Swimming Lessons: Whale Level 8/9/10

Whale Level 8

Level 8 is designed for swimmers who are ready to master advanced aquatic skills and build serious endurance. In this level, swimmers will learn shallow dives, cannonball entries, eggbeater kicks, and even perform in-water backward somersaults for fun and agility. Endurance training includes a 300-meter distance swim, helping swimmers develop strength and stamina.

Stroke refinement is a major focus, with 50 meters of front crawl, 50 meters of back crawl, and 25 meters of breaststroke. Swimmers will also work on speed with 25-meter sprints and practice the stride dive, an essential skill for safe deep-water entry.

Water safety remains a priority. Students will learn choking rescue techniques for complete and partial obstructions, how to assist a conscious person, and important survival strategies such as hypothermia prevention and self-rescue after falling through ice. These skills prepare swimmers for real-life emergencies and reinforce safe habits in all aquatic environments.

Whale Level 9

Level 9 is for advanced swimmers who want to push their limits with challenging skills and rigorous fitness training. This level introduces scissor kick, a lifesaving technique used in rescue scenarios. Swimmers will complete 100 meters each of front crawl and back crawl, plus 50 meters of elementary backstroke, while demonstrating head-up variations for front crawl and breaststroke.

Fitness and endurance are key components, with a 400-meter distance swim, 50-meter sprints in front and back crawl, and focused breaststroke drills to improve technique. Students will also practice advanced skills such as head-first surface dives, foot-first sculling, and retrieving a 5-pound brick in chest-deep water, which builds strength and confidence for lifesaving situations.

Water safety education includes sun protection, ice rescue techniques, and reinforcing safe swimming habits. Level 9 prepares swimmers for leadership roles in aquatic environments and sets the foundation for future lifesaving certifications.

Whale Level 10

Level 10 is the ultimate challenge for advanced swimmers who want to master high-level aquatic skills and lifesaving techniques. This level includes stride entries, compact jumps, and powerful kicks like eggbeater and scissor kick for rescue scenarios. Swimmers will develop strength and speed with head-up breaststroke sprints over 25 meters, while continuing to refine front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke over multiple lengths.

Endurance training includes a 300-meter workout, plus advanced lifesaving drills such as recovering a 5-pound brick in deep water, performing reverse and ready approaches to a drowning victim, and executing head-first and foot-first surface dives with a 2-meter underwater swim.

Water safety topics are integrated throughout, including swimming with a buddy, proper life jacket use, and understanding frozen bodies of water like lakes and ponds. Level 10 equips swimmers with the confidence, strength, and knowledge to handle any aquatic challenge safely.