Swim Lessons

Valley Pond follows the Red Cross "Learn to Swim" program with WSI-certified swim instructors. We're too small to offer a standard four- to six-week swim lesson program, so all lessons are private, and parents may choose the number and frequency according to their family's schedule. Waterfront Director David Trant will adjust the schedule periodically based on staff and student interest as well as progress of current participants.

If you're unsure of you child's swim lesson level, that's completely fine — the instructor will figure that out during the first few minutes of the lesson and then begin teaching from wherever your child is at.

The link for 2026 swim lesson signup will appear below in June — keep checking back.

Fees

1–6 lessons: $42 per lesson per child
7–10 lessons: $38 per lesson per child
11 or more lessons: $33 per lesson per child

Parents will be billed by the Valley Pond bookkeeper when we conclude our swim lesson program as determined by availability of staff and student participation.

Swim lesson levels

Preschool Aquatics 1

Preschool aquatics will teach basic aquatics skills that children will continue to build on into the Learn to Swim levels. The instructors will encourage children to develop good attitudes and safe practices around the water. They will work on locomotion skills in the water and on using simultaneous and alternating arm and leg actions. Before moving to the Learn to Swim program, students should have more independence in the water. Designed for ages 3-5.

Preschool Aquatics 2

This level is meant for students who have limited experience in the water. PSA 2 introduces the most basic stroke mechanics and water skills. It continues to develop the child's comfort in the water.

Preschool Aquatics 3

This level is meant for students who are comfortable in the water and are working to pass the Red Test (see Swim Areas and Tests). In this level, we primarily focus on stroke development, floating and treading.

Learn to Swim Level 1

Learn to Swim Level 1 is for the beginner who's comfortable in the water. Swimmers learn basics of swimming: bobbing, going under water, supported front and back floating, supported rolling over from front to back and back to front, supported gliding, supported flutter kick, supported front crawl arms and jumping in.

Learn to Swim Level 2

This level is for students who have comfortably passed the Red Test. This level focuses mainly on breathing and stroke technique, endurance, and the introduction of breast stroke and backstroke mechanics.

Learn to Swim Level 3

This level is for those who are looking to work towards passing the White Test. This level refines stroke technique, furthers endurance, and introduces diving technique.

Learn to Swim Level 4

Level 4 is for those who have passed the white test, and want to continue refining technique and increasing endurance.

Learn to Swim Level 5

Level 5 looks to perfect technique and achieve maximum endurance. This is for the most advanced swimmers.