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Swimming Programmes

• To register for swimming lessons, please download a registration form (Section registration forms) or pick up a form from the Panaga Club Administration Office. Place the completed form in the "Swimming Lessons" tray in the Club Office, and the Registrar will contact you within approximately one week with more information.
• All StingRays lessons run throughout Panaga School's Term Dates.  There are no lessons during school breaks or public holidays.  Please see the Calendar section of our website.
• For children who attend school on Saturday mornings, swimming lessons are offered on Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m.
• Swimming programmes are taught or coached by Tim Gaffney, Head Coach; assisted by Donna Gaffney, Assistant Coach.  In addition, volunteer swimming instructors, under Tim’s supervision, assist in teaching the learn-to-swim programmes (Baby Rays, Beginner Rays, Nipper Rays, and Bronze Rays).

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2008:

Baby Rays

(Mondays – 3 to 4 p.m.)

Skills Base:  The Baby Rays programme is designed to create aquatic confidence for children aged 3 to 4 years.  Water safety skills are also a focus of this programme. 

Progression to next level:  Baby Rays automatically progress to the Beginner Rays Level at 4 years of age.

Beginner Rays

(Saturdays – 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.)

Skills Base:  During this level, swimmers learn the basic fundamentals of swimming:  breathing, rhythm, balance, and correct body posture.  Water safety skills are reinforced, along with safety procedures for safe pool use.

Progression to next level:  Demonstration of correct skills as per Skills Base.

Nipper Rays

(Saturdays – 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.)

Skills Base:  Swimmers learn the basic stroke mechanics for Freestyle and Backstroke.  Emphasis is placed on correct body posture and aquatic position.  Nipper Rays are introduced to Sculling and Tumble Turns.

Progression to next level:  Demonstration of correct skills as per Skills Base; swimmers must be able to swim 25 m Freestyle and 25 m Backstroke.

Bronze Rays

(Saturdays – 8:15 to 9:00 a.m.)

Skills Base:  Bronze Rays start performing a small amount of lap swimming.  They learn advanced body balance and aquatic posture for Freestyle and Backstroke.  Development of long/short axis balance for all four strokes occurs at this level.  Swimmers learn advanced mechanics for Freestyle, Backstroke, and Tumble.

Progression to next level:  Demonstration of correct skills as per Skills Base; swimmers must be able to swim 100 m Freestyle using Tumble Turns, and must be able to swim 50 m Backstroke.

Silver Rays

(Tuesdays and Thursdays:  4:00 to 5:00 p.m.)

Skills Base:  During this level, Silver Rays learn Breaststroke and build upon previously developed skills.  The Silver Rays level involves continuous lap swimming.

Progression to next level:  Demonstration of correct skills as per Skills Base; swimmers must be able to swim 200 m Freestyle, 200 m Backstroke, 200 m Breaststroke, all using correct turns.

Gold Rays

(Tuesdays and Thursdays – 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.)

Skills Base:  At this level, the swimmer learns Butterfly.  The Gold Rays level is continuous lap swimming, and the swimmers build upon all four strokes and develop their aquatic fitness.   The Gold Rays level is the highest level of general age group swimming.

Competition Squad (Selection by Head Coach)

This squad is for swimmers who are showing potential for and commitment to the sport of swimming at a competitive level.  The programme offers a systematic and progressive training schedule aimed at helping the young, talented and enthusiastic swimmers to reach their full potential.

Entry Requirements:      Selection is by the Head Coach, based on typical capabilities, an aptitude for competitive swimming, a strong desire to train competitively, and parental commitment to the programme.  Other considerations include behaviour and attitude.

Typical Capabilities and Commitment Requirements:

• Panaga School and Hornbill School Students – Will train five sessions per week.  (Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 6:00 to 7:30/8:00 a.m.)

• JIS Students and Government/Other School Students  – Will train a minimum of six sessions per week  (Monday 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 6:00 to 7:30/8:00 a.m.)

• All Swimmers – Be available to train at more sessions prior to competitions, if required.

• Be capable of swimming a minimum of three strokes with correct starts and turns over 200 m.

• Be capable of swimming distances in training sessions of 2.5 km up to 5 km.

• Be available to compete in nominated local and overseas swim meets.

• Swimmers and parents are required to show commitment to the Competition Squad by signing and abiding by the StingRays Sportsmanship Code of Conduct.

Registration Form Comp Squad Part 1 (2 pages)
Registration Form Comp Squad Part 2 (2 pages)

Masters

(Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays 6:00 to 7:00 a.m.; Fridays 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.)

The Masters level of swimming is for all adults (18+) and assumes a basic level of swimming proficiency; although there is a Learn-to-Swim component to the programme.  At times, the Head Coach may identify proficient swimmers who are younger than 18 years of age, who are eligible to join the Masters Level for training sessions.

Private Lessons

(Note:  Swim Section Membership is not required for Private Lessons)

Private swimming lessons, for adults only, can be arranged for a modest fee. These lessons are scheduled according to the Head Coach’s availability and can take place whenever the pool does not have a prior booking (refer to Schedule). For further information about individual swimming lessons please contact Tim Gaffney at tim.gaffney@panagaclub.com.

Updated:  June 26, 2008