20 mins on front, 10 mins on back.
Sea Otter is where swimming starts to look like swimming — straight-arm freestyle without any equipment, and the first formal breathing technique.
What your child learns in Sea Otter
1. Safe Entry
A safe, controlled pool entry, still reinforced at every level.
2. Push & Glide
An unaided glide, confirming the balance and confidence needed for the stroke work ahead.
3. Streamline Kicking
Kicking in a tight, streamlined body position — the technique that underlies every stroke and every wall push-off from here on.
4. Straight Arm Freestyle (No Aid)
Freestyle with straight, extended arms and no kickboard — the first fully independent stroke attempt.
5. Introduction to Breathing Drill
A drill kicking for 3 seconds and turning the head to the side to breathe, with support. This is usually the hardest new coordination skill in the whole program, and getting it right here makes everything after it easier.
6. Back Float
A relaxed back float, still reinforced as a core safety skill.
7. Push and Glide on Back
An unaided glide on the back, mirroring the front-side progress.
8. Backstroke Kicking (Arms Above Head)
Backstroke kicking with the arms extended overhead in a streamlined line — the position used for a proper backstroke start and turn later on.
9. Safe Exit
Exiting the pool safely and independently.
What's next: Turtle builds directly on this, adding real bilateral breathing and the first introduction to tumble turns.
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