swim" Program models itself after Red Cross. We have a variety of times and levels to choose from to accommodate your summer schedule.
The student-to-instructor ratio is a maximum of 6-1, or 9-1 plus 1 aide. Instructors will assess students on the first day of lessons and adjust their class level if they see fit.
*Pools are open only to participants of the swim lesson program during these times. Once lessons are over, lifeguards require participants to clear the pool and check-in as normal for members-only regular pool hours.*
Location
- Morning Classes - Canterbury Pool (122184 Chaucer Ln.)
- Evening Classes - Oakwood Pool (12619 Oakwood Dr.)
Schedule - Summer 2023
Sessions are 2 weeks long, Monday-Thursday, and each day of class is 45 minutes in length.
Session Dates: June 19-29 | July 10-20 | July 31-Aug 10
Time | Level | Pool |
---|---|---|
9:00am | 1, 2, 3, 5/6 | Canterbury |
10:00am | Parent-Child, 1, 2, 3, Adult | Canterbury |
11:00am | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Canterbury |
5:00pm | Parent-Child, 1, 3, 5/6 | Oakwood |
6:00pm | Parent-Child, 1, 2, 3 | Oakwood |
7:00pm | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Oakwood |
Rain-Out Information
Rain-Out Line: (703) 389-5336 *New Number - April 2023*
Since the weather is always changing, the Rain-Out Line is your best tool to check cancellation status. It is updated approximately 30 minutes before each session if there have been any changes. Please listen to the date of the message to ensure it is not an old recording, and save the number in your phone to reference for both swim lessons and sports.
With safety and fairness as our priorities, we do our best to fit in classes whenever there are any breaks in the weather and the 45-minute thunder/lightning pool closure rule is not in effect.
Make-Up: Fridays are make-up days for classes that were rained out, or time may be added on to the end of class throughout the week. The Rain-Out Line will reflect updated make-up information as needed.
Contact Us
For more information, email or call the Recreation Department at (703) 491-2154.
Registration - Summer 2023
Registration Period: Opens May 1 | Closes Thursday Prior to Start of Each Class
Ages: 6 months - Adult
Fee: Per participant:
- Early Price (May): $80
- Price (June, July): $90
Sign Up: Sign up *online* through our Recreation payment system, CivicRec! Create an account with all participating members of your household for future activity registration, or sign into your existing account and select the activity:
Activities that are FULL online will not allow you to add them to your cart. Spaces are limited, so register early!
Late registrations not accepted. | Refunds and changes will not be granted once registration has closed.
Level Descriptions
If a significant amount of time has passed since your child completed their last class, we suggest repeating their most recent level as a refresher. The goal is for your child to have mastery over each level before they move on to the next.
Parent-Child
Object:
Build swimming readiness by emphasizing fun in the water; water exploration
Prerequisite:
Parent/Guardian MUST be present for participation (Recommended Age: 6 months - 5 years old)
Course Covers:
- guided practice sessions that help children learn elementary skills
Level 1: Water Exploration
Object:
Help students feel comfortable in the water and enjoy the water safely
Prerequisite:
Be in the water independently and follow instructions (Minimum Age: 4 yrs)
Course Covers:
- supported floating and kicking on front and back
- alternating arm action
- water safety rules
- fundamentals of using a life jacket
Level 2: Primary Skills
Object:
Give students success with fundamental skills
Prerequisite:
Demonstrate all requirements of Level 1 and swim independently
Course Covers:
- floating and kicking on front and back
- turning over front and back
- reaching and extension assists
- familiarity with rescue breathing
Level 3: Stroke Readiness
Object:
To build on the skills of Level 2 by providing additional guided practice
Prerequisite:
Demonstrate all requirements of Level 2
Course Covers:
- fundamentals of elementary backstroke
- improving on front crawl
- intro to flutter, scissors, dolphin and breaststroke kicks
- intro to jumping into deep water with a life jacket
- intro to diving from side of pool
- intro to treading water
- intro to self-rescue skills
- intro to rescue breathing
Level 4: Stroke Development
Object:
Develop confidence and competency in strokes and safety beyond preceding level
Prerequisite:
Demonstrate all requirements of Level 3
Course Covers:
- front crawl and elementary backstroke demonstrated over a greater distance
- building on scissors kick and dolphin kick while introducing arms for side stroke and butterly
- treading water for 2 minutes
- deep water bobbing
- diving from side of pool from stride and standing positions
- breaststroke
- sidestroke
- familiarity with CPR
Level 5: Stroke Refinement
Object:
Develop confidence and competency in strokes and safety beyond preceding level
Prerequisite:
Demonstrate all requirements of Level 4-- Elementary backstroke and butterfly are expected to be demonstrated with better proficiency over longer distances
Course Covers:
- rotary (alternate) breathing
- swimming under water
- butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and front crawl
- treading water for 5 minutes
- open turns on front and back
- diving safely
- beginning diving progression from diving board (optional)
Level 6: Skill Proficiency
Object:
Refine strokes so students swim with better form, more power and with ease and efficiency over longer distances
Prerequisite:
Show proficiency in diving
Course Covers:
- non-stop 500 yard swim
Adult Class
Minimum Age: 16 yrs
Adult only classes will run if there is enough interest within the given session date.
Adults also have the option of taking the standard level classes along with the children if they desire.
What to Bring
Come prepared in a swimsuit with towel, sunscreen and optional goggles. A long-sleeved swim shirt is recommended for young swimmers, especially babies as the water is still very cold during morning sessions. Baby swimmers who are not potty trained must wear a swim diaper.
Withdrawals & Changes
Withdrawal: Prior to close of registration, a refund of the program cost minus $10.00 processing fee will be granted with written email request to recreation@lakeridgeva.com. Refunds will not be granted once registration has closed.
Rescheduling: Prior to close of registration, a $10.00 fee per week, per participant will be charged to change dates for registered activities (based on availability).
Sickness: If a child falls sick after close of registration, a doctor's note must be provided and a $10.00 fee per week, per participant will be charged to change dates for registered activities (based on availability).