OrcaKids
The OrcaKids Swim School is one of the finest Learn-to-Swim programs in Minnesota for children age 10 and under. We teach swimming at all levels, from water acclimation to advanced stroke skills. The only requirements are a willingness to enter the water with an instructor and, of course, being toilet-trained - no diapers allowed! Under normal circumstances, we offer all levels in each class. This allows families to have all their children in the same class.
Our curriculum is designed to teach swimming in the easiest possible manner. We focus on the elements of balance, breath control, body position, and stroke technique. Our primary instruction is in freestyle and backstroke, with an introduction to breaststroke, butterfly, and water safety.
We award students a letter in the sentence "I CAN SWIM" to represent progress through the program. We teach the first two levels with one to three students per instructor. We teach the remaining levels with three to five students per instructor. The instructors are accomplished swimmers, and there is a professional coach/supervisor in the water and on deck.
We use positive reinforcement to motivate each child to do their best. Each child receives a piece of candy at the end of the lesson. At the end of each session, we hold a short graduation ceremony where students receive a button representing the level of achievement. Students completing all levels will receive a "Graduate" button as well. Graduates may continue their swimming in the developmental program of the Rochester Swim Club Orcas, the finest swimming club in Minnesota!