Adult Learn-to-Swim Orientation

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, participants will be able to:

• Know that many adults never learned to swim, and that adult lessons are built for beginners at any level.
• Describe what adult lessons cover and what water competency means.
• Set a first personal goal for lessons.
• Find at least one adult class nearby and know the questions to ask before signing up.
• Follow the water safety rules that protect a new swimmer until lessons are done.

Materials

• A printed list of adult lesson options near you (times, cost, any financial aid), looked up in advance
• Copies of the Adult Swim Lesson Guide and Swim Lesson Questions sheet
• Index cards for goal cards, and pens
• Optional: an instructor from a local pool to answer questions
• A bilingual co-presenter if your group speaks another language

Lesson steps

1. Welcome: you are not alone 10 minutes

   Share the CDC figures in the Background section: about 40 million U.S. adults say they don't know how to swim, and more than half have never had a lesson. Invite people (only if they want to) to tell a neighbor one place they'd like to enjoy the water: a beach trip, a child's swim class, a pool at the gym.

2. What adult lessons are like 10 minutes

   Walk through how adult programs work, using the American Red Cross adult program as an example.

   • Classes are for older teens and adults and are taught by certified instructors.

   • You progress at your own pace, mastering one set of skills before moving on.

   • Red Cross adult levels: 1) Learning the Basics, 2) Improving Skills and Swimming Strokes, 3) Swimming for Fitness.

   • Tell your instructor what worries you and what you want to be able to do. That's normal and it helps them plan.

3. Set your first goal 10 minutes

   Show the five water competency skills from the Red Cross as the long-term goal. Each person writes one first goal on an index card and keeps it.

   • Enter water that's over your head, then return to the surface.

   • Float or tread water for at least 1 minute.

   • Turn over and turn around in the water.

   • Swim at least 25 yards.

   • Exit the water.

4. Find a class 15 minutes

   Hand out your local list and show the national locators (listed in the section below). Go through the questions to ask.

   • Is the instructor certified through a nationally recognized learn-to-swim program?

   • Are lifeguards on duty, with current CPR and first aid certification?

   • Can I watch a class before I sign up?

   • Is there a class for adults who are complete beginners? How many sessions?

   • What does it cost, and is financial help available?

   • What swimwear is allowed? Are there women-only or adult-only sessions?

5. Comfort and dignity 10 minutes

   Talk openly about what has kept people out of the water and what would help. Write ideas on the board: going with a friend, an adult-only class, modest swimwear such as long-sleeved tops and leggings, a women-only session, an early-morning time.

6. Safe until you can swim 5 minutes

   Until lessons are done, and after: never swim alone; swim where a lifeguard is on duty; wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on boats and when fishing; don't drink alcohol around water; and know your limits, including medical conditions.

7. Assessment and next step

   Before people leave, check that each person has a goal card and has circled one class to call this week. Ask: What's one question you'll ask when you call?

8. Take-home

   The Adult Swim Lesson Guide and the Swim Lesson Questions sheet, plus the goal card.