Progress With Purpose.

Entry/exit practice using pool steps or ladder; "egg crack" game pouring water on head; assisted bobs with instructor support at hip.

Practice reaching for the wall or instructor's hands on command ("reach!") during play, so it becomes automatic.

Bubble-blowing practice above water first, then chin at water level, then full face submerged, using a floating toy as a target.

Front float with instructor support progressing to two-finger support; back float with support under head/shoulders; kickboard kicking 3–5 meters; "treasure hunt" for submersion comfort.

Practice rolling from front float to back float with instructor assistance — the foundational self-rescue position.

Rhythmic bubble-blowing while fully submerged for 3–5 seconds, building duration gradually.

Streamline push-offs from the wall with a glide; freestyle arm circles with flutter kick; independent jump-in with return-to-wall practice; 5-meter freestyle attempts with minimal support.

Practice calling out ("Help!") and swimming/walking to the nearest exit point from various points in the shallow end.

Basic rhythm of exhaling underwater, lifting head to inhale, re-submerging — practiced at the wall, then while kicking.

Side-breathing drill turning head every 3rd stroke; backstroke arm circles from a supported back float; treading water at the wall up to 10–15 seconds; deep-water comfort exercises with flotation support.

Tread water for short bursts within arm's reach of the wall, reinforcing the wall as a "safety base."

Side-breathing coordinated with the freestyle stroke using a kickboard to isolate the breathing side.

Breaststroke kick introduced on dry land, then with a kickboard; 25m freestyle attempts; backstroke refinement; treading water building to 30+ seconds.

"Swim-float-swim" sequence — swim, roll to a back float to rest, resume swimming.

Bilateral breathing introduced — every 3 strokes, alternating sides.

Butterfly introduction with dolphin kick, then arm motion; dive entry practice; 50m continuous swim sets mixing strokes; open turn practice at the wall.

Reach-or-throw assist scenario using a pool noodle or kickboard without entering the water.

Controlled breathing during wall turns, exhaling fully before pushing off.

Flip turn practice broken into steps; race-pace interval sets (e.g., 4x25m); racing dive start practice; endurance sets with minimal rest.

Recognizing signs of a swimmer in distress and the correct response (alert a lifeguard/adult, do not enter the water alone).

Race-pace breath control, breathing every 4–5 strokes to build lung efficiency.

Place face in the water and complete 3 controlled inhale/exhale cycles without breath-holding or panic.

Enter and exit the pool independently and demonstrate basic pool safety awareness.

Maintain a supported back float for at least 10 seconds with relaxed body positioning.

Move independently through chest-depth water for 5 meters without relying on the wall or instructor.

Complete 5 controlled breathing cycles while maintaining a relaxed position in the water.

Safely recover to standing from front and back floating and independently return to the wall.

Push off the wall in a streamlined position, glide 2–3 meters, and begin controlled flutter kicking.

Independently maintain front and back floats for at least 20 seconds.

Coordinate rhythmic underwater exhalation and inhalation with freestyle for at least 10 meters.

Recover calmly when water enters the mouth or nose, regain a stable position, and safely return to the wall.

Demonstrate foundational freestyle and backstroke mechanics with coordinated kicking and arm movement.

Swim 10–15 meters continuously and tread water for at least 15 seconds.

Maintain controlled, rhythmic breathing while swimming continuously for 25 meters.

Perform a controlled deep-water entry, resurface, orient to surroundings, and independently reach a safe exit.

Swim freestyle and backstroke for 15–25 meters with consistent body position and stroke mechanics.

Tread water for at least 30 seconds and remain comfortable without touching the wall or bottom.

Use bilateral or adaptable breathing during freestyle while maintaining rhythm and alignment for 50 meters.

Demonstrate energy-conservation and self-rescue strategies by transitioning between swimming, floating, and treading when fatigued.

Demonstrate efficient freestyle and backstroke and coordinated introductory breaststroke mechanics.

Swim 50–100 meters continuously with controlled pacing and appropriate rest management.

Independently adjust breathing patterns based on stroke, pace, distance, and fatigue.

Demonstrate independent self-rescue, deep-water recovery, energy conservation, and introductory open-water awareness.

Demonstrate functional freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke with efficient coordination and body positioning.

Swim 100+ meters continuously and independently complete a structured swim session using appropriate pacing, rest, and safety strategies.