Youth Swim Lessons

Starfish: For Children Ages 3+ New to Swimming

Test Starfish is designed for swimmers aged 3 and older who may be new to the water, feeling nervous, or simply need to build foundational understanding of water safety and survival. Whether hesitant or enthusiastic, swimmers in this level learn to respect and respond to the water through guided instruction, observation, and teamwork. Our trained instructors meet each child where they are, using age-appropriate methods to build trust, confidence, and comfort. Lessons focus on essential survival skills such as back floating and full submersion, preparing swimmers for more advanced levels.

5 Goals of Starfish

1. Water acclimation
2. No tears, no fear
3. Independent back float
4. Independent jump from wall with submersion
5. Independence in the swim ring

Minnow: For Children Ages 3+ Who Are Ready to Begin Learning Water Survival

Skills

Minnow is a survival-focused level where swimmers participate in a full 30-minute class dedicated to practicing essential self-rescue techniques. Key skills include back floating, rolling over after submersion, and safely returning to the wall. While taught in a group setting, instructors provide individualized attention during each swimmer’s turn, tailoring instruction to their specific point in the progression. Lessons are engaging yet purposeful, building water confidence, body control, and the independence needed for real-world aquatic safety.

5 Goals of Minnow

1. Safe entry/safe exit
2. Jump in, rollover and float for 20 seconds independently
3. Independent glide back to the wall
4. Elementary backstroke for 10 cycles
5. Swordfish start, push glide from wall into a rollover. Back float for 20 seconds.

Turtle 1: For Children Ages 3+ Who Are Comfortable in the Water and Ready to Develop Stroke and Safety Techniques

Turtle 1 is the final level in our survival swim progression and marks a major milestone in each swimmer’s journey. In this level, swimmers are introduced to key stroke foundations—including freestyle, backstroke, and an introduction to breaststroke—while continuing to reinforce core survival skills like swim-roll-swim and independent floating. Lessons combine endurance, technique, and water safety, with instructors focusing on both individual needs and group progression. Upon graduation, swimmers are celebrated as “safer swimmers” and ready to shift focus toward becoming stronger, more skilled swimmers in the next levels.

5 Goals of Turtle 1

1. Streamline with flutter kick independently
2. Swim-roll-swim to safety
3. Independently swim 10 yards or 10 cycles of beginner backstroke with arms out
4. Independently swim 10 yards or 10 cycles of beginner freestyle with arms out
5. Demonstrate breathing on the side

Scheduling

With our current operating days being Friday, Saturday, and Sundays, we have provided a starting schedule for the program.  Please note that these classes and times are subject to change based on popularity of enrollment, and the number of children moving up each week and month.  Also please be aware that these classes are not offered exclusively to Gladstone residents.  There are 96 potential enrollments for these classes offered, and a minimum of 50 Gladstone residents enrolled is required. 

Class Schedule Fridays

Class Schedule Saturdays/Sundays

Swim Lessons at 24 Hour Fitness - Gladstone | British Swim School of Southeast Portland