Our Program:
Salty Mermaid Swim School was born for use in the resort environment at home here in Puerto Vallarta. We offer professional level training and valuable water safety skills to both visitors and residents here in both the pool and ocean environment. Our program was designed to custom fit any age or skill level upon entry as well as offer high end private training for anyone seeking a more one on one style of learning.
Each level consists of a series of skills necessary to properly form various strokes or techniques in the advanced levels. We consider a level a collection of skills that can be demonstrated properly and executed with comfort and ease. Form and proper technique is how our students graduate to the next level. Because our program bases levels on the proper demonstration of skills and ability we often work between several levels at a time when a student begins in order to plug in the missing skills necessary and address their individual needs.
Each level consists of a series of skills necessary to properly form various strokes or techniques in the advanced levels. We consider a level a collection of skills that can be demonstrated properly and executed with comfort and ease. Form and proper technique is how our students graduate to the next level. Because our program bases levels on the proper demonstration of skills and ability we often work between several levels at a time when a student begins in order to plug in the missing skills necessary and address their individual needs.
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Clam LevelClams are generally our shy little beginners. Typically ranging in Ages 2-3 or anyone who has never had any training or experience in the water whatsoever. Skills range from general entry and exit practices to water safety education and relaxation and enjoyment in the water. We introduce basic skills to safely submerge and BE in the water using a PFD or flotation aids, toys songs and games.
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Starfish LevelStarfish are also typically beginners ranging in Ages from 3-4 also including any age of swimmer with little to no experience or training in the water. The ongoing practice of water comfort and safety basics, forms the foundation for new skills that will allow swimmers to explore in shallow water under direct supervision, without their PFD. We also practice a variety of techniques with flotation aids and PFDs that later students will need to perform without assistance. Toys, songs and games are incorporated with little starfish to encourage a positive water experience!
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Guppy LevelIn our Guppy Level we work with Ages 4-6 or anyone comfortable in water looking to learn basic swimming techniques and form. We introduce basic stroke elements such as arms & legs, as well as breathing and treading water using various aids and support equipment. Here we linger on teaching the proper form and technique required to perform their first common swimming strokes - front / back crawl or front / back swim. We also introduce quick fun "drills" that focus on perfecting each specific skill necessary to put the stroke together as a whole.
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Flounder LevelFlounders are combining the techniques and skill blocks they have learned to form proper front and back crawl. Ages can vary from 6-10 including adults or teens who have not had formal swim training before. Through a combination of drills and stroke development and correction we slowly adapt certain techniques to introduce new strokes such as side swim and elementary back. Practicing and preparing for new kicks and the eventual introduction of the complex but all time favorite comfort stroke "the breast stroke". Flounder level is our most involved level, practicing first strokes and learning several new kicks and forms that we develop to be able to introduce the rest of the strokes! It is a great fitness level for any age and will give you a wide variety of skills and endurance.
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Manta LevelManta level is pure stroke development and correction. It is designed to increase stroke efficiency, speed, and endurance and it is an extremely athletic level to reach. Mantas practice speed drills, skill drills, time swims with some added water safety and rescue skills for good measure! This is a fun challenging level that can open the door to competitive swimming and rescue level training! Mantas are graceful and elegant in the water and therefore are revered as the Master Swimmers, ready for anything here at Salty Mermaid Swim School!.
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Adult Training
Personal One-On-One Instruction combined with a more private pool environment is what helps make all the difference to our adult students. We recognize the psychological and emotional hesitation in our more mature beginners and the nature of their distrust and discomfort in water. We take a completely revolutionary approach to our adult classes. First developing trust and offering a therapeutic approach to their in water experience. We relax and focus on proper breathing, and physiological effects. Then we slowly develop PASSION and enjoyment in their budding new relationship with the water. At a comfortable (usually excited confident) point we take our students to the beach / ocean to teach practical safety techniques in order to enjoy our natural environment to the max! We do a sort of reverse program with adults that focuses on comfort, enjoyment, trust with eventual skill development. As with all our programs we offer completely private instruction often preferred by our Adult students however can combine with others if a group class is desired for a more social upbeat experience!