Swimming Level Progressions

The Canby Swim Center will take a break from hosting Swim Lessons over the holiday season, November 2025 - February 2026.

Spring registration date is Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:00 am. Click HERE for more information. 

Starfish Aquatic Lesson Descriptions, Levels, & Program Descriptions 

StarBabies & StarTots (6 to 36 months old)

This course aims to foster a high comfort level in the water for very young children while also training parents and caregivers in water safety and drowning prevention. This course does not teach children to become accomplished swimmers or to survive in the water; it does provide a confidence-building, fun, and loving experience. Swimmers will progress through all the colors as they gain confidence and mobility through the water. 

Swim School: White/Red/Yellow/Blue/Green (3-5 years old) & (6+ years old)

Students work toward developing the five core swimming competencies and receive color stage awards for each achievement. The color stages are used to divide students into broad ability groups. Children progress at individual rates with the opportunity to learn core swimming skills and progress to advanced strokes. Learning is self-paced but challenging. 

Stage White: Trust and Submersion

Swim Skill: Always ask permission before getting in the water. Assisted submersion, relaxed for 5 seconds, and then came up to breathe. 

Stage Red: Body Position and Air Recovery

Swim Skill: Jump in, submerge, recover for air, and roll on back for 5 seconds in swimwear and in regular clothes. 

Stage Yellow: Submersion

Swim Skill: Jump in, submerge, recover for air, forward movement 10 feet, change direction, and return to the wall in swimwear and regular clothes. 

Stage Blue: Body Rotation

Swim Skill: Tread water for 15 seconds. Jump in, submerge, recover to the side glide position, and kick 10 feet. 

Stage Green: Integrated Movement

Swim Skill: Survival float and tread water for 30 seconds. Then, start in glide and swim freestyle 30 feet with a 1-2-3 breath pattern. 

Stroke School (6+ years) 

Students refine their freestyle and backstroke while gradually learning butterfly, breaststroke, and other advanced strokes. Classes focus on proper technique, body position, breathing, and stroke efficiency. Swimmers practice drills to improve endurance, strength, and coordination, while building confidence and comfort in the water. Each session is designed to challenge students, helping them progress toward more advanced skills and competitive-ready strokes.

Penguin Club (6+ years old) - Spring & Summer Season Only

Penguin Club is a City-run pre–swim team program designed for children who are ready to take their swimming skills to the next level but are not yet on a competitive swim team. It focuses on building strong technique, endurance, and water confidence in a fun, structured environment.

Program Overview:

• Children refine and perfect all four competitive strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
• Participants learn essential swim team skills, including reading and using a pace clock, racing starts, and flip and open turns.
• The program emphasizes endurance, stroke technique, and overall water safety while keeping the experience fun and engaging.
• Classes often include drills, skill-building exercises, and water games to reinforce learning in an enjoyable way.

Who Should Join:
Penguin Club is ideal for children who can:

• Swim a minimum of 25 yards freestyle with proper side breathing
• Swim backstroke with feet at the surface
• Have passed Stroke School level

Children who need a swim evaluation can contact the pool staff prior to enrollment.

Goal:
The ultimate goal of Penguin Club is to prepare swimmers to transition confidently into a competitive swim team, giving them the skills, endurance, and technique they need to succeed while fostering a love for the sport.

Adult Lessons (15+ years old) - Fall & Spring Season Only

Designed for adults who are new to swimming or want to build confidence in the water, these classes provide personalized instruction in a supportive environment. An instructor is in the water to guide skill development, ensure safety, and help you progress at your own pace. Classes are offered at beginner and intermediate levels.