Lessons are available year round for babies, preschoolers, school age children, teenagers, and adults. Call 696-8245 or email swimhough@hotmail.com for information, and bring a check or cash to register in advance. Participants will be called and notified of class starting time.

The Hough Pool is looking for children and families who would like to take swimming lessons but need assistance paying for them. Scholarships are available from the Vancouver Rotary Club and other private donors. These scholarships cover one session of swimming lessons at the Hough Pool. Please feel free to fill out an application at the Hough Pool office. To sponsor a child, see Pool Pals.

Parent is in the water playing group games and teaching swim skills and safety to their child under the direction of the swim instructor.

Preschool Classes (3-6 years)

Pre - A: Beginning lessons. Children will learn to fully submerge and become comfortable floating front and back with support.

Pre - B: Child is comfortable floating front and back for 5 seconds with support.

Pre - C: Child is able to glide and kick for 5 seconds front and back without support. Child will practice kicking, arm strokes, and self rescue skills.

Pre - D: Child is able to glide and kick 10 feet on front, roll over, and continue 10 feet kicking on back. Child can also jump from edge, swim 5 feet on front, and reverse to wall on back. Child will practice arm strokes and breathing on front and back.

School Age Classes (6 years and older)

Level 1: Beginning lessons. Child will learn to glide and kick 15 feet on front, roll over, and continue kicking 15 feet on back.

Level 2: Child is able to glide and kick 15 feet on front, roll over, and continue kicking 15 feet on back.

Level 3: Child is able to swim front crawl with breathing 10 yards, and back crawl 10 yards.

Level 4: Child is able to swim front crawl with regular side breathing 15 yards, back crawl 15 yards, and basic elementary backstroke.

Level 5: Child is able to swim front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke 25 yards each; and breaststroke kick, side scissor kick, and dolphin 15 yards each.

Level 6: Child is able to swim front and back crawl 50 yards each, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke 25 yards each; and butterfly 15 yards. Child will improve endurance and technique in all six strokes, and learn flip turns and safety.
 

Do you or your children routinely get water up your nose? Here's a secret tip that swim instructors have been using for years to prevent it. When putting your face under water or jumping in, try humming as you do so. Humming automatically forces air out your nose and blows bubbles. Just remember to hum continuously, even when under water.