Life at the Pool

Pool at Renbrook School Summer

The RSSA Swim Program

The Renbrook School Summer Adventure swim program is a key part of the camp day. It is led by our pool director and American Red Cross Water Safety instructors who follow the Red Cross Learn to Swim Program.

Campers will receive a swimming progress report at the end of each session, and those who meet the requirements will earn ARC certificates.

Classes are organized with a ratio of about 1 lifeguard for every 4 campers. Each camper will be evaluated on the first day to ensure they are placed in the appropriate class. Pool rules are strictly enforced for everyone's safety.

All campers will have a daily swim lesson, and participation is encouraged. Each day also includes a supervised "free swim" time where campers can practice their skills or enjoy water activities with friends.

Happy Camper at Renbrook School Summer Adventure Pool

We have 3 pools of varying depths:

  • The Turtle Pool - 2.5 feet
  • The Dolphin Pool - 3.5 feet
  • The Dragon Pool - 3.5 to 8 feet

Red Cross certified lifeguards are stationed at each pool at all times.

All staff are trained and certified by the Red Cross in water safety instruction classes before the start of camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child can't swim yet, do they need to bring floaties?
Your child does not need to bring floaties. Many of our campers start in the Turtle pool, which is 2.5 feet deep, allowing them to stand comfortably. Our swim instructors will work with them in small groups to develop foundational skills, including safely entering and exiting the water, opening their eyes underwater, and practicing gliding and floating. This supportive environment will help your child gain confidence and learn to swim.

What supervision is there at the pool?

There is always a lifeguard on duty at each pool when it is open. Each pool is fenced, and campers can only enter the pools suitable for their swimming abilities. During swim lessons and free swim, swim instructors and counselors are also in the water to provide extra supervision.

Are goggles allowed?

Yes, campers can wear goggles while swimming. If your child would like to use them, please pack a pair each day.

What skills are required for each swim level?

We follow the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program. Below is a brief overview of the skills needed to pass each level:

Level 1 :

  • Enter and exit the water unassisted
  • Open eyes underwater
  • Bobbing
  • Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
  • Front/back glides (2 body lengths)
  • Unsupported front/back float (5 seconds)

Level 2:

  • Jump from the deck into shoulder-deep water
  • Front float (10 seconds)
  • Back float (15 seconds)
  • Tread water (15 seconds)
  • Submerge and hold breath for 10 seconds
  • Swim using arm and leg strokes (5 body lengths)

Level 3:

  • Jump into deep water
  • Begin diving
  • Tread water (1 minute)
  • Front crawl (15 yards)
  • Elementary backstroke (15 yards)
  • Survival float (30 seconds)
  • Rotary breathing (15 times)

Level 4:

  • Standing dives
  • Swim underwater (3-5 body lengths)
  • Tread water (2 minutes)
  • Front crawl and elementary backstroke (25 yards each)
  • Breaststroke, butterfly, and back crawl (15 yards each)

Level 5:

  • Shallow water dives
  • Tuck and pike surface dives
  • Front flip turns
  • Front crawl and elementary backstroke (50 yards each)
  • Breaststroke, butterfly, and back crawl (25 yards each)

Level 6:

  • Front crawl and elementary backstroke (100 yards each)
  • Breaststroke, butterfly, and back crawl (50 yards each)
  • Competitive turns
  • Surface dives
  • Object retrieval