American Red Cross ‘Learn to Swim’ Program
Group Classes
American Red Cross swimming lessons for all ages are offered year-round. Weekday classes include eight sessions, and Saturday classes include four. Class descriptions are available at the front desk. A swim test can help determine the best class level based on skills. To schedule a test, contact Operations Supervisor of Programming Madison Gump at (423)343-9767 or madisongump@kingsporttn.gov.
View our full swim lesson policies and procedures at this link. For additional swim lesson information, please contact the Aquatic Center Front Desk at (423)343-9758.
Class Fees:
| KAC Members | YMCA Members | Nonmembers | |
| Weekday (8 sessions) |
$50 per child $45 per additional child |
$50 per child $45 per additional child |
$60 per child $55 per additional child |
| Saturday (4 sessions) |
$25 per child $22.50 per additional child |
$25 per child $22.50 per additional child |
$30 per child $27.50 per additional child |
We have swim lesson scholarships! Please visit this page to learn more or apply.
Swim School – March Session
The Kingsport Aquatic Center will be hosting swim meets on the following days in March: March 2, 6, 13, 16, 20 and 23. Please know there may be music playing, cheering, and more athletes and personal on the deck during these days in March. During these meets, the locker rooms will be off limits to all swim lesson participants, but all family changing rooms will be available for swim lesson participants to use.
| M/W |
T/Th |
Saturday |
|
| Tadpoles* | — | 9:45 a.m. | 9:15 a.m. |
| Guppies* | 6:15 p.m. | 10:30 a.m. | 9 a.m. 11:30 a.m. |
| Seals* | 4:30 p.m. | 9 a.m. | 8:15 a.m. |
| Dolphins* | — | 4:30 p.m. | 9:45 a.m. |
| Sharks | — | — | 8:15 a.m. |
| Level 1* | 5:15 p.m. | — | 10 a.m. |
| Level 2* | — | 6:15 p.m. | 8:15 a.m. |
| Level 3 | — | 5:15 p.m. | 9 a.m. |
| Level 4 | — | — | 11:30 a.m. |
| Level 5 | — | — | 11:30 a.m. |
| Level 6 | — | — | — |
| Adult Beginner | — | — | — |
| Adult Intermediate | — | — | — |
*For classes marked with an asterisk, a household member 16 years or older must get into the water with the participant for safety and social distancing purposes.
Classes begin the week of March 1 and run in eight-lesson (weekday) or four-lesson (Saturday) sessions.
Registration begins in person and online at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 22. Registration closes on Saturday, February 27 at 5 p.m. There will be a $10 late registration fee added if you register after registration closes. To make online registration easier please create an account before the day of registration. YMCA members who plan to register online need to show their YMCA card to the KAC front desk staff in order to update the system to reflect your YMCA membership prior to registration. Please keep in mind that if classes do not have a minimum of three (3) participants in the class, it may be combined or cancelled.
**Due to swim lesson class sizes and demand, the Kingsport Aquatic Center may find it necessary to make schedule changes, which may include changing dates and times, as necessary.**
Age 6 months-3 years
Tadpoles
- Parent and child participation in class
Age 3-5 years
Seals
- Prerequisites: Submerge face 3-5 seconds; flutter kick and front and back float with assistance; retrieve underwater objects
- New skills: Kick, glide and arm stroke on front and back; turn over; jump in and swim back to pool side with assistance
Dolphins
- Prerequisites: Swim five yards on front and back; roll onto back in four feet of water with assistance
- New skills: Build other strokes on basic skills introduced; intro to diving, rotary breathing and other skills depending on class readiness; swim five yards unassisted; finning on back, kicking on side, simultaneous leg action on front
Sharks
- Prerequisites: Swim five yards unassisted on front and back; front crawl with rotary breathing; kicking on side
- New skills: Swim front crawl with rhythmic breathing; swim back crawl and elementary back stroke for five yards; elementary back stroke kick for 10 yards; tread water for 30 seconds; dive into deep water from sitting or kneeling position; intro to butterfly kick and scissor kick
Age 6-15 years
Level 2
- Prerequisites: Assisted front and back float; submerge face; open eyes under water
- New skills: Move in the water while wearing a life jacket; submerge entire head; front and back glide; tread water using arm and leg motions; recognize a swimmer in distress and get help; bob in water; swim using combined stroke on front and back for five body lengths
Level 3
- Prerequisites: Reach assist; submerge and retrieve an object; front and back glide; combined strokes front and back; roll from front to back and back to front
- New skills: Kneeling and sitting dive (shallow dive progression); rotary breathing in horizontal position; butterfly kick; elementary back stroke
Level 4
- Prerequisites: Safe diving rules; dive from sitting or kneeling position; back float; elementary back stroke, breast stroke and butterfly kick
- New skills: Throwing assist; feet‐first surface dive; front and back crawl; standing dive, breast stroke, butterfly, back stroke, open turns
Level 5
- Prerequisites: Survival swimming; standing dive (diving progression); open turns on front and back; front and back crawl; breaststroke, butterfly, elementary back stroke, side stroke
- New skills: Perform rescue breathing; tuck surface dive and pike surface dive; front flip turn and backstroke flip turn; elementary back stroke and front crawl for 50 yards; butterfly, breast stroke and side stroke for 25 yards
Level 6 Fit
- Prerequisites: Swimming 5 certificate
- New skills: Build endurance; emphasize training principles; improve stroke efficiency
Age 16 and over
Adult Intermediate
- Prerequisites: Float, swim on front and back using arm and leg action
- New skills: Front and back crawl, breast stroke, butterfly, side stroke, diving, open turns
Private Classes
Available for ages 5 and up. Register at the Kingsport Aquatic Center reception desk. Please allow up to two weeks for a response.
| Kingsport Aquatic Center member | Six 30-minute lessons: $140 |
| Greater Kingsport Family YMCA member | Six 30-minute lessons: $140 |
| Non-member | Six 30-minute lessons: $160 |
Adaptive Swim Lessons
Adaptive swim lessons are designed to teach independent swimming and water safety to children and adults with neurological, developmental and cognitive challenges. Through these private lessons in a quiet setting, participants are better able to focus attention. A certified instructor will assess each participant’s skill level.
Instructors use specialized teaching tools for participants with a variety of special needs, allowing participants:
- To overcome fear of the water
- An opportunity to be independent in the water
- The freedom of being in water
- Success in all levels of swimming
- Relief from pain and muscle spasms
- To increase strength and balance
- To improve dexterity and fine motor skills
Register at the Kingsport Aquatic Center reception desk.
Adaptive swim lessons are designed for participants with:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cranial anomalies
- Cretinism
- Deafness/hearing loss
- Down Syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Hydrocephalus
- Microcephaly
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
- Phenylketonuria
- Speech or language impairments
- Spina Bifida
- Visual impairments
| Kingsport Aquatic Center member | Eight 30-minute lessons at discounted rate: $50 |
| Greater Kingsport Family YMCA member | Eight 30-minute lessons at discounted rate: $50 |
| Nonmember | Eight 30-minute lessons at discounted rate: $60 |
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Courses
Lifeguard Training with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
The Purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illness until emergency medical services personnel take over.
This course includes the following certifications: American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/ First Aid/ CPR/AED (valid for 2 years). A rescue mask will be provided as part of the course fee. Participants will need to obtain a current copy of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual by emailing jessiecharlton@kingsporttn.gov. This course includes approximately 19.5 hours of in-person instruction and 7 hours online.
March Session
Pre-test and operations set up: March 15 – 19 (scheduled with Operations Supervisor)
March 29, 30 & 31 | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Course fee: $200 for members | $225 for nonmembers ($75 is non-refundable if pre-test is failed)
Please register on or before the day the course starts. To sign up, see link below or visit KAC front desk.
To participate in the course you must meet the following prerequisites (if the pre-test is failed, $75 is non-refundable):
- Must be 15 years old by the last day of class
- Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing (swimming with face in the water). Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards with face in or out of water. Swim goggles are not allowed
- Surface dive, feet first or head first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10 pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so that you are able to get a breath. Candidate should not swim the distance underwater. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities, or there are questions about fully participating in the Lifeguarding course, please contact the aquatic operations supervisor to discuss this before the course begins.
Lifeguard Training with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (Recertification)
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training recertification course is to provide currently certified lifeguards the ability to review the Lifeguard Training course content in a formal course setting and renew their certification for another two (2) years.
This course is available for currently certified Lifeguards and will renew the following certifications: American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/ First Aid/ CPR/AED (valid for 2 years). A rescue mask in needed and can be purchased for an additional $10. Participants can obtain a current copy of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual by emailing jessiecharlton@kingsporttn.gov. This course is approximately 6 hours in length, and contains practice sessions, scenarios, and final written exams.
No sessions currently scheduled
Course fee: $85 for members | $100 for nonmembers
Please register on or before the day the course starts. To sign up, see link below or visit KAC front desk.
To participate in the course you must meet the following prerequisites:
- Must have current Lifeguard Training Certification.
- Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing (swimming with face in the water). Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards with face in or out of water. Swim goggles are not allowed
- Surface dive, feet first or head first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10 pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so that you are able to get a breath. Candidate should not swim the distance underwater. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities, or there are questions about fully participating in the Lifeguarding Recertification course, please contact the aquatic operations supervisor to discuss this before the course begins.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Training
The Purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Training course is to train instructor candidates to teach the American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Lifeguarding Blended learning, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, Administering Emergency Oxygen and Bloodborne Pathogens Training courses and/or modules. This course is approximately 21 hours in length.
December 2020
Monday -Wednesday, December 28-30; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pre-Skills will be the first day of class. Registration deadline is Sunday, December 20, 2020.
Course fee: $200 for members | $225 for nonmembers | $75 deposit required
To participate in the course you must meet the following prerequisites (if the pre-test is failed, $75 is non-refundable):
- Must be 17 years old by the last day of class
- Possess either:
- Current Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED
- Current Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid and CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer or CPR/AED for Lifeguards
- An equivalent certificate from another organization
- Have Successfully completed the Online Session for the Lifeguarding Instructor Course
- Complete the Precourse Session, which includes the swimming and skills prerequisites listed below:
- Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards.
- Surface dive, feet first or head first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10 pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
- Successfully participate in four rescue scenarios, demonstrating skills according to the proficiency requirements to meet the objective of the skills without coaching.
The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities, or there are questions about fully participating in the Lifeguarding course, please contact the facility to discuss this with an instructor before the course begins. Social distancing and mask wearing will be enforced during all class sessions. Mask use will not be required when in the water, but will at all other times.
American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Courses
The American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED program helps participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies. The courses in this program teach the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill person and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed.
This program offers a choice of first aid, CPR and AED courses to meet the various training needs of a diverse audience and is offered in traditional classroom format.
NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
***Course fee is $60. A minimum of 3 participants is needed for a class to run. For questions or comments see the Front Desk or ask for an Instructor***
Courses
The First Aid/CPR/AED program includes the following modules, any of which can be combined to form a course:
- First Aid
- CPR (Adult/Child/Infant)
- AED (Adult/Child/Infant)
Certificate Issued and Validity Period
All First Aid/CPR/AED certifications are valid for 2 years from the date of course completion. On successful completion of a course in the First Aid/CPR/AED program, participants receive American Red Cross certification specific to the course they completed.
Participant Products/Materials (available in digital and print formats)
- American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual
- American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Ready Reference Card
- American Red Cross Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Ready Reference Card
Course work will include physical exercise. If a medical condition or disability exits that might prevent participation in the activities, or there are questions about fully participating in the course, please contact the facility to discuss this with an instructor before the course begins.
American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Course
The Purpose of the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach courses and presentations in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program by developing their understanding of how to use the course materials, how to conduct training sessions and how to evaluate participants’ progress.
This course is not designed to teach you basic-level swimming skills. It is dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills you will need to plan and teach courses in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program.
This course includes the following certifications: American Red Cross Health and Safety Services Instructor Certificate for Water Safety (valid for 2 years). Course fee includes a current copy of the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Manual w/ CD ROM, American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety manual, and Water Safety Handbook. This course is approximately 30 hours in length.
March 2021 Session
March 22 | 4 – 8 p.m. pre-skills test
March 25 – 26, 4 – 8 p.m. | March 27, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | March 29 – 30 & April 1, 4 – 8 p.m.
Registration deadline: March 18
Course fee: $200 for members | $225 for nonmembers | $75 deposit required
To participate in the course you must meet the following prerequisites (if the pre-test is failed, $75 is non-refundable):
- Must be 16 years old by the last day of class
- Swim the following strokes consistent with the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Level 4 Stroke Performance Criteria:
- Front Crawl- 25 yds
- Back Crawl- 25 yds
- Breaststroke- 25 yds
- Elementary Backstroke- 25 yds
- Sidestroke- 25 yds
- Butterfly- 15 yds
- Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling).
- Tread water for 1 minute.
Course work will include physical exercise. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities, or there are questions about fully participating in the Water Safety Instructor course, please contact the facility to discuss this with an instructor before the course begins. Social distancing and mask wearing guidelines will be in place for the duration of the course. Masks will not be used in the water, but social distancing will be enforced.