Get Going Guide - Charlotte-Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Aquatics
Starfish Aquatics Swimming
The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is proud to implement its Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI) “Starfish
Swimming” program format at each of the aquatic facilities. SAI offers a nationally recognized swim instruction program for
children and adults of all ages and abilities. The different programs offered are StarBabies (6 to 8 months), StarTots (18 to 36
months), Starfish Swim School (ages 3 years and Older), Starfish Stroke School (once they have surpassed Starfish Swim School), and
the Starfish Swim Team (a development program designed to transition students from swim lessons to a competitive swim team
program).
Each of these programs is benchmark focused and contains five stages that each focus on a specific core competency.
The core competencies are the building blocks of swimming. All lead-up skills, activities, and benchmarks in each stage
focus on the core competency. Each stage has two benchmarks to achieve: a safety skill benchmark and a swim skill benchmark.
Please read about the different levels below.
StarBabies (formerly Puddle Ducks) Parent or Guardian with child 6 months to 18 months
StarTots (formerly Puddle Ducks) Parent or Guardian with child 18 months to 36 months
The purpose of this course is to develop in very young children a high comfort level in the water while at the same time training
parents in water safety and drowning prevention. This course does not teach children to become accomplished swimmers or
survive in the water; it does provide a confidence building, fun, loving experience. One parent or guardian must be in the water
with each child. Swim diapers required, along with plastic pants recommended and a lined swim suit.
Starfish Swim School Pre-School (formerly Sand Dollar and Seal) Ages 3 to 5 years
Designed to meet the needs of preschoolers, this course develops a high comfort level in the water, a readiness to swim, and for
children who are developmentally ready, teach beginning swimming skills. This class teaches swimming through creative, fun
activities in the water. Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color level stars in
their personal record books for each achievement. Children progress at their own pace in a small group setting.
Starfish Swim School Elementary (formerly Otter) Ages 6 to 8 years, Age 5 can register upon completion of pre-school program
Starfish Swim School Primary (formerly Otter) Ages 9 to 13
Children progress at individual rates with the opportunity to learn the core swimming skills and progress to basic strokes.
Learning is self-paced but challenging.
Starfish Swim School Adult Beginner (formerly Teen/Adult Beginner) Ages 14 and up
This course is designed to improve comfort and skill in the water, regardless of past swimming experience. Perfect for adults
who desire to learn or improve strokes and water skills for fitness fun. Students work toward development of the five basic core
swimming competencies.
Starfish Stroke School (formerly Manatee and Marlin) Ages up to 14 that meet skill prerequisites
Starfish Stroke School Adult Intermediate (formerly Teen/Adult Intermediate) Ages 14 and Older
Students refine freestyle and learn stroke technique for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and more!
800 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Click on one of the logos below to learn more.
Marion Diehl Pool
2219 Tyvola Rd.
215 N. Sycamore St.
Get Going Guide • Spring 2013 www.parkandrec.com/aquatics
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