Nelson Center Pool · Springfield, IL
Nelson Center Swim lesson Overview Ages 5+ $61 R / $71 NR Lessons run Monday-Thursday. Friday will be reserved as a makeup day in case of cold temperatures or inclement weather. Aquatics staff reserve's the right to cancel lessons based on weather conditions. Lesson spots limited to 15 participants. Student to instructor ratio 5 to 1. Our swim lesson program is a progressive, skill-based curriculum designed to build water safety, confidence, and strong swimming fundamentals. Swimmers advance through six levels as they develop independence, endurance, and proper stroke technique. Level 1 – Minnows Designed for beginners, this level focuses on water comfort and basic safety skills. Swimmers learn to enter and exit the pool safely, blow bubbles, bob, float with assistance, and push off the wall. Level 2 – Goldfish Swimmers build independence by learning unassisted front and back floats, basic front and back crawl movement with assistance, rolling between floats, and submerging underwater. Level 3 – Turtles This level introduces endurance and coordination. Swimmers learn to tread water, retrieve objects underwater, swim longer distances using front and back crawl, and practice rhythmic breathing. Level 4 – Alligators Swimmers refine technique and strength by swimming longer distances with proper form, treading water for extended periods, performing sitting dives, and retrieving objects from deeper water. Level 5 – Dolphins Advanced swimmers focus on stroke development and endurance, including freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, while increasing distance and treading water for longer durations. Level 6 – Sharks The highest level emphasizes competitive skills and advanced technique. Swimmers perform longer-distance swims, butterfly stroke, flip turns, extended treading, and racing starts where applicable.
