Swim Lessons Conversion Chart
View our conversion chart to find out how to convert a Red Cross swim lesson into a Lifesaving Society lesson. We also offer free swim assessments to determine which level you or your child should be in. Call us to book an appointment or to ask us questions.
Swim Lessons Conversion Chart
Red Cross to Lifesaving Society swim lessons conversion chart
| If your child… | Previously enrolled in Red Cross swim lessons | Register in Lifesaving Society lesson… | YMCA Swim Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is four to 12 months old and ready to learn to enjoy the water with a parent. | Starfish | Parent & Tot 1 | Continuing L’il Dippers: Splashers |
| Is 12 to 24 months old and ready to learn to enjoy the water with a parent. | Duck | Parent & Tot 2 | Continuing L’il Dippers: Bubblers |
| Is two to three years old and ready to learn to enjoy the water with a parent. | Sea Turtle | Parent & Tot 3 | Continuing L’il Dippers: Bubblers |
| Is three to five years and just starting out on his or her own. If your child is six years or over please enroll them in Swimmer 1. | Sea Otter |
Preschool 1 (Swimmer 1 if over six years) |
Continuing L’il Dippers: Bobbers |
| Can get in and out alone, jump into chest deep water assisted, float and glide in a personal flotation device on front and back, blow bubbles and get face wet. If your child is six years or over they would register for Swimmer 1. | Salamander |
Preschool 2 (Swimmer 1 if over six years) |
Continuing L’il Dippers: Floaters |
| Can get in and out alone, jump into chest deep water, submerge and exhale underwater, and float on front and back assisted for 3-5 seconds. If your child is six years or over they would register for Swimmer 1. | Sunfish |
Preschool 3 (Swimmer 1 if over six years) |
Continuing L’il Dippers: Gliders |
| Can jump into deep water wearing a personal flotation device; recover objects from the bottom; hold their breath underwater float and glide on front and back. If your child is six years or over they would register for Swimmer 2. | Crocodile |
Preschool 4 (Swimmer 2 if over six years) |
Continuing L’il Dippers: Divers |
| Can do solo jumps into deep water and get out by themselves; swim front crawl 3-5m and do flutter kick on their front, back and side. If your child is six years or over they would register for Swimmer 2. | Whale |
Preschool 5 (Swimmer 2 if over six years) |
Continuing L’il Dippers: Surfer |
| Is six to 13 years and just starting out. | Swim Kids 1 | Swimmer 1 | Learn to Swim I: Otter |
| Can you jump into chest deep water; recover an object from the bottom in shallow water; kick 10m on your front and back; and swim 10m of front crawl and back crawl | Swim Kids 2 | Swimmer 2 | Learn to Swim II: Seal |
| Can jump into deeper water; roll sideways into water wearing a personal flotation device; support self at the surface without an aid; do whip kick in the vertical position; and swim 15m on front and back. | Swim Kids 3 | Swimmer 3 | Learn to Swim III: Dolphin |
| Can complete the Canadian Swim to Survive Standard: Roll–Tread (one minute)–Swim (50m); handstands and kneeling dives; and whip kick on their back. | Swim Kids 4 and 5 | Swimmer 4 | Learn to Swim IV: Swimmer |
| Can do dives; swim underwater; tread water for two minutes; 25m of front and back crawl; whip kick on your front; breaststroke arms with breathing; and interval training of 4 x 25m. | Swim Kids 6 | Swimmer 5 | Learn to Swim IV: Swimmer |
| Can do shallow dives and cannonballs; stationary eggbeater kick; 50m of front and back crawl; breaststroke for 15-25m; sprint 25m; interval training of 4 x 50m. | Swim Kids 7 | Swimmer 6 | Star 1 |
| Can do stride entries and compact jumps; eggbeater kick and scissor kick; sprint breaststroke over 25m; and a workout of 300m. | Swim Kids 8 | Swimmer 7-Rookie Patrol | Star 2/3 |
| Preferred successful completion–Swimmer 7. | Swim Kids 9 | Swimmer 8-Ranger Patrol | Star 3/4 |
| Preferred successful completion–Swimmer 8. | Swim Kids 10 | Swimmer 9-Star Patrol | Star 5/6 |
| Preferred successful completion–Swimmer 9. | Bronze Star | Star 7 |
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