Fear of Water - Class Description

Introduction to Swimming (FOW) (90 minutes)

Experience a new way to enjoy the water! A brief sample of our beginning class for those who are afraid of water or new to swimming. We will introduce you to the Miracle Swimming Institute (MSI) method that we use in all of our beginning classes. Minimum 3 students. Class size: 3 - 7 students.

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Beginning Swimming (12 hours)

Discover how the water works, how to rely on yourself for safety and how to prevent panic using the Miracle Swimming Institute 5 Circles. Each session is approximately 2 1/2 hours long and includes both classroom and pool time. The class is held in a warm and shallow therapy pool to help you stay calm and comfortable and have FUN learning at your own pace. Because of this, there is no pressure to complete a designated agenda. Freedom in, and understanding of the water (not strokes) is the primary goal. You will gain new confidence, skills and comfort in the water. Class size 4 - 6 students.

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Ultra-Beginning (12 hours)

This beginning class is designed for those who are extremely afraid of water; where just approaching an aquatic environment causes anxiety or discomfort. The learning steps are the same as the beginning class, however the class size is smaller and the pace is slower. This will allow for additional small steps towards gaining comfort and safety in the water. Class size 3 - 5 students.

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The Next Step (8 hours)

This intermediate class is designed for those who have taken the beginning class and are ready to take those skills into deep water. Learn how to float, bob, propel, and hang out in the deep end. Enjoy jumping, diving and swimming underwater. As you gain confidence in your skills, you'll be able to stay in the deep as long as you want; then you'll be ready to learn strokes. Class size 4 - 6 students.

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Beginning Strokes

Beginning strokes classes are designed for people who are already comfortable in deep water and whose goal is to swim lengths of the pool using basic freestyle and/or breaststroke skills. 

Freestyle (6 hours)  

The primary goals in learning the freestyle stroke are (1) master rhythmic side breathing for continuous swimming and (2) streamline the body for a more efficient swim stroke. You will also be introduced to flutter kick, effective arm movement, stroke drills and use of swim equipment such as fins, kick board and pull buoy. Class size 4 - 8 students.

Breaststroke (4 hours)

The primary goals in learning the breaststroke are (1) an effective frog kick and arm pull and (2) coordinating the timing of the kick and pull into an efficient stroke. You will also be introduced to proper body position, rhythmic breathing  and stroke drills to improve efficiency. Class size 4 - 8 students.

Class Placement Evaluation

If you're not sure what class to take or just want to find out where your skill level is, contact us at [email protected] for a private evaluation lesson (hourly rates apply). You may also sign up for the Introduction to Swimming class.

A little about Jim Montgomery:

• Jim is the first person to break 50 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle
• He is a triple Gold Medal winner, Montreal Olympics 1976
• Jim held the record for most medals in the World Championships
• Along with Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz, Jim is one of America's top three all-time swimmers

Read more about Jim here.

View class schedule and register for class online.