Aquatic Center Launches New Season of Swim Classes

When Tomoko Kaisel’s 6-year-old daughter began her swim classes last year she was nervous just to put her face in the water.

After three lessons, she moved from the first level (tadpole) to the fourth and highest level (a Junior Flying Fish).

As her children played with beach balls and other games during the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center open house on Thursday, Kaisel signed her daughter up for the 2012 swim team.

Aquatic Director David Stack said the open house crowd grew since last year.

“There are a lot of familiar faces here. Our second year returners are excited and bringing their friends. We will see growth in that way,” Stack said as greeted everyone by name.

Stack has been a swim coach since 1992, instructing every swimming stage from beginner to U.S. Nationals level.

He recommends teaching children how to swim at a young age.

“Teach them to swim as early as you can to get them oriented and safe in the water. Safety also means supervision,” Stack said.

During the Learn to Swim class, students work their way through the four levels of learning:

• Tadpole: Water orientation and water balance
• Guppy: Water safety
• Minnow: Arm propulsion
• Jr. Flying Fish: Stroke introduction

Other available classes include adult swimming lessons, private lessons, parent and me, health and safety training and the swim team.

Check out the PDFs above for more information about registration and class details.

The Aquatic Center officially begins its 2012 season on May 5.