Summer Sessions

The American Red Cross Preschool Aquatic courses cater specifically to children aged 4 and 5, providing a structured environment to learn essential water safety and basic aquatic skills. These courses are divided into three progressive levels, ensuring that young swimmers build a solid foundation that prepares them for future participation in Learn-to-Swim classes. Sessions typically occur on Mondays and Wednesdays, comprising 8 lessons, each lasting 45 minutes. This format allows for consistent practice and reinforcement of skills, making swimming both enjoyable and educational for your little ones. 

Registration: Opens two weeks before each class

Dates: Weekdays, Monday through Thursday

Location: Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center at 410 W. Rainbow Blvd., Salida, CO.

Level 1 of the Learn to Swim program introduces participants to fundamental aquatic skills while fostering a positive attitude towards swimming and water safety. In this level, children begin to develop effective swimming habits and learn safe practices for being in and around water, laying the groundwork for more advanced skills in subsequent levels. Classes are typically held on Mondays and Wednesdays, consisting of 8 lessons, each lasting 45 minutes, providing a structured approach to help children build confidence and comfort in the water as they progress in their swimming journey.

Registration: Opens two weeks before each class

Dates: Weekdays, Monday through Thursday

Location: Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center at 410 W. Rainbow Blvd., Salida, CO.

Learn to Swim Level 2 focuses on helping participants achieve success with fundamental swimming skills, introducing true locomotion techniques. In this level, children learn to glide and float independently while also recovering to a vertical position. They further enhance their simultaneous and alternating arm and leg movements both on their front and back, establishing a solid foundation for future swimming strokes. Additionally, this level reinforces previously learned water safety knowledge while introducing new safety topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of water awareness. Classes are typically conducted on Mondays and Wednesdays, consisting of 8 lessons, each lasting 45 minutes.

Registration: Opens two weeks before each class

Dates: Weekdays, Monday through Thursday

Location: Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center at 410 W. Rainbow Blvd., Salida, CO.

Learn to Swim Level 3 aims to enhance participants' proficiency in previously learned skills through additional guided practice. In this level, children learn survival floating techniques and practice basic versions of the front crawl and elementary backstroke. They are introduced to the scissors and dolphin kicks, and the duration of treading water is extended to build endurance. Participants also learn rules regarding headfirst entries and begin practicing entering the water from a seated position at the poolside if the water depth is 9 feet or deeper. Consistent with all levels, water safety topics are highlighted, and those who successfully complete Level 3 will have achieved basic water competency in a pool environment. Classes are conducted typically on Mondays and Wednesdays, with 8 lessons lasting 45 minutes each.

Registration: Opens two weeks before each class

Dates: Weekdays, Monday through Thursday

Location: Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center at 410 W. Rainbow Blvd., Salida, CO.