Swimming Lessons

What level does my child need?
The prerequisite for each level is the successful demonstration of the skills from the preceding level, except for Level 1, which has no prerequisite. Each level of the Learn-to-Swim program includes training in basic water safety and helping others in an emergency, in addition to the skills outlined below:

Level 1 - Water Exploration
The objective of Level 1 is to help students feel comfortable in the water and to enjoy the water safely. Students will learn elementary water skills which they can build on as they progress through the various levels.

Level 2 - Primary Skills
Level 2 is to give students success with fundamental skills and learn to float without support. Learn basic self-help rescue skills.

Level 3 - Stroke Readiness
Students learn to coordinate front and back crawl. Introduce elementary backstroke and the fundamentals of treading water.

Level 4 - Stroke Development
Level 4 develops confidence in strokes learn thus far and to improve other aquatic skills. Introduce breaststroke, sidestroke and wall turns.

Level 5 - Stroke Refinement
Coordination and refinement of key strokes. Introduce the butterfly, open turns, feet-first surface dives. Increases swim distances.

Level 6 - Skill Proficiency
The objective of Level 6 is to polish strokes so students swim with more ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over greater distances.

Click here for a copy of all skills learned for all levels.

How do I register my child(ren) for a class?
Please download the swim lesson registration form and send it with appropriate payment to Swim Lessons @ the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, 47 Grand Avenue, Nashua, NH 03060 OR drop it off in the front office between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

What does it cost to register my child(ren)?
Each session runs for 6 weeks and costs a total of $75 for children who are not members of the Club. For current Club members, the cost is $50.

If my child is participating in swim lessons, where can I sit/go for the length of their swim lesson?
Parents are able to wait on the pool desk for their children to complete their swim lessons. We do ask the parents to minimize any disruptions to allow their children to maintain focus on the swim lesson.

Does my child need any special equipment for their lesson?
It is recommended that your child have goggles and a swim cap, but they are not required.

I don't know which level to have my child attend. Which one should I choose?
We recommend that you choose your best estimated level for your child. An evaluation for all swimmers will be done on the first day of class. We will provide a full evaluation of each swimmer based on their age and ability. Every consideration will be made to keep age groups together.

Who is the instructor?
Jim Downey’s experience in the field of aquatics includes water front and pool lifeguard, swim instructor, swimming and diving coach, pool manager, pool service technician, beach and lake waterfront director.

Jim is actively involved with several national and regional aquatic organizations including the American Red Cross.  Jim has Red Cross certifications that include Waterfront Life Guard, Water Safety Instructor, Life Guard Instructor Trainer, CPR/First Aid and AED Trainer.

Jim is currently a Special Needs Teacher in Merrimack where he also participates in his school's intramural sports program and ski chaperon.