YMCA Swim Level Conversion Guide
The YMCA in Canada has taught thousands of children, youth and adults to swim through our nationally-accredited YMCA swim programs since we offered the very first YMCA swimming lesson over 100 years ago.
YMCA Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and the Lifesaving Society have worked together to produce the conversion chart, shown below, which converts Red Cross and Lifesaving Society levels to the YMCA’s program.
This chart is used as a tool to assist the aquatic staff to determine a swimmer’s readiness for participation in a particular level of our programs. Please remember that the chart should be used simply as a general guide, since individual differences and situations will occur.
Conversion Chart
To view a step-by-step procedure and flowchart, click here.
AGE GROUP | YMCA | LIFESAVING SOCIETY | RED CROSS |
|---|---|---|---|
Infants to 2 years accompanied by an adult | Preschool Swim Lessons | Parent and Tot 1 | Starfish |
Parent and Tot 2 | Duck |
||
Parent and Tot 3 | Sea Turtle |
||
3 to 5 years | Bobbers accompanied by an adult | Preschool A | Sea Otter |
Floaters | Preschool A | Salamander |
|
4 to 5 years on their own | Gliders | Preschool B | Salamander |
Divers | Preschool B | Sunfish |
|
Surfers | Preschool C | Crocodile |
|
Jumpers | Preschool D | Whale |
|
6 to 12 years on their own | Otter | Swimmer 1 | Swim Kids 1 |
Seal | Swimmer 2 | Swim Kids 2 |
|
Dolphin | Swimmer 3 | Swim Kids 2/3 |
|
Swimmer | Swimmer 4 | Swim Kids 4/5 |
|
Swimmer | Swimmer 5 | Swim Kids 6 |
|
Star 1 | Swimmer 6 | Swim Kids 7 |
|
Star 2/3 | CSP - Rookie | Swim Kids 8 |
|
Star 3/4 | CSP - Ranger | Swim Kids 9 |
|
Star 5/6 | CSP - Star | Swim Kids 10 |
|
Star 7 | Bronze Star | Swim Kids 10 |