Change is splashing down at the FAC pool this summer. In a move to provide the highest standard of aquatic education, the department is officially transitioning from the Swim America program to the American Red Cross swimming lessons curriculum.
The shift marks an upgrade in how local swimmers—from toddlers to adults—will develop their skills. By adopting the Red Cross model, the FAC & Community Education is implementing a program that is not only nationally respected but internationally recognized for its rigorous safety and technical standards.
Safety-First Philosophy
At the heart of this transition is a commitment to water competency. While stroke mechanics remain a priority, the Red Cross curriculum places a heavy emphasis on drowning prevention and emergency response.
Our goal is to build more than just fast swimmers; we want to build confident, safety-conscious individuals. The Red Cross program is backed by the latest evidence-based research, ensuring our community learns the most effective ways to stay safe in and around the water.
The WSI Advantage
Central to the new curriculum is the certification of the instructional staff. All instructors will be trained as American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors (WSI). This professional designation requires rigorous training in peer-to-peer teaching, child development, and advanced hydrodynamics.
What to Expect This Season
Families will notice a few changes in the upcoming months:
- New Level Names: Classes will now follow the Red Cross "Learn-to-Swim" levels (1 through 6).
- Integrated Safety Skills: Every lesson will now include specific safety milestones, such as treading water and basic rescue techniques.
- Diving Skills: At the appropriate levels, diving skills are intentionally taught as part of the curriculum.
- Parent/Child, PreK & Adult Classes: These classes will still be taught using the Red Cross curriculum.
Registration for the first session of Red Cross lessons opens on May 4 at 7:00 am for resident families. General registration will open on May 11 at 7:00 am. Parents are encouraged to consult the new level conversion chart to ensure their swimmers are placed in the correct class. There will also be two evaluation sessions available on April 12 and 20 if families are interested in attending for placement. You can register to attend one of the evaluation nights where instructors will be available to evaluate swimmers individually.