AQUATIC PROGRAM MANUAL Welcome to the Joe & Mary Mottino Family YMCA Aquatics Program. This Aquatic Manual is designed to provide information regarding swim lessons and other aquatic programs at the YMCA. Program participants are taught skills such as personal safety, stroke development, survival and rescue skills as well as water sports and games. The program content is based on the concept of developing a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Quality and effectiveness is continually evaluated and designed to meet the needs of the parents and participants. Thank you for choosing the Joe & Mary Mottino Family YMCA. We hope your aquatics experience is a positive one. If you have any questions about the material, please do not hesitate to contact the Aquatics Director.
JOE & MARY MOTTINO FAMILY YMCA 4701 Mesa Drive Oceanside, CA 92056 760 758 0808
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS YMCA Aquatic employees have extensive training and the following certifications that prepare them to carry out quality aquatic programs:
AQUATIC INSTRUCTORS Background Check Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Certification (and/or American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor) Current YMCA and/or American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Current CPR/AED for the Lifeguard Certification Current First Aid for Public Safety Personnel Certification Current Oxygen Administration Certification Visual ability to respond to critical incidents and physical ability to act swiftly in emergency situations
LIFEGUARDS Background Check Current YMCA and/or American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Current CPR/AED for the Lifeguard Certification Current First Aid for Public Safety personnel Certification Current Oxygen Administration Certifications Written and practical skills exam prior to duty Visual ability to respond to critical incidents and physical ability to act swiftly in emergency situations
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT We encourage parents to take time after class to talk positively about your child’s aquatic experience. Practice during family or open swim helps to reinforce skills learned during lessons. Please be prompt about bringing children to lessons. This will aid the instructors in starting the class on time. Many students have a difficult time participating in class while their parents are nearby. This is distracting to the child and instructor. Parents are asked to always remain in the lounge chair area during class time. This promotes the child’s independence, and she/he will focus on the task at hand. Please help assist our aquatics programs by filling out a course evaluation. Course evaluations are available on the pool deck on the last day of class. We appreciate your time and input! Page 2
POOL RULES State law requires participants to shower before entering the pool Please encourage children to use the bathroom before lessons Parents are asked to view the swim lessons from the lounge chair area Always WALK on the pool deck Always abide by the rules stated by YMCA lifeguards Please change your children in the locker room/rest room only Do not feed your child at least 30 minutes prior to their swim lesson Food and drink allowed only in lounge area, NO glass on the pool deck Children under 3 years old must wear a swim diaper Swim lesson parents must sit in lounge area Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty Pool side must remain clear, no sitting or standing at pools edge No smoking
PHOTO POLICY To protect the privacy and safety of youth and adults, the Joe & Mary Mottino Family YMCA will uphold the following photo policy throughout the facility and programs: All members and program participants complete a photo consent waiver upon registration. Photos are NOT permitted in the bathrooms, locker rooms and changing areas at any time! Photos are not to be taken in any open activity area (front desk/lobby, wellness center, activity pool, child watch, fitness classes, etc.) without the prior approval of the Program Director. For all programs running in sessions, photos will be permitted of your child ONLY! We do not allow videotaping and reserve the right to prevent photos as needed. Photos can only be taken with the approval of all parties, or the parents thereof, in the photo. Employees are trained to recognize and address violators of this policy or inappropriate picture taking. Please inform a Program Director if you have concerns regarding photography at our YMCA.
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BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS & FAMILIES Ultimately, the goal of this program is to develop each person spiritually, mentally and physically. Children will grow in each of these areas as they progress through the swimming program. The main focus for swimming lessons at the YMCA is learning, rather than passing or failing. Each level includes five components: personal safety, stroke development, personal growth, water games, sports and rescue awareness. Children are able to succeed often because they start with skills that they are ready to learn. This helps to build self-confidence as they become more independent and learn new and exciting skills. The program also helps participants develop leadership skills and encourages volunteerism. The program is especially attractive to parents because of the way in which students are taught swimming and water safety skills. Instruction is delivered in a student-centered, caring atmosphere by well-trained instructors who give students personalized attention. Lessons are developmentally appropriate and designed to quickly and effectively teach aquatic skills. Safety is our highest priority.
PARTICIPANT/STAFF RATIOS The following ratios are implemented for our YMCA Aquatic Programs: Parent/Child Classes …………………………..………….. 1:10 pairs Preschool Classes ……………………………..……………. 1:5 Polliwogs & Guppies ………………………………...……. 1:6 Minnows …………………………………………..……………. 1:6 Fish and Flying Fish ……………………………..…………. 1:10 Adult Instructional Classes ……………………………… 1:6
ATTENDANCE POLICY Participants are expected to attend all classes during the session. Make-up classes are not available for those who cannot attend a particular class. Swim lessons will occur rain or shine! Lessons will only be canceled when lightening or thunder is present in the area. Please call ahead to confirm that the pool is closed due to inclement weather. Page 4
YMCA PROGRAM GOALS All YMCA Programs Address the Following Objectives: Grow Personally, Teach Values, Improve Personal and Family Relationships, Appreciate Diversity, Become Better Leaders and Supporters, Develop Specific Skills, and Have Fun!
POLICY REGARDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATION Upon registration, participants assume responsibility for their attendance. In an extenuating circumstance, a request for a YMCA credit may be necessary. All aquatic program requests must be approved by the Aquatics Director. We are happy to consider aquatic program requests based on the following: In the event that the YMCA cancels a class, a YMCA credit will be automatically issued and no written request will be necessary. Please note that lessons are closed/cancelled on the Wednesday’s prior to the session start for weekday classes and Saturday lessons. Registration should be completed before the closing days in order to ensure a spot in a lesson. Cancellations made the Wednesday before the start date of the program can receive 100% voucher or refund less the program deposit and non refundable program cost. Cancellations after the first meeting of the program can receive a 75% voucher or refund less the program deposit and non refundable program cost. Cancellations after the second meeting of the program will not receive a voucher or refund except for medical reasons with a doctor’s note and special circumstances at the branches discretion. If a medical issue arises during a session, a written medical excuse must be submitted along with a written credit or refund request no later than 30 days after the last day of the session. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash. Vouchers are transferable to another family member and are valid at any YMCA in San Diego county. A $5 voucher processing fee applies. A CHECK REFUND can be issued less a $10 processing fee per person. Check refunds can only be issued for amounts over $20. Please allow two weeks for processing. The YMCA is not able to issue refunds directly to your card or in cash. All final decisions are subject to Aquatic Director’s approval.
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PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS PARENT-CHILD SWIM LESSONS The Parent/Child Aquatic Program promotes water enrichment and aquatic readiness activities for children from six months to three years of age and their parent or other trusted adult. The lessons include swimming skills, basic water safety, increased self-esteem, and fun. Classes are 30 minutes in length. The developmental experiences of each child are used to build the child’s self-confidence. The class focuses on introducing and improving water adjustment, bubble blowing, kicking on front, kicking on back, basic hand paddling, front floating, and back floating. This class must be taken with the assistance of a parent/guardian. The goal of the class is to provide children with an exposure to swim lessons, class situations, other students, and a swim instructor. Children should not expect to be able to swim after participation in the class. This is a preliminary class that will ease the transition into future lessons.
PRESCHOOL LESSONS The Preschool Aquatic Program teaches water adjustment and basic swimming skills for children from three to five years of age. The skills taught in the Preschool Aquatic Program centers around five main components: personal safety, personal growth, stroke development, water games, sports and rescue awareness. The program divides participants into levels according to their aquatic skills. These levels are described on the following page.
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PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS PIKE Beginner I Requirements to enter this level: No prior swimming experience. Basic Class Curriculum: Water adjustment, front/back stroke, front/back float, putting face in and blowing bubbles.
EEL Beginner II Requirements to enter this level: Must be comfortable in the water and able to put face in the water and blow bubbles. Basic Class Curriculum: Front/back/side stroke, front/back float, submerging face in water and blowing bubbles.
RAY Advanced Beginner I Requirements to enter this level: Must be comfortable able to swim Independently for 10 feet on back and on front with face in the water. Basic Class Curriculum: Freestyle (front stroke), Backstroke, front/back float, breath control, deep water orientation and build endurance.
STARFISH Advanced Beginner II Requirements to enter this level: Must be comfortable able to swim independently for 15 feet on back and on front with face in the water and float on back independently. Basic Class Curriculum: Freestyle with side breathing, Backstroke, Sidestroke, breath control, diving and build endurance.
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YOUTH AND ADULT PROGRAMS The Youth and Adult Program is designed for participants age six to adult. The Youth program is divided into 6 levels: Polliwog, Guppy, Minnow, Fish, Flying Fish and Adult. The Adult program is designed for beginners and intermediate levels. Youth levels are arranged according to ability, not age. This provides swimmers with a class that focuses on the skills that are appropriate for their ability. At each level of the Youth and Adult Aquatic Program, participants are involved in activities relating to five components: personal safety, personal growth, stroke development, water games, sports and rescue awareness. The program divides participants into levels according to their aquatic skills. Please see a current program brochure or swim lesson flyer for up to date schedules and pricing.
Polliwog Beginner I Requirements to enter this level: No prior swimming experience. Basic Class Curriculum: Water adjustment, front/back stroke, front/ back float, putting face in water and breath control.
Guppy Beginner II Requirements to enter this level: Must be able to swim independently for 5 feet on back and on front with face in the water and float on back independently. Basic Class Curriculum: Freestyle (front stroke), Backstroke, Sidestroke, introduction to Breaststroke and front/back float.
MINNOW Intermediate Requirements to enter this level: Must be able to swim independently for 25 yards for Freestyle with side breathing, Backstroke without stopping, Breaststroke and Sidestroke. Basic Class Curriculum: Freestyle with side breathing (rhythmic breathing), Backstroke, Sidestroke, Breaststroke, diving and build endurance. Page 8
YOUTH AND ADULT PROGRAMS CONTINUED FISH Advanced I Requirements to enter this level: Must be able to swim independently for 50 yards for Freestyle with side breathing and Backstroke, Breaststroke correctly without stopping, and Sidestroke. Basic Class Curriculum: Freestyle with side breathing (rhythmic breathing), Backstroke, Sidestroke with scissor kick, Breaststroke, Butterfly diving and build endurance.
FLYING FISH Advanced II Requirements to enter this level: Must be able to swim independently for 75 yards for Freestyle with side breathing, Backstroke, Breaststroke correctly without stopping all, and Sidestroke with appropriate turns. Must also be able to do 15 yards of Butterfly. Basic Class Curriculum: Freestyle with side breathing (rhythmic breathing), Backstroke, Sidestroke with scissor kick, Breaststroke, Butterfly diving and build endurance.
ADULT Requirements to enter this level: No prior swimming experience. Basic Class Curriculum: Water adjustment, front/back stroke, front/ back float, putting face in water and breath control. Advanced swimming techniques will be taught to adults who are already comfortable in the water and who are looking to develop their strokes.
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OTHER YMCA AQUATICS PROGRAMS Private or Semi-Private Swim Lessons Mottino Sharks Swim Team (ages 6-17 yrs old) Swim Team has optional monthly Swim Meets Open Swim (Recreation) Lap Swim Water Aerobics Pool Birthday Parties Summer Camps Lifeguard Training
OTHER YMCA PROGRAMS We offer a variety of youth development programs dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen as well as bringing families together and improving the nation’s health and well-being. Visit www.mottino.ymca.org for programs including: Birthday Parties Child Watch CPR Courses Day Camp Fitness Classes Gymnastics Healthy Kids Day Childcare Martial Arts Youth Sports And SO much more! The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through development of the spirit, mind and body. Page 10
PARENT ADVISORY Children are precious to the Joe & Mary Mottino Family YMCA. As the oldest and largest youth and family service organization in San Diego County, the YMCA takes all matters regarding the care of children seriously. The prevention and reporting of child abuse is no exception. All YMCA staff and volunteers are trained in the expectations and responsibilities of child abuse prevention and reporting, and they commit to abide by the YMCA’s policies regarding appropriate practices and behavior with and around children.* These policies include: Never leaving children unsupervised. Making sure restrooms are not occupied by suspicious or unknown individuals before allowing children to use the facilities. Ensuring that children are never abused. Abuse includes: physical injury, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, unjustifiable punishment and neglect. Using only positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition. Responding to all children with respect and consideration and treat all children equally, regardless of gender, race, ability, religion or culture. Prohibiting profanity, inappropriate jokes, or sharing intimate or inappropriate details of one’s personal life, and any kind of harassment. Portraying a positive role model by maintaining an attitude of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Prohibiting staff from being with children (who are involved or enrolled in YMCA programs) outside of the YMCA. This includes: transporting, babysitting, sleep-overs, and inviting children to a private home. Requiring written parent authorization before releasing a child to anyone other than the child’s parent or guardian in all programs where children are signed into and out of the program. Requiring staff to wear YMCA staff identification badges during program operation. As a parent or guardian enrolling your child in a YMCA program, please be familiar with these policies and abide by them yourself while participating in any YMCA program or activity or when interacting with YMCA staff and volunteers. Please contact the Joe & Mary Mottino Family YMCA immediately if you should observe any violation of these policies in the operation of our programs. To discuss these policies or to report a related concern, call Sarah Mazur, Aquatics Director, at (760) 758-0808 ext. 107. A complete copy of the Code of Conduct is available for review at each YMCA branch. Page 11
THINGS TO REMEMBER Swim Lessons are more beneficial when they are treated as a continuous program. The skills and techniques that children learn during swim lessons need to be practiced continuously. The best way to ensure their progression is to have them participate in swim lessons year-round. Please note that lessons are closed on the Wednesday’s prior to the session start for both weekday and Saturday lessons. Registration should be completed before the closing days in order to ensure a spot in a lesson. If children are only enrolled for swim lessons during the summer months please schedule a swim evaluation PRIOR to registering for swim lessons each year because they tend to lose their skills over the school year and we want your child to be in the best class for them. DO NOT feed your child for at least 30 minutes prior to their swim lesson. This will help us ensure that we do not have children getting sick during lessons and causing the pool to shut down. Goggles should not have a nose piece on them; the goggles with nose pieces will not allow your child to learn the appropriate breathing techniques. Goggles are not necessary until the child is in the swim levels that require stroke work and swimming distances further than 10 feet at a time. Please secure hair back to avoid having hair in their face while they are trying to swim. Wet suits and rash guards can be beneficial for children that tend to get cold. We keep our pool heated to 82 degrees year-round. Page 12