File

2010 Edition
Table of Contents
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
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LTS Staff Manual
The Learn-To-Swim Program
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!
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.
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LTS Staff Manual
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.
Kenny Walsh
Facility Supervisor
Miklos Valdez (MOD)
Jeremy Canaan (MOD)
Kasey Toivola (MOD)
Aquatic Program Supervisor
Customer Service
Fitness Coordinator
Matthew Limpede (MOD)
Todd Dickerson (MOD)
LTS Coordinator
Lifeguard Operations
Emily Stephan
Head Lifeguards (4)
Lead Instructor
Water Safety
Instructors
Swim Teaching
Assistants
Lifeguards
Fitness Specialists
Front Desk
Staff
Rock Wall
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.
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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
Cost: $60 (members)/ $75 (nonmembers) for 8 lessons
$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
Cost: $30 (members)/ $40 (nonmembers) for 8 lessons
Private Lessons All Ages
Cost: $35 for 30mins of one-on-one instruction.
Diving Ages: 6-14 years
Cost: $30 (members)/ $40 (nonmembers) for 4 lessons
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
Lesson Level 1:
Water Babies
Water Babies Advanced
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Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 1
13
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.
TIP: Be upbeat, positive, and get to know the
kids. It makes the time go by a lot faster!
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.
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LTS Staff Manual
Helpful Hints!
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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.
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 2
Lesson Level 2:
Minnows
15
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 2
17
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.

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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.
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LTS Staff Manual
Minnows Pre-school Level 1 (Beginners)
How to spot a Pre-School Level 1:
 Fear of water
 Unwilling to submerge
 Cannot blow bubbles
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.
TIP: Play with the rings and toys in games to have them
practice blowing bubbles and putting their face in.
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.)
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 2
19
Minnows Pre-school Level 2 (Intermediate)
How to spot a Pre-School Level 2:
 Independent submerges
 Able to do assisted glides and floats
 Comfortable in water
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.
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.
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.
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LTS Staff Manual
Minnows Pre-school Level 3 (Advanced)
Main Objectives of Pre-School Level 3:
 Improve stroke quality
 Dolphin Kick
 Side breathing
 Tread water for 30sec
 Head-first dives
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.
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.
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.
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 2
21
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.
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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.
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 3
Lesson Level 3:
Sharks
23
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 3
25
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.
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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:
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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
Lesson Level 4:
Competitive Stroke Clinic
27
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 4
29
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)
Swim 50 yards freestyle
continuously
Swim 100 yards
freestyle continuously
Swim 50 yards
backstroke continuously
Swim 100 yards
backstroke continuously
Advanced
(14 max)
Swim 150 yards
freestyle
Swim 150 yards
backstroke continuously
Swim 75 yards
breaststroke
Swim 25 yards butterfly
MOVING UP: Students will progress through each level at different rates. Use the prerequisites 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:
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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).
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Have a focus for each lesson. These can include focus on teaching; practice and
correction; drills; accuracy.
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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.
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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.
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Introduce the butterfly and breast stroke in this level.
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Introduce head-first dives from the side and open turns in this level.
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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.
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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.
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Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 4
Advanced (Stroke Practice)
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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.
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Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 5
Lesson Level 5:
Adult Lessons
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Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 5
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Adult Lessons
Most common reasons adults take swim lessons:
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Overcome fear of water
Learn proper stroke technique
Kids swim but they don’t
Exercise
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
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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.
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 6
Lesson Level 6:
Private Lessons
37
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 6
39
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 oneon-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.
Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 7
Lesson Level 7:
Diving
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Chapter 2: LTS Program Level 7
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.
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Chapter 3: LTS Policies
Chapter 3:
LTS Policies
45
Chapter 3: LTS Policies
47
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.
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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.
Chapter 3: LTS Policies
49
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
Appendix
51
Appendix
Appendix
Safety Rules
Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium rules:
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

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:

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
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


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.
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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!
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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
Skills Sheet & Certificate Examples
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LTS Staff Manual
Appendix
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LTS Staff Manual
Appendix
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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