Opelika Swim School

Our Mission

Our goal and mission at the Opelika Swim School is to safely bring people to know and love being around varying bodies of water.  Each year Opelika Swim School works with over 500 swimmers to make this a reality in our community.

It is our belief that learning to swim is not a one time event or session.  Becoming comfortable in the water, at all ages, takes time and constant development.  This is why for the majority of the year the lessons at the Opelika Swim School will be offered as a monthly program.  Progress will be recorded each month, and at the end of the month a student will either advance to the next level or be recommended to stay their current level.

No two students are the same – some will advance faster than others – and it might take several sessions to move from one level to the next.  Our goal is for students to acquire a full understanding of the skills in each level and not the bare minimum.

Water safety and the ability to swim is a life long skill.  We look forward to building a great lesson program for the Opelika – Auburn – Lee County areas – and beyond.

Our Progression Towards Joining Swim Team!

  • Level 1

    Water Comfort

    This is where you want to start if you are new to being around water.  Most kids in level 1 have some fear of the water, do not like to put their face, eyes, and ears underwater.

  • Level 2

    Kick / Float / Holding Breath

    Once kids are comfortable in the water we start to progress them towards proper kick form, floating on front and back, and learning to hold their breath for :05 – :10 seconds.

  • Level 3

    Movement!

    Once a swimmer gains skills from level 2 we want them to start moving in the water! The goal is to kick and hold your breath for 5 yards.  Swimmers will start to get a breath while moving.

  • Level 4

    Freestyle and Backstroke

    Next we’ll add in the arms and swimmers will learn proper freestyle and backstroke.  The goal will be to swim these strokes for 25 yards!

  • Graduate Opelika Swim School

    Take steps to join swim team!

    When you’ve completed all four levels you will receive an “I learned to swim at Opelika Swim School” shirt!  Your next steps will be to email Phoebe Browne (pbrowne@opelika-al.gov) to schedule a swim team evaluation.  This is to get more information on swim team and place the swimmer in the proper group!

Opelika Swim School Curriculum and Skill Checklist