FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - PARENTS

What exactly is AquaSquirts?
AquaSquirts is a new play-based aquatic program for boys and girls (usually 11 and under). Improving swimming skills through fun is the main objective - swimmers enjoy jumping, rolling, spinning, twisting and turning upside down as part of AquaSquirts! What makes AquaSquirts unique is that learning is cleverly disguised as play. With theme-based lesson plans such as Let's Float, Let's Go Upside Down and Let's Visit Sea Creatures, participants improve their swimming skills in a fun-filled, relaxed and creative environment.

What is AquaSquirts Too and how does it differ from the original AquaSquirts?
AquaSquirts Too (now available) is the follow-up program to AquaSquirts. Both programs are based on the same play-based philosophy, but AquaSquirts Too adds new themes, such as Pirate Surprise, O Canada! and Kaleidoscope Magic, and subsequently builds on the skills that were introduced in AquaSquirts.

What sort of skills will my child learn in AquaSquirts?
Through a play-based approach, children are given opportunities to improve breath control, floating skills, body awareness and methods of propulsion - skills that are the foundation for every swimming skill that a child will ever learn. Specific skills such as sculling, and eggbeater are also introduced in AquaSquirts. There is also a focus on partner and group activities and, as a result, swimmers receive the dual benefit of increased confidence in the water and increased awareness of others - important for aquatic safety.

Participant, Tyler, age 7, says,

"AquaSquirts was super fun. We used our imagination and our show at the end was awesome!"

Why should my child take AquaSquirts instead of traditional swimming lessons?
AquaSquirts is intended to compliment a child's progression through swimming levels. It takes all the fun elements of 'learn to swim' classes and packages them into one program. It is perfect for a child who needs a break from swimming lessons or is struggling with advancing through the levels (perhaps stuck at one level). It is also suitable for the child who prefers enjoying water activities in a more relaxed and carefree environment without the pressure of obtaining badges. For the child who is quickly progressing through the swimming levels, AquaSquirts can be the perfect interim program. Many instructors (and parents) prefer not having younger children with advanced skills mixed in with older children in the higher levels of swimming courses so AquaSquirts could fill this gap until the child matures a little.

What does my child need to know in order to take an AquaSquirts class?
Prerequisite skills are minimal. Children must be comfortable in chest deep water, be able to swim 2 metres or more and be able to float on their front and back (note: less experienced swimmers can use flotation devices for assistance if needed). A child is ready for AquaSquirts if he/she has participated in Red Cross SwimKids 3 (complete or incomplete) or the former Red Cross program called AquaQuest 4 (complete or incomplete). Preschoolers who have successfully completed the Whale program by Red Cross would also benefit from AquaSquirts.

Are there levels in AquaSquirts?
There are no levels and no tests to pass - the reward is a certificate and sticker for all participants that are presented at the end of the 9-week program, following a special show performed for parents. If a child has completed one or more AquaSquirts classes and is interested in something more, he or she can try AquaSquirts Too, the follow-up program to AquaSquirts.

Is AquaSquirts a synchronized swimming program?
AquaSquirts is a swimming program that incorporates elements from a variety of aquatic sports. Because the program was developed by the Canadian Amateur Synchronized Swimming Association (Synchro Canada), AquaSquirts instructors may make some references to synchro during the class, but AquaSquirts is NOT intended to be a synchronized swimming program. Note that some synchronized swimming clubs that offer the program may use it as a pre-synchro or introduction to synchro class with the hope of recruiting new athletes to their club.

Who teaches AquaSquirts?
AquaSquirts is taught by certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructors who have AquaSquirts training or certified Synchro Canada instructors.

What equipment will my child need?
Swimmers will need a comfortable bathing suit and goggles. Noseclips can also be worn (optional). The instructor will provide lots of props such as kick boards, noodles, hula hoops, floating mats and music (if available).

How is the Red Cross involved in this program?
The Red Cross has partnered with Synchro Canada to deliver the AquaSquirts program at pool facilities throughout Canada. They also assist with training instructors and promoting the program locally.

How do I find an AquaSquirts program in my area?
AquaSquirts is already being offered at hundreds of pools throughout Canada, but since it is a new program, it may not be offered in all areas. To find an AquaSquirts program near you click here or contact your local pool or synchronized swimming club. If AquaSquirts has not yet made it to your pool, you can talk to the pool programmer at a facility near you and express interest in enrolling your child. The pool programmer can then plan to offer AquaSquirts during the next session.

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