SHAPE Swim Lessons

We are currently in search of an instructor.

SHAPE offers weekly swim lessons throughout the school year, on Thursday evenings and Saturday late afternoon/evenings starting in the fall and ending in April. Participants must register and pay for the entire session and prior to or the first class, and checks should be made out to the instructor for the full amount. Lessons take place in 30 minute blocks/lessons. Each session is typically 6-8 weeks, depending on timing of the Vermont State University semester. Classes are taught by a Certified American Red Cross swim instructor.

Missed classes will not be made up unless class is cancelled due instructor, illness, or weather.

Class space is limited to 6 participants with a minimum or 4, and levels may be combined if the minimum number of participants is not met. Reserve a spot in class by calling the SHAPE manager, Leah, at 728-1584. If you don't know your child's swim level, use your best guess based on the information below. The instructor will place your child in the correct level if necessary after the first lesson.

For specific information not shown below, or to reserve your place in class, call 728-1584 or e-mail leah.gifford@vermontstate.edu. 

                                   Saturday class times:

SWIM LESSON CLASS FEES:                                    

 *Classes are free for VTC student

SWIM LESSON CLASS LEVELS

NOTE: It is common for students to continue in the same level for mutiple sessions. On the last day of class, certificates will be awarded indicating the instructor's assessment of the child's swim level at that time.

Parent/Child Aquatics: For kids under 5, Helps young children feel comfortable in the water, getting their face wet and being in a horizontal position. Adult must be in the water with the child. 

Level 1 : Introduction to Water Skills. Purpose: Helps children: be comfortable in water alone, submerge face, learn floats with support, understand basic stroke actions. Must be at least 5 years old AND have completed Kindergarten (for summer session). Children under 5 may be approved for this class if they can listen to instruction and follow class rules on their own.

Level 2 : Fundamental Aquatic Skills. Purpose: Gives students success with fundamental skills. Learn beginning command of front crawl and back stroke, floats and treading water. Begin learning proper breathing techniques and kicks.

Level 3 : Stroke Development. Purpose: Build on the skills learned in Level 2 by providing additional guided practice. Introduces formal strokes. Learn good command of front crawl, elementary backstroke, backstroke, breathing technique and kicks. Students will be introduced to breaststroke, butterfly and various kick techniques.

Level 4 : Stroke Improvement. Purpose: Develops confidence in the strokes learned and improves other aquatic skills. Students have firm command of front crawl, elementary backstroke, backstroke, breathing technique and kicks. Beginning command of breaststroke, butterfly and various kick techniques.

Level 5 : Stroke Refinement. Purpose: Provide further coordination and refinement of strokes. Command of crawl, backstroke, breathing technique and kicks, as well as breaststroke, butterfly and various kick techniques.

Level 6 : Swimming and Skill Proficiency. Refines the strokes so students swim with ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over greater distances. Four different specialties are available within this level: Personal Water Safety, Lifeguard Readiness, Fitness Swimmer and Fundamentals of Diving.

Teen/Adult: For teens and adult beginners, to learn how to swim safely, or who want to improve their stroke technique. Teens/adults who can swim and want to improve their stroke and/or fitness may sign up for the appropriate swim level.