Our swim levels are part of a milestone-based curriculum designed to meet your child where they are and guide them forward with confidence. Each level builds on the last, helping swimmers develop skills in a clear, consistent progression.
From parent-supported beginner classes to more advanced swim skills, our program is structured to support real progress at every stage. Class availability and offerings may vary by location.
What’s Your Swimmer’s Level?
Not sure where to start?
Use our quick assessment to find the swim level that’s right for your child.
It only takes a minute, promise.
Our 11 SwimSure™ levels include 100+ age-appropriate milestones that guide your child’s progress in the water.
Each level builds water safety and swim skills through proven teaching methods that keep kids engaged while making steady progress.
Age: 2-5 Months
Adult Participation: Yes
Class Ratio: 10:1
Class Length: 30 mins
Our Bathtime Babies class is the perfect first step to introduce infants to the water.
Water comfort
Bonding with parent
Early acclimation
Sensory exploration
N/A
Age: 6-35 Months
Adult Participation: Yes
Class Ratio: 6:1*
Class Length: 30 minutes
Our Toddler courses are divided into three different levels; full descriptions and links to each level are below:
Age: 6-16 Months
Adult Participation: Yes
Prerequisites: None
Class Goal:
Water comfort
Bonding with parent
Go underwater for 5-7 seconds
Assisted backfloat
Assisted rollover
Safety skills
Age: 16-35 Months
Adult Participation: Yes
Prerequisites: None
Class Goal:
Age: 24-35 Months
Adult Participation: Parent on deck
Class Ratio: 4:1
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1B skills
Class Goal:
Age: 3 Years
Adult Participation: No
Class Ratio: 4:1
Class Length: 30 mins
Our Preschool courses are divided into three different levels; full descriptions and links to each level are below:
Prerequisites: None
Class Goal:
Prerequisites:
Class Goal:
Prerequisites:
Class Goal:
Age: 4+ Years
Adult Participation: No
Class Ratio: 4:1
Class Length: 30 mins
Our Kids courses are divided into four different levels; full descriptions and links to book classes in each level are below:
Prerequisites: None
Class Goal:
Prerequisites:
Class Goal:
Independent face-in streamline kick, 12’
Independent streamline back kick, 12’
Assisted side kick
Independent underwater paddles
Independent rollover breath
Independent safety skill (Jump-Turn-Swim and Roll-to-Backfloat)
Prerequisites:
Class Goal:
Prerequisites:
Class Goal:
Age: 5+ Years
Adult Participation: No
Class Ratio: 4:1*
Class Length: 30 mins*
Our Advanced courses are divided into three different levels; full descriptions and links to book classes in each level are below:
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 9 skills
Class Goal:
Prerequisites:
Class Goal:
Class Ratio: 10:1
Class Length: 60 mins
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 11 skills
Class Goals:
Please note: Class availability and size may vary by location.
Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled lesson to allow time for check-in and to use the bathroom. This ensures your child receives their full instruction time and avoids distractions once class begins.
Arrive about 10–15 minutes early so your child has time to get comfortable. You’ll meet the manager and instructor, get a quick orientation, and then your swimmer will join their class. Lessons are designed to be safe, playful, and encouraging, helping children ease into the water at their own pace.
Talk positively about the lesson, use our printable coloring pages to introduce them to swim school, and let them bring a favorite toy for before or after class. Most importantly, your encouragement helps your child feel ready!
Check in at the front desk, where you child may receive a wristband or class assignment. Your teacher will call you to call by raising their name sign and motioning for you to come to class. We’re happy to help you to class as well!
Swimsuit and towel
Bag for wet items and a change of clothes
Two reusable swim pants for children age 3 and under (available for purchase at your location if needed)
Goggles (optional)
For Bathtime Babies, Level 1A and Level 1B: the parent/guardian should bring a one-piece swimsuit or swim trunks and a t-shirt to wear in the pool
Talk positively about swim class and explain what to expect.
Use bath time to practice fun water play like blowing bubbles or pouring water over their shoulders.
Bring a favorite toy or comfort item for before or after class.
Arrive a little early so you and your child feel relaxed, not rushed.
Stay calm and encouraging — your confidence helps them feel safe.
Babies are naturally comfortable in water, it’s a familiar environment from the womb. Starting early helps prevent fear, builds coordination, and makes water safety part of normal development. Younger children also adapt more easily and enjoy the buoyancy of the pool. Children under 5 are at the highest risk around water, so early lessons provide the strongest foundation for safety. That said, it’s never too late, swimmers of any age can benefit from lessons.
Children can begin swim lessons as young as 2 months old. Many families choose to start around 6 months, once babies can hold their heads up independently. The important thing is to start early so your child grows up comfortable and confident in the water.
Every child learns at their own pace. Factors like comfort in the water, listening skills, prior experience, and even separation anxiety can affect how quickly a child progresses. Swimming is not a skill that can be mastered in just a few lessons — it requires time, consistent practice, and patience.
Our instructors use a structured curriculum and monthly evaluations to ensure each child is on track. Some children may show progress in a matter of weeks, while others need several months or more to become fully confident and safe in the water. What’s most important is steady, ongoing participation so your child continues building skills without regression.
Swimming Lessons for All Ages at Emler Swim School
At Emler Swim School, we offer group swimming lessons for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kids of all ages. Our proven curriculum helps children build water safety skills, develop swimming technique, and gain confidence in the water while having fun. With small class sizes and certified instructors, every child gets the guidance they need to thrive.
Progressive Swim Levels That Ensure Success
Our program is structured into 11 progressive levels, each designed around key milestones. From the earliest stages of water acclimation to mastering advanced strokes, every level provides the right balance of safety, skill-building, and encouragement. This step-by-step approach makes sure your child is always placed in the class that best fits their ability and learning pace.
At Emler, our goal is simple: to help every child learn to swim with confidence, one level at a time.