(formerly known as Learn to Swim)

Dive into the world of swimming excellence with ACST!

Discover the perfect introduction to competitive swimming with Developmental Swim - our personalized one-on-one lessons tailored for beginners who are already comfortable in the water. These sessions cater to individuals eager to learn competitive strokes, those exploring the world of swimming without committing to a full competitive group, and athletes preparing to embark on a competitive swimming journey. Each session offers a unique opportunity for athletes to engage in 20 minute, one-on-one training with a dedicated instructor, three days a week (typically on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Please note that session days are subject to change based on pool availability.

PREREQUISITES:

• 4 to 12 years old
• Comfortable in the water (no crying or screaming) must be willing to get in the water without hanging onto the instructor
• Must be able and willing to hold onto the wall, or sit on the side of the pool while the instructor is working with another swimmer.

SWIMMERS WILL LEARN TO:

• submerge mouth, eyes and nose
• exhale under water
• float on front
• float on back
• roll from front to back
• flutter kick with a kick board
• flutter kick streamline on back
• basic freestyle stroke cycle
• basic backstroke stroke cycle
• jump into pool, turn around, swim back to the wall and climb out of pool on own
• streamline on front and back off wall
• breathing to the side
• swim using alternating arm and leg actions unsupported
• learn to swim 25 yards (pool length) both freestyle and backstroke

HOW TO REGISTER: 

Email: Developmentalregistrar@acstswim.org with your preference of session time.

Session 1: 5:30pm to 5:50pm

Session 2: 5:50pm to 6:10pm

Session 3: 6:10pm to 6:30pm

Note: Developmental Swim is an exciting fun program and is often heavily booked. Swimmers will be enrolled until all development slots are full. Once full, additional swimmers will be placed on a waiting list and moved into the active group as soon as an opening is available.

How does the Developmental Swim program work? Our Developmental Swim program is a week-to-week program for children to grow more comfortable in the water and to start learning the basic swim strokes; freestyle (crawl) and backstroke. Lessons are one-on-one with one of our high school swim team members.

How much will it cost for my child to participate? The weekly lesson fee is $60 (3 sessions of 20 minutes each) and is to be paid at the first point of contact at the pool by credit card. This will usually be on Monday. Payments must be made before swimmers enter the water.  

How will I know when my child is ready to move up to the next group? At the end of each session, the instructors will evaluate the swimmer's progress and make recommendation on whether or not they are ready to join our competitive program. 

Will my child receive an evaluation from his instructor at the end of the session? Not every session. If you have questions regarding your child’s progress, please see the Lead Development Coach or Board Member at the check-in table. When your swimmer is ready to move to the competitive team, a Board Member will contact you.

What is required for my child to join the competitive team? In order to join the competitive team, your swimmer must demonstrate the ability to swim all 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke continuously. The freestyle swim will include side breathing.

What if my child is recommended to move to the competitive team and we are not interested in joining the competitive team? Can my child continue swimming in the Developmental Swim program? There is limited space available in the Developmental Swim program, once it is recommended that your child is ready to move to the competitive team they will no longer be able to participate in the Developmental Swim program. If participation on a competitive team is not something your child is ready or interested in pursuing, there may be other local programs available that would allow them the opportunity to continue swimming.

What if we are unable to attend several practices during a particular session? The Developmental Swim program is a week-to-week program and therefore you are free to decide to participate or not. Swimmers who choose to not attend can reapply by emailing developmentalregistrar@acstswim.org and join the next available session or waitlist.

Will my child be expected to participate in meets? Swimmers participating in the Developmental Swim program will not be permitted to participate in competitive swim meets. In order to participate in a meet, the swimmer must be covered by USA Swimming membership insurance.

What is the process to sign-up for the Developmental Swim program?  You can register your swimmer(s) by emailing: Developmentalregistrar@acstswim.org with your preference of session time. Returning swimmers will have an opportunity to sign up for the next session once the registration has been opened. If you are unsure if your swimmer will be advancing to the Competitive Team, please contact Developmentalregistrar@acstswim.org

Who do I contact for more information on the Developmental Swim program? Information on the Developmental Swim program is available on the ACST website at www.acstswim.org. You may also contact the Coordinator for the Developmental Swim program at Developmentalregistrar@acstswim.org