The Oswegoland Park District offers swim lessons for all ages and abilities all summer long. Our progressive swim program is based on the Jeff Ellis Swimming (JES) swim guidelines. The JES program is comprised of Parent+Preschool, Preschool, Preschool 2, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, and Intermediate/Advanced Levels all requiring new skills for completion. Swim Lesson FAQs
Skill Guidelines
To determine the appropriate level, use the following questions:
Can you/your child:
- Float independently on front and back?
- Submerge face completely underwater?
- Swim Freestyle with little or no help?
No to any? > Parent+Preschool, or Preschool
Struggling with a few? > Preschool 2
Yes to all? > Continue to Level 2
- Complete front and back float comfortably without assistance?
- Complete front and back glides comfortably without assistance?
- Complete arm & leg movements for freestyle, backstroke, elementary backstroke?
- Swim 10 yards using freestyle, backstroke, and elementary backstroke?
No to any? > Beginner
Yes to all? > Continue to Level 3
- Swim 1/2 the pool with freestyle and backstroke?
- Perform the freestyle using rhythmic breathing or side breathing?
- Swim 50 yards using backstroke or elementary backstroke?
- Swim 25 yards of freestyle using rhythmic breathing? And breaststroke for 25 yards?
No to any? > Advanced Beginner
Yes to all? > Continue to Level 4
- Tread water using different kicks for more than 30 seconds?
- Swim butterfly for 25 yards?
- Swim more than 50 yards of freestyle with rhythmic breathing, breaststroke, backstroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke?
No to any? > Intermediate/Advanced
Yes to all? > Check out the Seahorse Swim Squad or Otters Swim Team
Private & Semi-Private Lessons
If your child is struggling with a particular skill or level, private and semi-private lessons help participants adapt to the swim program more easily. Private and semi-private (2-3 students) lessons are available at the Civic Center Aquatic Park & Winrock Pool daily. Each lesson is 30 minutes and available for all ages.
Cancellation Procedures
Cancellations will be posted on the Rainout Line as soon as possible. No individual calls will be made. Time has been built in to programs to cover one day of cancelled classes. If there are any additional days cancelled, a refund for missed time will be issued.
