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Emler Swim Curriculum

At Emler Swim School, our swim instructors don’t just splash around in the water for 30 minutes – we follow a detailed curriculum, broken down into 5-minute increments, perfected over 50 years. With 40+ hours of training, including hands-on, in-water practice, our instructors follow our proven curriculum each week, guaranteeing a consistent experience and your child’s success. Our team is committed to bonding with each of our students to build trust with your child and enhance their learning.

Starting as early as 2 months old, our indoor swim lessons progress from basic water safety to mastering strokes like freestyle and backstroke. Our engaging play-based learning approach, features songs, props, and prizes, creating a fun and safe environment for our youngest learners. Watch as your child advances from learning fundamental water skills to mastering to mastering intricate swim strokes across all 11 levels of our established curriculum, leading them seamlessly to participation in competitive swim teams.

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age 2 to 35 months

Littles

Our “Littles” classes are 30 minutes long and structured as “parent and me”, with full or partial parent participation in the swimming pool, depending on the level. We offer swim classes for babies as young as 2 months old. Babies who are 2-5 months old can enroll in our “Bathtime Babies” class, where both parent and child enjoy one-on-one, uninterrupted time, and will learn water safety skills that help them be safe and comfortable during bathtime. Babies and toddlers who are 6 months+ progress into Level 1, where they will begin to build life skills using our unique “Jump, Turn, Swim” methodology which teaches children to turn around in the water and swim back to the edge to safety. Level 1 swimmers also learn how to go underwater for a full 10 seconds, which is the beginning of water safety. In Level 2, children begin to learn the basics of swimming and will end the level knowing how to kick 5 feet through the water to a destination and how to float on their backs.

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age 3 years

Tots

Children who are age 3 will enroll in one of our Tot-level swim classes. All 3 year-olds, even those without any prior swimming experience, will start in level 3, and then progress into levels 4 & 5. Parents don’t participate in the water during our tot-level swim classes. All Tot classes have a small class size and a 4:1 ratio. In our Tot levels classes, your child will learn how to kick up to 12 ft through the water, how to hold their breath underwater, and they will advance their “Jump, Turn, Swim” safety skills. You will be amazed at just how much your child will learn during a 30-minute class using our play-based approach that utilizes fun inflatable rings, toys, and fins.

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age 4 + years

Kids

Any child who is age 4+ and does not have prior swimming experience will start in level 6, where they will learn basic water safety skills and will quickly advance to learning how to hold their breath underwater, kick 15ft through the water unassisted, and how to float on their back. In levels 7-9, children will learn how to swim with freestyle arms and get side breaths while swimming. All Kids classes have a small class size and a 4:1 ratio, and are 30-minutes long.

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age 6 + years

Advanced

Our Advanced classes are for children ages 6+ who want to master the 4 strokes – freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke. In Levels 10 and 11, children will learn how to swim competitively, before graduating to our STEALTH swim team. As part of STEALTH swim team, your child will learn how to build their swimming speed, increase endurance, improve technique, and they will regularly compete in swim meets.

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How Our Levels Work

Our program offers 11 skill levels, including "Bathtime Babies" for 2-5-month-olds before the start of Level 1. Where your child starts will be based on their age and ability. We understand that children learn at different rates so your child’s advancement will be based on achieving certain milestones usually taking between 4-5 months between levels. Our instructors also provide frequent milestone updates so you can be informed on how your child is progressing through their swimming pool lessons. Find the level that is right for your child by using the Emler swim level assessment tool.

Private Swim Lessons

Private lessons are offered for children who might benefit more from a one-on-one environment, and can also be used to supplement group swim classes for children who want more focused time to master a specific skill.

Private swim lessons are offered at all of our locations across Texas, Oregon, Kansas, Indiana, and Colorado.

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Find a Swim School Near You

Empower your child with a life-saving skill and open the door to a world of aquatic adventures! Discover the transformative impact of Emler’s award-winning curriculum at any of our 30+ swim center locations across Texas (Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio), Oregon (Portland), Kansas (Kansas City), Indiana (Fort Wayne), and Colorado (Colorado Springs). Every splash propels them towards a lifetime of water enjoyment. Secure your child's spot now and let the journey begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

When Can You Start Swim Lessons?

We start swimming lessons for babies as young as 2 months old. We invite you and your baby to join our Bathtime Babies® or Level 1 class to start learning the joys of swimming.

What Do I need to Bring to Class?
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel(s)
  • Bag for wet items
  • Change of clothes
  • Dry diaper for after class
  • Two pairs of washable, reusable swim pants for children 3 and under.
    • We have them available for purchase at each location or online

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  • One-piece bathing suit or swim trunks and t-shirt for parents/guardians with child in Bathtime Babies, Level 1 or Level 2
  • Goggles optional
How Long is an Average Swim Lesson?

All classes at Emler, except for swim team, are 30 minutes long. Through experience, we’ve learned that 30 minutes is the perfect amount of time to be challenged and learn new skills without feeling overwhelmed.

How Many Lessons Does it Take to Learn to Swim?

Every swimmer is different, but 99% of our students learn to swim independently within the first 4-5 months. Each Emler student’s progress is evaluated by a manager after every four lessons, or once a month. As your swimmer meets the goals of their class, we will update you on their progress and promote them to the next level until they've mastered the water.