yesterday, just imagine what you will be able to think is possible tomorrow." Jeff Krieger, M.S.
Adult
Program
Each session is one hour in length and throughout the eight weeks students spend progressively more time in the water. At first, only 30% of the class is held in the pool, with the rest spent sharing experiences, learning how to breathe once they are in the water and learning relaxation techniques. Each class thereafter spends approximately 10-15% more time in the pool than the previous time.
Keeping in mind that SOAP instructors must be flexible and able to work with the readiness of the class, the weekly topics and activities are roughly as follows:
The instructor communicates a personal and professional connection with class participants as he shares the Three C's: Confidentiality, Courage and Cooperation. The ground rules are introduced and everyone enters the water. Remembering how long participants can hold their breath above the water, they watch the instructor submerge for 10 seconds and realize that each person will always have enough air in their lungs to get safely to the side of the pool or to a resting position.
The instructor reminds students that the unpleasant feelings they may be experiencing are normal and may actually continue for a time after their program has concluded. Only repeated exposure will increase their comfort level in the aquatic environment. Students then review the breathing protocol and put their faces in the water for a few seconds. Students sit on the bottom of the pool, assisted by the instructor if they are unable to relax enough to get there, and practice the breathing sequences before surfacing.
Students learn the back float while working on deep breathing.
Students learn the elementary back stroke, and when they are comfortable with this learn the rollover to front float.
The concept of treading water is introduced.
Students are usually ready in this session for the deep end of the pool, transitioning from jumping into the pool to the back float or treading water. Most students are so excited that they have survived jumping into the deep end of the pool that they are really inspired to continue moving forward with their skills.
The instructor demonstrates both the front crawl and breast stroke and encourages students to try one or the other.
The session is held primarily in deep water with students swimming from one side of the pool to the other with the instructor swimming along side of them. The focus is on traveling, not the proficiency with which they get there.
