Programs

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Peninsula Aquatics Center specializes in offering learn-to-swim options for all ages. With quality instruction and progressive lesson plans, your swimmer will learn to enjoy the water and be comfortable, confident and skilled to tackle all the Door Peninsula has to offer.

Current Swimmers: If your swimmer has participated in any Peninsula Aquatics group or private swim lesson that took place at Open Hearth Lodge, Newport Resort, Landmark Resort, Homestead Suites or Peninsula Aquatics Center in the last 12 months they will already be pre-approved. Reach out to Rachel if you're unsure of their level.

New Swimmers: If your swimmer has not participated in a Peninsula Aquatics swim lesson in the last 12 months you must schedule a 15 minute assessment. These assessments are FREE for Door County residents and will allow instructors to determine the best placement for your swimmer. You can book an assessment online at northerndoor.recdesk.com by selecting Facilities - Peninsula Aquatics Center - Program Pool (Lane 1 or 2) and choosing an available time slot.

Preschool (Ages ~3–5 years | Beginner)
This entry-level stage helps young children become comfortable and safe in the water through fun, playful activities. Kids get used to splashing, pouring water, entering and exiting safely, blowing bubbles, submerging their face or head, and practicing basic breath control. They learn to float on their front and back (often with support), glide short distances, make simple kicking and arm movements, and grasp basic water safety ideas like asking for help or using a life jacket. The focus is on building confidence with games and songs, preparing them to move into more independent classes.

Learn to Swim (Ages 5-8 | Beginner)
This beginner program teaches fundamental aquatic skills so children gain water competency and independence. Swimmers practice safe entry and exit, full submersion with bobbing, breath-holding, floating in various positions (front, back, jellyfish, tuck) and recovering to standing, gliding on front and back, and combining arm and leg actions for basic forward movement. They work on alternating and simultaneous kicking, introductory rotary breathing, treading water basics, and important water safety concepts like recognizing emergencies, simple assists, and life jacket use. By the end, most can move short distances on their own and are ready to learn proper strokes.

Stroke Development (Ages 5-8 | Intermediate)
At this level, the focus shifts to building actual swim strokes with guided practice, often in deeper water. Swimmers refine coordination and develop reliable propulsion, mastering rotary or side breathing while swimming, front crawl (freestyle) with side breathing, back crawl or elementary backstroke, and the basic elements of breaststroke (especially the kick). They practice various kicks (flutter, scissor, dolphin, breaststroke), tread water for longer periods, change direction, perform survival floats, and try basic headfirst entries from sitting or kneeling positions. The goal is to swim short distances (15–25 yards) with good technique and growing confidence in deeper water.

Advanced Stroke (Ages 7-11 | Advanced)
This stage emphasizes stroke mastery, efficiency, endurance, and advanced techniques to prepare swimmers for competitive swimming or high-level recreation. Swimmers refine all four competitive strokes—freestyle (front crawl), backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—while learning flip turns, racing starts and dives, underwater streamlining with dolphin kicks, and increased distance swimming. They build stamina for longer continuous swims, practice advanced treading, surface dives, rescue skills, and sometimes sidestroke or other survival strokes. The focus is on perfecting timing, technique efficiency, and speed so swimmers move confidently and powerfully through the water.
Each session runs for 4 weeks, with one 30-minute lesson per week. Families are welcome to register for multiple sessions if they would like their child to participate in lessons more than once per week.

If you have any questions please contact Rachel Stollenwerk at 920-737-2787 or rachel@northerndoorrec.com. Thanks and we look forward to working with your swimmers!