St. Paul's Swim Program

As part of our Spark Impact to amplify St. Paul’s educational philosophy and whole-child experiences that includes promoting health and fitness, our Kindergarten through first grade students have the opportunity to participate in weekly swim classes at the Oakland YMCA. Our second graders swim for one half of the school year. These classes, led by a certified swim instructor and trained assistants, offer a fantastic way for our young learners to develop essential water safety skills and improve their swimming abilities. Participating in swimming classes offers our students more than just learning strokes and water safety skills; it also provides invaluable opportunities for socialization, physical activity, and community engagement. Walking together with their classmates to the YMCA reinforces the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and navigating safely through our community.

Here are some key details about the program:

• Frequency: Kindergarten through first grade students attend swim classes once a week. Second grade students spend half the school year swimming one day a week.
• Duration: Each class lasts for 30 minutes, providing a focused yet enjoyable learning experience.
• Qualified Instruction: The swim classes are conducted by a certified swim instructor, ensuring that our students receive high-quality instruction tailored to their individual needs.
• Supervision: Certified lifeguards are present at all swim lessons, guaranteeing a safe and secure environment for our students. We also have Protocols for Walking K-2 Swimmers To/From the Oakland YMCA.
• Parent Involvement: We welcome parent volunteers to accompany our students on their walk to and from the YMCA. Additionally, parents have the opportunity to assist in supervising the students during swim lessons, further enhancing the safety and differentiated instruction provided during these sessions.
• Facilities: The Oakland YMCA offers separate children’s locker rooms for our students to use as they change for class, ensuring their privacy and comfort.