2010 Edition - Lydia TomanekTodd Dickerson (MOD) Lifeguard Operations Head Lifeguards (4) Lifeguards Jeremy Canaan (MOD) Customer Service Front Desk Staff Rock Wall Kasey Toivola (MOD)

2010 Edition

Table of Contents iii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ iii

Introduction ................................................................................................................................. v

Chapter 1: Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium Facility ....................................................................... 3

Chapter 2: LTS Program Overview ............................................................................................... 6

Lesson Level 1: Water Babies and Water Babies Advanced ......................................... 11

Lesson Level 2: Minnows ............................................................................................... 15

Screamers/Criers ............................................................................................... 21

Lesson Level 3: Sharks .................................................................................................... 23

Lesson Level 4: Competitive Stroke Clinic ..................................................................... 27

Lesson Level 5: Adult Lessons ........................................................................................ 33

Lesson Level 6: Private Lessons ..................................................................................... 37

Lesson Level 7: Diving ................................................................................................... 41

Chapter 3: LTS Policies ............................................................................................................... 45

Appendix .................................................................................................................................... 51

Safety Rules ................................................................................................................... 52

Team Environment ........................................................................................................ 53

R.E.A.L. .......................................................................................................................... 54

P.R.I.D.E. Awards ........................................................................................................... 55

Certificate Examples ...................................................................................................... 56

Skills Sheet ....................................................................................................... 57

Minnows Certificate ......................................................................................... 58

Sharks Certificate ............................................................................................. 60

Index .......................................................................................................................................... 62

iv LTS Staff Manual

Welcome to our team!

Congratulations on becoming the newest employee of the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium for the

City of Allen’s Learn-to-Swim Program. As an aide or water safety instructor, you are joining a

unique team that serves to teach kids the essential skills of swimming and water safety. This is a

challenging job, but it can also be a fun one!

This manual is designed to help you become familiarized with our facility, our learn-to-swim

program, and our policies. Please read it carefully, mark notes where you have questions, and

look at it from time to time to help you remember the guidelines to teaching kids and working

within our program. Let us know if you have any questions!

City of Allen’s Official Vision:

To achieve excellence and create fun beyond

imagination!

The Learn-To-Swim Program

Chapter 1:

Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium Facility

Chapter 1: DRN Facility 3

Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium Facility

Background Information of Facility

Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium (DRN) is one of the most unique and creative indoor pool

designs in the greater Dallas area. Opened in 2002, DRN provides a fun recreation

experience for people of all ages, all the while ensuring safety by having well-trained life

guarding staff and a strong commitment to safe rules and policies. As an additional safety

measure, most staff members of the facility are required to have CPR/First Aid

certification by the American Red Cross.

In addition to the leisure pool that provides shallow water fun, a big slide, whirlpool and

a lazy river, there is a lap pool for competitive swimmers, and two party rooms for

birthday parties and special events. The fitness area upstairs features excellent equipment

and a weight room, and there are aerobic and water-aerobic classes offered six days a

week.

Memberships are available to residents and non-residents for a period of 3 months, 6

months, or a year. DRN memberships are an “umbrella membership” meaning they are

also good for use at any other Allen recreational facility—such as Joe Farmer Recreation

Center, Senior Recreation Center, EDGE Park, and Ford outdoor pool, which is only

open in the summer. Ford is also where we hold some of our summer swim lessons.

4 LTS Staff Manual

Kenny Walsh

Facility Supervisor

Miklos Valdez (MOD)

Aquatic Program Supervisor

Matthew Limpede (MOD)

LTS Coordinator

Emily Stephan

Lead Instructor

Water Safety Instructors

Swim Teaching Assistants

Todd Dickerson (MOD)

Lifeguard Operations

Head Lifeguards (4)

Lifeguards

Jeremy Canaan (MOD)

Customer Service

Front Desk Staff

Rock Wall

Kasey Toivola (MOD)

Fitness Coordinator

Fitness Specialists

Facility Employee Tree

The natatorium is staffed by nearly a hundred people and there is always at least one

manager on duty (MOD) at all times. This chart shows an outline of the positions in the

facility, and who supervises whom.

Chapter 2: LTS Program

Chapter 2:

LTS Program Overview

Chapter 2: LTS Program 7

Learn-To-Swim Program Overview

The City of Allen’s Learn-To-Swim (LTS) Program is designed to instruct water safety

and swimming skills to children and adults of all ages. We strive to make our LTS

Program the best in the region. As part of the American Red Cross (ARC) guidelines, we

ensure that our instructions receive all necessary training and certification to become

Water Safety Instructors. In addition, we aim to provide excellent customer service to the

residents of Allen and surrounding areas.

Basic Overview of LTS

The core of our program is SHARKS and MINNOWS, geared toward kids ages 3-12.

Our program is designed with the participants in mind, so we have eliminated registering

for “levels”. This also simplifies the process by allowing the instructors to decide which

level a student is at instead of the parent. Parents only need to sign their child up for the

age groups of SHARKS or MINNOWS, and then on the first day of lessons, instructors

do a collaborative evaluation of each child to determine which American Red Cross level

they should be placed in. Sometimes, two levels are within one group, but this is okay.

This process eases registration procedures and lets parents and instructors focus on

quality instruction, rather than spending too much time debating the right “level” for a

child.

Other classes within our program are Water Babies, Water Babies Advanced, Adult,

Private Lessons, and Diving for Beginners. In addition, there is a Stroke Clinic program

that is separate from the Learn-to-Swim program but still staffed by us. We will go over

each of these classes in more detail.

8 LTS Staff Manual

Lesson Costs

Water Babies Ages: WB-6-36 months; WBAdvanced-18-36 months

Cost: $30 (members)/ $40 (nonmembers)

Minnows Ages: 3-5 years

Cost: $60 (members)/ $75 (nonmembers) for 8 lessons

$30 (members)/ $40 (nonmembers) for 4 lessons... (Saturdays/school year only!)

Sharks Ages: 6-12 years


$30 (members)/ $40 (nonmembers) for 4 lessons... (Saturdays/school year only!)

Competitive Stroke Clinic Ages: 6-14

Cost: (Beg/Int.) $29 (members)/ $39 (nonmembers) for 6 lessons (Adv)

$45 (members)/ $55 (nonmembers) for 6 lessons

Adult Ages: 13+ years


Private Lessons All Ages

Cost: $35 for 30mins of one-on-one instruction.

Diving Ages: 6-14 years


Chapter 2: LTS Program 9

Expectations for Job

We try to keep a 5:1 instructor to student ratio for our classes. Instructor aides are also

employed to help with the classes. Let’s be honest, kids will inadvertently spit water on

you, accidentally swallow or snort water and cough it up, and you will certainly have a

fair share of criers and screamers and kids who won’t listen. The aides will be at your

side and help get you through each lesson. You will have moments of frustration, but in

the end you will be rewarded with those moments of great satisfaction when a student

achieves his or her goals.

If you feel overwhelmed or frustrated at any time, for any reason, ask other instructors

and your supervisors for advice. A supervisor can even sit in on your lesson to help watch

the kids and keep them focused.

Each session lasts two weeks, a total of 8, 30 minute lessons. On the last day of each

session, the student is awarded a certificate with skills checklist (page 67). As an

instructor, it will be your responsibility to complete these certificates BEFORE the final

lesson, for each student, in each lesson you teach.

Parent’s Day

The last lesson of each session is also Parent’s Day. For all the other class days the

parents are asked to keep their distance from their children and allow the instructor to

work with them. But it is different for Parent’s Day. Parents are allowed to bring

relatives, take pictures, and also film their child performing skills throughout the lessons.

This is also the time when you will be critiqued by the parent of your student. Each

parent will receive a comment card at the beginning of the lesson and at the end of the

work day the lead instructor will go over them with the staff.

Note: Plan on leaving a few minutes later than usual on these days.

Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 1 11

Lesson Level 1:

Water Babies

Water Babies Advanced


Water Babies and Water Babies Advanced

Water Babies and Water Babies Advanced classes are taken directly from the Red Cross

program. The class is 30 minutes long and has a ratio of 8-10 students to 1 instructor.

Refer to your ARC Water Safety Instructor manual and Swimming & Diving manual to

refresh yourself on the class, if necessary. The most important thing to remember is that

these parent/child classes are a water exploration class, not an independent-swimming

class. The purpose is to make infants and toddlers more comfortable in the aquatics

environment. It is also a chance to educate parents/caregivers on basic water safety

principles.

Parents/caregivers are required to be in the water at all times, and are

required to have only 1 child per caregiver. (One caregiver may NOT

teach 2 or more children. This is a safety issue.) However, it is

acceptable for one child to have more than one caregiver present.

Most parents will be new to handling their little one in an aquatics environment, so do not

be afraid to engage them and correct them on their holding or teaching techniques. Most

will welcome the advice.

Make sure the class is fun and that you are excited! Mumbling through a song or

announcing an activity without much explanation are surefire ways to make the class

unexciting for everyone.

TIP: Be upbeat, positive, and get to know the

kids. It makes the time go by a lot faster!

14 LTS Staff Manual

Helpful Hints!

On the first day, take roll.

End class promptly.

No changing diapers on deck! There are family changing rooms available.

Make sure children are wearing swim diapers.

Play structure is only to be used at the end of the lesson for the 5-10 minutes of

free time.

Be prepared! Have all toys and class materials out and ready to go before class

starts.

Demonstrate with the doll! This will make parents much more comfortable if they

can see exactly how to hold or position their child.

HAVE FUN! This class is less demanding on your part than the core classes. But

you’ll still need to make sure the children are enjoying themselves.


Lesson Level 2:

Minnows


Minnows

Minnows are ages 3-5. We understand that working with such young kids can be

frustrating sometimes, however, the skills you are teaching them are extremely valuable.

The main goal for minnows is helping them become comfortable in the water and

swimming on their own. The earlier age that a child becomes comfortable in and around

water the safer they will be around aquatic environments.

There are three levels of Minnows, Pre-School Aquatics levels 1-3. You can also thinking

of these as beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

FIRST DAY

On the first day of class you’ll be evaluating the kids to see who is at what level. The

instructors have put together a list of questions they use to evaluate the kids. Start by introducing yourself and the other instructors for the Minnow’s age group. Then

Have all the children stand on the step in a line and ask them all the following questions.

Who can blow bubbles?

Who can put their face in the water?

Who can go all the way under the water?

Who knows what scoops are?

Who can do scoops and kicks all by their selves? The children who can go all the way under should be placed on the step toward the

deeper end of the pool. Children who cannot blow bubbles and are fearful should be

placed on the shallower end of the step. Then evaluate by level. Kids who can scoop and

kick by themselves should be the Level 3 class and closet to the deep end on the step.

Level 1 kids should have little to none skill in water, or show fear. Level 2 kids fall

anywhere in between the first and third level, and should be grouped together by how

comfortable they are in the water and how comfortable they are on their back.

18 LTS Staff Manual

How to spot a Pre-School Level 1:

Fear of water

Unwilling to submerge

Cannot blow bubbles

Minnows Pre-school Level 1 (Beginners) The main goal of a Level 1 class is to introduce

the child to the water. Don’t expect them to do

anything on their own (unless they want to.)

Always support the child.

Most of these children are young enough to expresses separation anxiety from their

parents. Do not be discouraged if some or many of your kids cry or throw a fit for the

first day or two.

FIRST DAY

The first day you can play games, pour water over their heads, and explore the shallow

side of the pool. Just make the class fun so the child will be excited to come back. You

should not require them to go underwater on the first or even second day. A lot of Level

1Minnows will just cry the first day. So, use that day to get to know the child and allow

them to know you will keep them safe and when they come to class they will have fun.

Practice blowing bubbles with EVERYTHING (glides, kicks, etc). Teach them to blow

bubbles out their nose, too. Having them hum works well. Many kids in Level 1 have not

yet learned how to hum, or blow bubbles, so it could turn out that the lesson is going to

be used helping them learn that one basic skill. Blowing bubbles underwater is essential

to swimming better in the next levels. If they only hold their breath, they’re only going to

have a harder time in the next level (and so will the instructor!) MOVING UP: A Level 1 student is ready for the Level 2 level when they show zero

hesitation in the water. This means they will go underwater at your request or on their

own, and they can stay under long enough to pick a toy up at the bottom of the shallow

water (2 ft.)

TIP: Play with the rings and toys in games to have them

practice blowing bubbles and putting their face in.


Minnows Pre-school Level 2 (Intermediate)

In the Level 2 class you will have kids with a huge range of skills. Some will be

beginners that have just conquered their fear, others will have all skills mastered except

the back crawl or a certain glide. The trick to a successful Level 2 class is not having

everyone do the same thing as everyone else every day.

Kids rarely move from Level 2 to Level 3 within one session, so don’t feel pressured to

teach everything within a session. Tailor your class to each individual child the best you

can. Do your best to educate the parents and let them know kids need months to years of

practice before they become an independent, Level 3 swimmer.

MOVING UP: To be considered a Level 3 swimmer, a child must be able to do floats,

glides, and swim completely by themselves. If they go underwater on the back glide and

you need to push them back up, they aren’t ready for Level 3. If they can’t swim from the

wall to the island with their face in, blowing bubbles the whole time, they aren’t ready.

Their front and back crawl don’t have to be perfect, but they need to be able to do a float

or glide very well; that way the focus in Level 3 is on strokes and not basic skills.

TIP: Use the first two lessons as an assessment—is a kid clinging to you if you start to

let go on a float? Then they need to work on floating and only floating! Is a kid

swimming well but sinking and stopping to lift their head too often (every 2-3 seconds)?

Then they need to work on blowing bubbles for a longer time! Tailoring lessons to a

specific skill will help them advance faster than if they practice everything for only a

short time.

How to spot a Pre-School Level 2:

Independent submerges

Able to do assisted glides and floats

Comfortable in water

20 LTS Staff Manual

Minnows Pre-school Level 3 (Advanced)

By Level 3, kids should be comfortable swimming on their own. Focus should be on

swimming the right way—getting their arms out of the water, taking short breaths, and

kicking the right way the whole time, not just in spurts. You also teach them the dolphin

kick and you introduce side breathing. Teach them how to dive head-first into a depth of

at least 9ft. and they need to learn how to tread water or float on their back (or both).

Try to teach your Level 3 class in deeper water (3.5ft+). Take them to jump in often and

have them practice swimming back to the wall on their own. You want to teach them to

know what to do if they were to fall in a pool accidentally.

MOVING UP: On occasion, a child will be ready for the SHARKS classes even though

they are still 5. These are rare instances, and permission to register for Sharks is only

granted with the LTS Coordinator’s or Lead Instructor’s approval. The “litmus” test is

how tall the child is; if they are too short, they will be tired from holding onto the wall the

entire time, so they should stay in MINNOWS.

TIP: Often times a kid will know how to perform a skill, but will resist because they can

stand up in shallow water. Having this level of kids in the deeper water also forces them

to rely on their side breathing, and keeps them contained on the wall since they will want

to wander in shallow water.

Main Objectives of Pre-School Level 3:

Improve stroke quality

Dolphin Kick

Side breathing

Tread water for 30sec

Head-first dives


Minnows Screamers/Criers

Nobody likes to have a kid crying and screaming, but unfortunately that is just the nature

of teaching 3-5 year olds. Remember that for these kiddos, crying/screaming is the only

way they know how to cope with the stress and anxiety of new and unfamiliar situations.

It’s also how they get attention from their parents at home, so they figure it’ll work here,

too! We’ve categorized screamers into 3 basic groups:

I-Want-Mommy-Criers are just scared to be away from their parents. They usually

won’t do anything in the water until they calm down. The way to calm them is to play

lots of games, ask lots of questions, and make sure they cannot see their parents. It is

okay to ask the parents to wait in the lobby so that their child cannot see them. Explain to

them the reason is because they see mommy or daddy as “good” and instructors as “bad.”

If the parents are out of sight, they will be out of mind and the child will learn that the

instructor is “good.” Some criers may be fine after 15 minutes, others it may take several

days of lessons. Just keep your patience and talk to the parents afterwards and let them

know they’re doing okay even if they’re crying it out a little.

Stubborn Criers are those who are sleepy or having a grumpy day. They refuse to do

anything and if you try to make them, they just scream or cry, but you might notice there

aren’t any tears. Usually, these kids are not afraid of the water; they just are angry or

upset that day. The best thing to do is to distract them, make them laugh, and force them

to do any kind of task no matter how small. Stubborn criers are usually fine after another

day when they’re rested or in a better mood.

22 LTS Staff Manual

Fearful Criers are kids who are really terrified of the water. They don’t like to be in

the water without being held, they refuse to put their face in, and they usually won’t do

anything without a lot of support. They are not to be confused with stubborn criers—

fearful criers are consistently afraid and react the same way to any activities in the water.

With fearful criers, you have to take your time and reduce each activity (such as a float or

glide) to one baby step at a time. Start by doing the float with them holding your

shoulders. Then put them back on the step, work with the other kids, then go back to

them and ask them to do bubbles as they float. Then repeat this, each time asking them to

do a little more. Show them what they need to do LOTS AND LOTS of times so that they

see you’re never harmed. Make them watch other kids who aren’t as afraid. Always use

positive praise for each step they take toward overcoming their fear. NOTE: Dealing with criers is primarily the job of an aide. An instructor may need to deal

with some criers in order to encourage them to participate, but most often an aide is

expected to work with a crier to help calm them down.


Lesson Level 3:

Sharks


SHARKS

Sharks are ages 6-12, and just like our MINNOWS, the levels follow the American Red

Cross Program levels. Remember, it’s okay if a group consists of students spread out over

two levels, and in extremely rare instances, three levels.

What should not happen is having one instructor with five or six kids while another only

has two or three. Even if it means taking on a child of a different level, keep the classes

evenly distributed! The child moved from a large class to a class of four or five is more

likely to benefit from the additional one-on-one time they’ll receive, even if they are at a

different level than the other students.

Example of Progression:

Submerging Floats Glides Glides w/ kicks Front crawl Side breathing

For assistants and yet-to-be certified instructors, know that teaching Sharks is very

similar to teaching Minnows: you must follow the progressions above. This means that

you should not expect a child to do a complex skill until they master the basics that make

up that skill. For example, a child who is not comfortable gliding on their own will not be

able to perform the front crawl on their own. Work on gliding, and then once they master

that skill, introduce the front crawl.

It is essential that you focus on the quality of the stroke and not the distance they can

swim. With correct execution of a skill, their endurance will naturally increase. This is

true for all six of the major strokes taught in the American Red Cross Water Safety

program.

26 LTS Staff Manual

FIRST DAY

Here are some helpful tips and evaluation questions for Sharks on the first day of class. Have all children line up on the wall from one ladder to the other on the 3ft-6in side of

the pool. Ask the following questions:

Who can do Side Breathing?

Who can do Front Crawl (scoops and kicks)?

Who can do Back Crawl?

Who can do Dolphin Kick?

Who can do Breast Stroke (bend, circle, snap)?

The children who can side breathe should be placed in the deeper water. Children who

cannot do the Front Crawl or do it poorly should be placed in the shallower water close to

the Minnows classes. The Level 1 and the Level 3 students will be very clear cut and easy to separate. The

Level 1 students should resemble the Level 3 Minnows. The Level 3 students will in most

cases have previously learned many of the skills and merely need re-instruction and some

perfecting before they can move up to Stroke Clinic. The Level 2 students usually fall

within a wide range of skill sets and will resemble a wide variety of skills closer to either

Level 1 or Level 3.

TIP: When in doubt, if you find yourself with 8 kids all at the same level, divide by

height 4 into one class and 4 into the other, then take a place in the pool suitable for

their height.

LTS Program Chapter 2: Level 4 27

Lesson Level 4:

Competitive Stroke Clinic


Competitive Stroke Clinic

Competitive Stroke Clinic, although taught by LTS Staff members is not a part of the

traditional LTS program. The ARC criteria for “levels” do not apply, because we are

preparing them for a swim team environment and it’s assumed they already know how to

swim.

Since the classes are designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge for

competitive swimming, this means students mostly need practice

through drills and sets. The instructor does not get in the

water with the students, and good technique/endurance is

highly stressed.

Stroke clinic is for ages 6-14. There are three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and

Advanced. Each level has its own specific pre-requisites and max number of students,

listed below.

NOTE: All levels should be able to swim freestyle with side breathing.

Beginner

(10 max)

Intermediate

(12 max)

Advanced

(14 max)

Swim 50 yards freestyle

continuously

Swim 50 yards

backstroke continuously

Swim 100 yards

freestyle continuously

Swim 100 yards


Swim 150 yards

freestyle

Swim 150 yards


Swim 75 yards

breaststroke

Swim 25 yards butterfly

MOVING UP: Students will progress through each level at different rates. Use the pre-

requisites of each level to determine if you can recommend a student to move up a level

for the next session. In the 3rd

week of every session, you may choose to fill out a short

“Progress Update” form to hand out to parents. This will include a checklist of skills

they’ve mastered and a recommendation for which level they should take next. The

following is an overview of each level and what skills should be taught:

30 LTS Staff Manual

Beginners (Stroke Development)

Teach the freestyle and backstroke from basics. Break it down into parts (arms, legs,

breathing/timing & head/body position).

Have a focus for each lesson. These can include focus on teaching; practice and

correction; drills; accuracy.

Drills should focus on ONE part of the stroke (such as arms, legs, breathing, and

timing.)

o Examples include: Freestyle/Backstroke: 25 yd flutter kick drills; 25 yd left

arm/right arm drills; 25 yd breathing (with kickboard)

o After drilling each part of stroke, practice having them do entire stroke in small

sets.

o Be aware of time and give the kids plenty of rest. This is a swim-team type

practice, but it is NOT a true swim team.

o As session progresses, distances of drills should increase to 100 yd if possible.

The main focus in the beginner level is QUALITY not quantity.

Intermediate (Stroke Refinement)

Spend the first day reviewing the freestyle and backstroke and practicing them. Make

note of which students seem the weakest and choose them to be in their own lane.

You will have to divide into groups and teach accordingly to each group.

Drills are essential in this level. Endurance should be gradually built up over the

course of the session. Drills should increase from 100 to 125 by the 2nd

week.

Introduce the butterfly and breast stroke in this level.

Introduce head-first dives from the side and open turns in this level.

A good way to plan the course of your intermediate class is to spend one week on

each competitive stroke, starting with the freestyle, then backstroke, then

breaststroke, then butterfly.

Introduce headfirst dives from the side (but not the block.) Cover open turns to

improve efficiency of drills, and introduce flip turns if time permits and students are

capable.

The main focus in the intermediate level is QUALITY & QUANTITY equally.


Advanced (Stroke Practice)

Classes are an hour long, so there is plenty of time to change the pace of

swimming/drills and give them rest/breaks. Do intense ones, and then slow ones.

Change the distance, change the times. Mix it up!

Practice all four strokes each day. Do drills, and then combine them into the full

stroke.

Include drills for the IM as the session progresses. Model your drills after actual

competitive events in swim meets. (Ex: 100yd breaststroke; 200 yd IM; 500 yd

freestyle)

Make sure the swimmers are ALWAYS doing flip-turns during your drills of

50+yrds.

Introduce head-first dives from the block.

Practice underwater swimming to increase endurance and breath control.

Full stroke practices should be a minimum of 100 yd.

The main focus of the advanced level is QUANTITY THROUGH QUALITY.

They can only be powerful swimmers if they are swimming the stroke correctly.

Don’t sacrifice quality for distance.


Lesson Level 5:

Adult Lessons


Adult Lessons

Adult Learn-to-Swim classes are for ages 13+ years and are divided into two levels:

Beginner and Advanced. Classes are 30 minutes long with a ratio of 5 students to 1

instructor.

The beginner class is for those who are new to aquatic environments: they are not

comfortable submerging, blowing bubbles, or swimming any distance on top of the

water. They may not know how to tread water or are uncomfortable in water that goes

over their head.

The advanced class is for those who are comfortable in aquatic environments, but they

need to develop a broader understanding of the six basic strokes and their mechanics.

Their goal is usually to improve efficiency in any number of things such as side

breathing, kicking, arm pulls, flip turns, or treading water. Whichever level you teach, the approach will be similar. You want to make the

participants feel welcome and safe—it is a very intimidating environment for some of the

participants. On the first day of a session, you ask each participant why they signed up for

the class and what their ultimate goal(s) is. Explain to them that you are here to help them

attain that goal, but due to the limited class time and multiple participants, they need to be

committed to practicing outside of class. Otherwise, progress will be very slow. Recall in the ARC WSI course teaching adults means you must take into consideration a

variety of factors that separate them from teaching children. These include, but are not

limited to, body mass, past experiences/fears, learned behaviors, thermoregulatory

Most common reasons adults take swim lessons:

Overcome fear of water

Learn proper stroke technique

Kids swim but they don’t

Exercise

36 LTS Staff Manual

responses, and motivations. However, the fundamentals of teaching swim lessons and the

principles of progressions are the same. Just like with children, adults must master the basic skills first before proceeding to a

more difficult skill. How you teach the skill is what can vary greatly from how you teach kids. This is where

you can be creative. Some adults prefer to be given a task and then work on it alone.

Others may want to work with a reciprocal partner. Still others may benefit from group

activities or even games. Do not be afraid to help an adult by holding them in a support

position. But always ask them first. For example, when teaching an adult the back float,

you could ask: “May I place my hands on your back to support you while you practice?”

Another example would be to let them know it is okay to use you for support. For

example, when teaching the front float, you could say, “If you want to hold my shoulders

and have me support your waist, I can do that.” This can disarm them and make them feel

safer in trying the new skill. When teaching adults, just remember to use your best judgment. Even though they are

adults (and likely older than you) they respect you as an instructor and know that you are

a knowledgeable, capable individual.


Lesson Level 6:

Private Lessons


Private Lessons

Many parents feel that their child needs additional one-on-one time with an instructor.

They also may feel the need to take a lesson or two. However, in either of these cases,

time is a very important factor. The LTS staff offers Private Lessons to any level of

student. Each lesson costs $35; $20 of the cost will be added directly to the assigned

instructor’s pay. Each lesson is only 30minutes; $35 for 30 minutes. Each lesson is one-

on-one. Neither the price, time limit, or student-instructor ratio is negotiable.

It is understood that the daily group lessons will take up a majority of your time.

However, each instructor is encouraged to sign up to take as many private lessons as they

feel comfortable conducting. A form for a private lesson indicates who the student will

be, what they want to improve, and what times would work for them. The instructor

ultimately can decide what time to conduct their private lesson. But they must NOT

overlap any of their preexisting group lessons.


Lesson Level 7:

Diving


Diving

The diving class is 30 minutes long with a ratio of 6 students to 1

instructor. When an experienced diver is available, the five types

of dives are covered: forward, backward, inward, reverse, and

twisting. Otherwise, any instructor may teach it according to the

ARC guidelines.

Advanced diving lessons are also offered through Don

Rodenbaugh Natatorium for ages 13-19. However, in preparation

for high school competitive diving, this class is not staffed by LTS.

Instead, this Advanced Diving class is taught by the Allen High

School dive team coach.

Chapter 3: LTS Policies 45

Chapter 3:

LTS Policies


Learn To Swim Policies

Scheduling Scheduling for LTS is done on a month-by-month basis. You are expected to be ready to

teach every session; any major exceptions (e.g. missing more than two days for the entire

session, or needing the session off) need to be discussed with the LTS Program

Coordinator and Lead Instructor TWO WEEKS before the start of the session. The

schedule is distributed a week before the new session. Our school year sessions are a month long, while our summer sessions are two weeks

long, both still consisting of 8 lessons. Saturday lessons are always 4 lessons over the

course of 4 weekends. The only exceptions are when we offer a “pro-rated” session of

only 3 lessons and you will be notified of those exceptions.

Requesting Off In the event you need a shift off, you must find a sub and have both you and the sub fill

out a request-off form. This form must be signed by the Lead Instructor or

Coordinator. No exceptions! Canceling classes because you need off is NOT acceptable

and will not be allowed. The most important thing regarding requests off and scheduling is communication. Do

not assume anything (like the sub knows which classes you teach, or that your

supervisors will look in the sub book and automatically approve your request.) The more

you communicate to the Coordinator, the Lead Instructor, and the sub, the less likely you

will be held liable for your absence later.

48 LTS Staff Manual

Illness If you are unable to make your scheduled shift because of a sudden illness, you need to

let the Coordinator, the Lead Instructor, or the MOD at the Natatorium know as soon as

possible. In the event of a sudden illness or injury, an aide may be able to cover your shift

for that day. But you are still expected to do the work of finding a sub. All instructors’

contact numbers are listed on the schedule. You may be asked to provide a doctor’s note

to excuse the absence. If you fail to show up for work without prior notice (a call to Coordinator or the MOD),

you will receive a write-up. If you miss three shifts in a row without notifying the

appropriate supervisor, you can be terminated.

In-services In-services are an important part of our program. It allows for team-building and a chance

for us to share new things we’ve learned, which ultimately helps us all reach our goal of

becoming better instructors, and also ensures consistency. In-services are mandatory.

In summer, these in-services do not occur very often do to the scheduling of the lessons,

so please make the effort to attend.

NOTE: Failure to attend an in-service without prior approval for the absence will result

in a write-up.

"Two Weeks" Notice There are many things that set this job apart from other jobs, such as a retail job, one

being that our classes are scheduled and announced months in advance. This means that

patrons have already paid for our services, and they rightfully expect to receive them.

Because of the nature of this program, we respectfully request that should you decide to

end your employment with the City of Allen, you give a minimum of two weeks notice,

and you finish any session you may have started, regardless of if it extends beyond your

“two weeks” of notice. Leaving in the middle of a session creates problems for the staff

and the instructors who must cover your classes, as well as the children’s progress.


Cell Phone Policy

In order to maintain professionalism and consistency among the facility staff, cell phone

usage is to be limited to OFF-DECK only. You must be in the Lifeguard break room or

LTS office to make personal calls on your cell phone.

Dress Code

Since the essential functions of the job require that you are in the water most of the time,

your expected dress code is your provided City of Allen swimsuit. When on deck you

must wear flip-flops and your Instructor shirt. Not following dress code can result in a

write-up. However, we do understand that wearing the instructor shirt all the time is not

reasonable, and request that if it is in the wash, or otherwise unavailable, to wear a plain

white shirt.

The official dress code guidelines are as follows: Staff assigned to the Recreation facilities (Joe Farmer Recreation Center, Natatorium

and Youth Center) must comply with the dress code as outlined in the Administrative

Directives:

Lifeguards and Swim Instructors must wear approved swimwear. Footwear and an

approved cover-up must be worn when entering the “dry side” of the facility, mechanical

room or outside. (Cover-up is defined as a city of Allen lifeguard t-shirt for lifeguard and

head lifeguard staff. Head lifeguards or Lead Instructor may opt to wear a city of Allen

collared shirt). Note: there is not any mention of what to wear if you are working a special event that is

not in the water. In these events you may wear your provided “Instructor” shirt or another

approved shirt (Polos, collared shirts) and pants, slacks, or skirt that are NOT jeans.

Appendix 51

Appendix

Appendix 53

Appendix

Safety Rules

Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium rules:

Teacher always gets into the water first

When a lifeguard blows his or her whistle, we STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN.

When there is an emergency, get an adult and call 9-1-1on a phone and get the

fireman, police, or ambulance.

If diving head first, the water must be at least 9 feet deep.

American Red Cross water safety rules/topics:

Always swim with a buddy in a supervised area.

Be cool follow the rule-discuss the reasons behind water safety.

Think so you don’t sink-what to do when things go wrong.

Reach or throw, don’t go-safe ways to rescue a swimmer in trouble.

Don’t just pack it, wear your jacket-the importance of wearing a life jacket.

Think twice before going near cold water or ice-knowing the hazards of cold

water.

Learn about boating before you go floating.

Do your part, be water smart-how to minimize water hazards around the home.

Too much sun is no fun-how to protect yourself from sun exposure.

Wave, tide or ride, follow the guild-learn to be prepared for different aquatic

experiences, such as going to a water park.

54 LTS Staff Manual

Team Environment

It’s important to remember though we may not be competing for any awards or trophies,

we ARE a team! Teams work best when they have a common goal and can offer support

and constructive criticism. To be a team player you must:

Be ready to take responsibility for your classes and kids.

Show up for your scheduled shifts on time and work the entirety of your shift.

Attend in-services and staff meetings and actively participate.

Be willing to listen to others’ opinions, ideas, and thoughts, not just share your

own.

What is our common goal?

To provide the highest quality swim lessons for our customers, and to have safe fun while

doing so!

Appendix 55

R.E.A.L.

The City of Allen Parks & Recreation department has a customer service philosophy and

corresponding guidelines used to achieve greater consistency among service delivery

throughout the many facilities and their staff. This philosophy is embodied by the

acronym REAL which stands for:

Delivering REMARKABLE service by EMPOWERED employees creating AMAZING

experiences resulting in LASTING impressions.

Customer service is an integral and crucial part of our success as a program. When we

provide the highest level of customer service at all times, we ensure that our patrons and

students will return to our program to progress in their water safety and swimming skills.

How do you give REAL service? Lots of ways! Engage the students you work with and

their parents. Listen to their questions with patience and compassion, and answer them in

a friendly, disarming way. If you don’t know the answer, tell them that you will find out

from your supervisor and get back to them. Open doors for patrons, greet them with a

smile and a confident “Hello,” and take the initiative to approach them to see if they need

help instead of waiting for them to ask for it.

Remember: you are representing the City of Allen at all times—you are the face of the

City that citizens will remember when sharing their experiences with friends and family.

It is up to you to ensure that they will remember a positive and enjoyable experience!

56 LTS Staff Manual

P.R.I.D.E. Awards

People

Giving to others

Respect

Treating others with courtesy and dignity

Integrity

Serving with honesty, trust, and hard work

Deliver

Following through on commitments while exceeding expectations

Excel

Creating an innovative and improving work environment

The PRIDE program is all about recognizing and rewarding employees who go the extra

mile to provide professional, quality customer service.

There are five different types of pride awards:

PRIDE On-the-Spot

You Showed PRIDE

Dinner with PRIDE

Day of PRIDE

Excellence in PRIDE

The simplest form of the PRIDE award receives a Candy-Gram, the highest PRIDE

award is recognition by the city manager and mayor, as well as receiving a trophy.

Appendix 57

Skills Sheet & Certificate Examples

58 LTS Staff Manual

Appendix 59

60 LTS Staff Manual

Appendix 61

62 LTS Staff Manual

INDEX

Adult, iii, 10, 35, 37

Back Crawl, 28

Background Information, 3

Basic Overview, 9

Breast Stroke, 28

Cell Phone Policy, 51

Certificate, iii, iv, 59

Competitive Stroke Clinic, iii, 10, 29, 31

Costs, 10

Criers, 23, 24

Diving, iii, 9, 10, 15, 43, 45

Dolphin Kick, 22, 28

Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, iii, iv, 7, 3,

45, 55

Dress Code, 51

First Day, 19, 20, 28

Front Crawl, 28

Hints, 16

Illness, 50

In-services, 50

Lesson Costs, 41

Level 1, iii, 13, 19, 20, 21, 28

Level 2, iii, 17, 19, 21, 28

Level 3, iii, 19, 21, 22, 25, 28

Minnows, iii, 10, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27,

28

Moving Up, 21, 23, 31

P.R.I.D.E. Awards, iii, 58

Parent’s Day, 11

Policies, iii, 47, 49

Private Lessons, iii, 9, 10, 39, 41

R.E.A.L., iii, 57

Requesting Off, 49

Safety, 9, 15, 27, 55

Safety Rules, 55

Scheduling, 49

Sharks, iii, 10, 23, 25, 27, 28

Side Breathing, 22, 28, 31, 37

Team Environment, iii, 56

Two Weeks" Notice, 50

Water Babies, iii, 9, 10, 13, 15

Documents

2010 Edition - Lydia TomanekTodd Dickerson (MOD) Lifeguard Operations Head Lifeguards (4) Lifeguards Jeremy Canaan (MOD) Customer Service Front Desk Staff Rock Wall Kasey Toivola (MOD)