Swim Lessons

Southgate Recreation & Park District is proud to offer one of the finest and most comprehensive swim lesson programs in Sacramento. The Aquatic Department is dedicated to teaching every participant how to swim, regardless of age or ability. This is achieved by ensuring small class sizes, which allow for personal attention and feedback from instructors. Instructors use a combination of American Red CrossSwim Lessons for All Ages training techniques and years of teaching experience. Participants with special needs should contact the Aquatic Supervisor at least two weeks before the first lesson to make any necessary arrangements. For more information, please call (916) 395-0601.

Class Levels:

Starfish (1-4 years with Parent Participation)
This class is designed to adjust the youngster and parent to the aquatic environment. Child must wear swim diaper or plastic cover over their diaper and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the water at each class session.

Guppies (3-5 years)
This class is designed for the youngster who cannot float. Students will acquire skills such as front and back floating, arm strokes, flutter kick and submerging. Child must be three years old and mature enough to be in the water by themselves.

Polliwogs (6+ years)
This class is designed for the older youngster who cannot float. Students will acquire skills such as front and back floating, arm strokes, flutter kick and submerging. Child must be at least 6 years old.

Tadpoles
This class is designed for the youngster who has completed Guppies or Polliwogs or who can float on their front and back comfortably without assistance. This class will introduce the front and back crawl strokes.

Goldfish
This class is designed for students who have completed Tadpoles, or who are able to complete at least ½ lap of front crawl. Students will work on improving coordination of the front and back crawl strokes while being introduced to rhythmic breathing, elementary backstroke and breaststroke.

Barracudas
This class is designed for students who have successfully completed Goldfish, or who are able to at a minimum do the front crawl for 1½ laps and the back crawl for 1 lap. Students will begin learning rotary breathing and rhythmic breathing for breaststroke.

Dolphin/Shark
This class is designed for students who have successfully completed Barracudas, or who are able to at a minimum swim 2 laps front and back crawl and 1 lap elementary backstroke and breaststroke. This class will continue working on swimming mechanics while introducing students to the butterfly stroke.

Teen & Adult Beginners (12+ years)
This class is for non-floaters and beginning floaters. Classes develop floating ability and arm stroke technique

Private Swim Lessons
Private instruction is offered during evening swim lesson times only. All private instruction includes four, 30-minute lessons. Participants should be able to float comfortably on their front and back. All instructors teaching private lessons have two or more years of experience. Instruction is tailored to fit the needs of the swimmer. Space in this program is very limited. Lessons are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to indicate your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lesson choice on your registration form.