Gate Hill is committed to providing challenge and development for even the most skilled swimmers. Our swim program is built around the skill progression and levels of the American Red Cross “learn to swim” program. We issue detailed achievement cards that subdivide the levels into more attainable short term goals, and reward steady growth. The cards detail the skills that the camper has accomplished, and what is still remaining to complete the level. We issue progress cards in weeks 2,4,6 and at the end of a camper’s session.
Red Cross Swim Levels 1-5
Preschool 1 – Orientation to environment
Awarded a ducky keytag on completion
Preschool 2 – Gain independence
Awarded a froggy keytag on completion
Preschool 3 – Propulsive skills
Awarded a baby dolphin keytag on completion
(Click images for cards)
Level 1 – Introduction
Campers progress through Green Minnow and Goldfish tags
Level 2 – Fundamental Aquatic Skills
Campers progress through Blue Minnow and Goldfish tags
Level 3 – Stroke Development
Campers progress through Yellow Barracuda, Dolphin then Shark tags
Level 4 – Stroke Improvement
Campers progress through Red Barracuda, Dolphin then Shark tags
Level 5 – Stroke Refinement
Campers progress through Black Barracuda, Dolphin then Shark tags
Red Cross Swim Levels 6+
Red Cross Swim Levels 6+
Level 6 – Swimming and skill proficiency
3 separate certificates:
- Fitness swimmer
- Personal water safety
- Fundamentals of diving
Campers progress through White Barracuda, Dolphin then Shark tags and are awarded a GHDC “Silver Surfer” Swim cap upon completion to mark finishing the entire Red Cross Learn to Swim program.
Red Cross Jr. Lifeguard
A lifeguarding orientation program, aquatic accidents, leadership, emergency response
Campers are awarded their own Lifeguard whistle upon completion
Beyond Red Cross: GHDC Programs
Tridents
Campers must show technique in a diverse range of aquatics skills like rescue techniques, snorkeling and boating
Master Swimmer
Campers must show both outstanding technique and endurance in the full range of swimming strokes.
Aquatics Associate
Campers are introduced to swim instruction, observing and eventually participating in teaching.
L.I.T.
Campers may be adopted into the aquatics program as part of the entering 10th grade L.I.T. program (Leaders In Training) for work experience with the aquatics team.
Working at Gate Hill
The starting age for employment as an Aquatics Assistant is 15, and 16 is the starting age for employment as a Swim Instructor.