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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.*
Schedule - 2023
2 Week Sessions: Monday - Thursday | 45 minute classes
Levels in red with strikethrough are FULL.
June 19 - 29 | Registration Deadline: June 15
Class | Time | Level | Pool |
---|---|---|---|
Class 1 | 9:00am | 1, 2, 3, 5/6 | Canterbury |
Class 2 | 10:00am | Parent-Child, 1, 2, 3 | Canterbury |
Class 3 | 11:00am | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Canterbury |
Class 4 | 5:00pm | Parent-Child, 1, 3 | Oakwood |
Class 5 | 6:00pm | Parent-Child, 1, 2, 3 | Oakwood |
Class 6 | 7:00pm | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Oakwood |
July 10 - 20 | Registration Deadline: July 6
Class | Time | Level | Pool |
---|---|---|---|
Class 7 | 9:00am | 1, 2, 4, 5/6 | Canterbury |
Class 8 | 10:00am | Parent-Child, 1, 2, 3, Adult | Canterbury |
Class 9 | 11:00am | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Canterbury |
Class 10 | 5:00pm | Parent-Child, 1, 3, 5/6 | Oakwood |
Class 11 | 6:00pm | Parent-Child, 1, 2, 3 | Oakwood |
Class 12 | 7:00pm | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Oakwood |
July 31 - Aug 10 | Registration Deadline: July 27
Class | Time | Level | Pool |
---|---|---|---|
Class 13 | 9:00am | 1, 2, 4, 5/6 | Canterbury |
Class 14 | 10:00am | Parent-Child, 1, 2, 3, Adult | Canterbury |
Class 15 | 11:00am | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Canterbury |
Class 16 | 5:00pm | Parent-Child, 1, 3, 5/6 | Oakwood |
Class 17 | 6:00pm | Parent-Child, 1, 2, 3 | Oakwood |
Class 18 | 7:00pm | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Oakwood |
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 weeks (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 weeks (based on availability).
Registration
Dates: Opens May 1 | See Schedule for Closing Deadlines
Registration: Online Link TBD
Fee: May (Early Bird): $80 | June: $90
Registration can be emailed to recreation@lakeridgeva.com with card payment made over the phone to (703) 491-2154, or form and check/money order payment dropped off in the Office drop box (12350 Oakwood Drive) or mailed to Recreation.
Late registrations not accepted. Refunds and changes will not be granted once registration has closed.
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.
Level Descriptions
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 (Recommended Age: 4 years old)
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 (16yrs.+)
Adult only classes will run if there is enough interest within the given session date.
Inquire with the Recreation Department to be added to the enrollment list.
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.
Rain-out Information
Rain-Out Line: (703) 497-7133
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 youth leagues.
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.
Weather 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.
Swim Team
Are your kids already proficient swimmers who are looking for a challenge? Check out the Ridgewood Barracudas, a non-Association affiliated league that practices and meets at our Ridgewood Pool.
Founded in 1974, the Ridgewood Barracudas have been an icon in the Lake Ridge Community. They continue to bring a fun and energetic approach to the Prince William Swim League. Each year they make it their mission to provide a fun, competitive and family centered environment that will inspire every swimmer.
Take a look at their website or facebook page to find out more about joining.