Frequently asked Questions
What do swimmers need to have?
When coming to a swimming class, swimmers should be well-prepared to ensure they’re comfortable and ready to get the most out of their session. First and foremost, a well-fitting swimsuit is essential for ease of movement in the water. Goggles are also a must, as they protect the eyes from chlorine and improve underwater visibility. In addition, swimmers might consider bringing a swim cap, especially if they have long hair, as it helps reduce drag and keeps hair out of the way. A towel or a robe is handy for drying off afterward, and many swimmers like to have flip-flops or pool shoes for walking around the pool deck. Some may also bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during more intense classes. Lastly, if the class requires it, a kickboard or pull buoy could be helpful for certain drills, though these are often provided by the facility.
What will my swimmer be taught?
In our swimming program, we begin by focusing on foundational skills that set the stage for success in the water. The basics include teaching swimmers the importance of streamline body positioning, proper breathing techniques, and effective kicking. As they build confidence with these skills, we gradually introduce more advanced strokes, starting with Freestyle, incorporating bilateral breathing, and then moving on to Backstroke. As the children progress through the various levels of the program, they will be challenged to swim longer distances and develop mastery of the Breaststroke and Butterfly strokes. By the time they reach the higher levels, they’ll not only be proficient with advanced techniques, they will be ready to join the club team and compete with confidence.
How will I pay?
Payments can be made on the first day of class via cash, check (made payable to "Sooner Swim School") or Square (credit fee applies).
What do I do when we show up for class?
When you arrive for swim class, it's important that your child is ready to swim—this means they should already be in their swimsuit and have their goggles, swim cap, and any other necessary gear with them. Upon arrival, there will be a designated waiting area where the children can gather until their class begins. The instructors will greet the students and help direct them to their specific group. Once it’s time for class, the children will be escorted to the poolside, where they’ll sit on the edge of the pool while awaiting further instructions from their coach. This is a great moment for the kids to settle in, adjust their goggles, and get ready for their lesson.Parents are encouraged to find a seat in the designated viewing area, where they can comfortably watch their child’s progress throughout the class. It's important to note that while parents are welcome to observe, the pool deck is typically reserved for instructors and swimmers, helping to keep the focus on learning and safety. Feel free to ask any staff members if you have questions before or after class!
What is expected of kids when in class?
In class, the main thing we ask is that kids listen to their instructors and follow along with whatever tasks are being taught. It’s important for everyone’s safety and helps make sure all the kids get a chance to learn. When they’re not swimming or doing a specific drill, we ask that they stay on the wall or poolside. This keeps things organized and ensures the coaches can keep an eye on everyone. We want all the swimmers to have fun while learning in a safe and supportive environment!
What are the requirements for being accepted to Sooner Swim School?
At Sooner Swim School, we welcome swimmers who are excited to learn and comfortable being in the water. To join, it's important that children are not afraid of the water, as our lessons focus on building swimming skills right from the start. Kids need to be at least 6 years old to enroll, though we do make exceptions for 5-year-olds on a case-by-case basis, depending on their comfort level and readiness for the program. If you have a younger child who’s eager to swim, feel free to reach out to us for an evaluation—we’re happy to discuss their options and see if they’re ready to dive into swim lessons with us!
Level 1
This level is designed for children ages 5-6 who are already comfortable in the water and ready to build on their water skills. Throughout this class, swimmers will develop essential skills such as breath control, allowing them to swim more comfortably underwater. They will also learn the fundamentals of proper streamline kicking off the wall, a key technique for efficient swimming. Additionally, your child will become proficient in using a kickboard, which helps strengthen their kicking ability and improves overall body position in the water. By the end of this level, your child will have a strong foundation in swimming, preparing them for more advanced techniques in future levels.
Level 2
At Level 2 we begin by focusing on foundational skills that set the stage for success in the water. The basics include teaching swimmers the importance of streamline body positioning, proper breathing techniques, and effective kicking. As they build confidence with these skills, we gradually introduce more advanced strokes, starting with Freestyle, incorporating bilateral breathing, and then moving on to Backstroke. As the children progress through the various levels of the program, they will be challenged to swim longer distances and develop mastery of the Breaststroke and Butterfly strokes. By the time they reach the higher levels, they’ll not only be proficient with advanced techniques, they will be ready to join the club team and compete with confidence.
Level 3
At Level 3, swimmers have already mastered the foundational skills from Level 2 and are ready to take their technique to the next level. In this stage, swimmers will focus on refining their freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke techniques, with an emphasis on increasing endurance. They will practice extended swims for longer distances to build stamina, perfect their breathing techniques, and improve stroke efficiency. Additionally, swimmers will be introduced to the breaststroke pull, further developing their ability to coordinate timing and movement. By the end of this level, swimmers will be more confident and proficient in multiple strokes, preparing them for advanced swim skills and competitive swimming.
Level 4
In Level 4, swimmers who have mastered Level 3 skills are ready to refine their strokes and focus on more advanced techniques. Essential skills taught in this class include mastering the timing and coordination of the breaststroke, as well as an introduction to the butterfly stroke. Swimmers will also learn and practice open turns and flip turns, crucial for efficient transitions during freestyle and other strokes. This level emphasizes precision, endurance, and the seamless integration of advanced techniques, preparing swimmers for more competitive swimming or higher-level training.