My Swim Buddy Methodology
Our approach is rooted in the exclusive My Swim Buddy Methodology, where every instructor is trained to deliver consistent, safe, and personalized swim education. Novice swimmers begin with the My Swim Buddy Curriculum which includes our Water Discovery & Comfort and Learn to Swim programs. Covering the first four Levels of Achievement, this foundational pillar builds water safety, confidence, and core swim skills in a supportive, engaging environment. Once mastered, swimmers graduate into the next four levels and officially become part of our advanced MSB Aquatics swimmers.
Our Learn-to-Swim program is built around a progressive 8-Level Colored Cap System, designed to develop confident, capable swimmers through measurable growth in our four foundations of water safety, breath control, buoyancy, and movement/stroke development.
Swimmers begin at Level 1 (White Cap), focusing on water discovery, comfort, and foundational safety skills. As they advance through Levels 2–4 (Gray, Orange, and Green Caps), swimmers gain stronger independence, improved breath control, increased endurance, and more advanced safety responses. At Levels 5–6 (Yellow and Purple Caps), swimmers refine body positioning, streamline technique, and begin formal stroke development while continuing to strengthen self-rescue skills. Levels 7–8 (Blue and Red Caps) emphasize swim team readiness, advanced stroke refinement, and sustained swimming ability with confident execution of safety and technique-based skills.
Each level builds on the last, and swimmers are expected to consistently maintain skills from previous levels as they progress—ensuring a safe, steady, and confident swim journey from beginner to advanced swimmer.
In addition to our My Swim Buddy and MSB Aquatics Curriculum, our tenured and Master Level instructors pursue advanced certifications and specialty education to support a wide range of swimmers and goals. These specialty areas include Adaptive Aquatics training through the Swim Angelfish “Swim Whisperers” Methodology for students with special abilities, Competitive Stroke Development inspired by the teachings of Lauri Lawrence (Worldwide Swim School), and Infant and Toddler instruction influenced by Aqua Sensory methodology.
This commitment to ongoing education allows us to provide a well-rounded swim experience—helping every swimmer build confidence, develop strong technique, and progress safely in the water.
Swim Lessons with an Adaptive Aquatics Approach
What does Adaptive Aquatics mean?
At My Swim Buddy, Adaptive Aquatics means meeting every swimmer exactly where they are.
Regardless of experience level, our instructors are highly trained to recognize and respond to each student’s unique needs. Lessons are thoughtfully adapted to match a swimmer’s comfort level, pace, and learning style. This gentle, individualized approach builds genuine trust between teacher and student—creating a foundation for real progress.
Our goal is to foster security, resilience, and self-confidence—ultimately developing safer, stronger, and more confident swimmers.
Throughout our comprehensive training program, instructors learn to recognize both verbal and nonverbal feedback and adjust instruction accordingly. New skills are introduced based on each swimmer’s readiness, water comfort, and ability. We focus on nurturing comfort, confidence, skill development, and a lifelong love of the water at every stage of the swim journey.
For students with special needs, we offer advanced support through a Master Level instructor certified in Adaptive Aquatics through the Swim Angelfish “Swim Whisperers” Methodology, ensuring specialized, compassionate, and highly skilled instruction.
Levels of Achievement
At My Swim Buddy, we measure progress across four foundations: Safety, Breath Control, Buoyancy, and Movement/Stroke Development. Within each category, swimmers work toward specific competencies that demonstrate readiness to advance.
Progress is celebrated through our colored swim cap system, a visible symbol of achievement. As swimmers master key skills, they earn a new cap color to mark their growth and development. Each new level builds upon the previous one, and swimmers are expected to consistently maintain the skills from earlier levels as they advance.
Please note: The skill examples listed below represent highlights of each level and are not an all-inclusive outline of our full curriculum.
Level 1: White Cap
Water Discovery & Comfort
Competencies
Safety
I'm Ready Bench
Humpty Dumpty
Breath Control
Puffy Cheeks/Bubbles
Water on Face
Buoyancy
Back Float - Assisted & Calm
TickTock Eyes In
Movement & Stroke Development
Flip From Back to Tummy (Assisted)
Take Side
Level 2: Gray Cap
Safety & Confidence
Competencies
Safety
Ready-Set-Go
Open Eyes Under Water
Breath Control
Eyes In Soft Start
Teeter-Totter
Buoyancy
Monkey-Star-Zoom
Launch to Stairs
Movement & Stroke Development
Super Hero Swim
Surface Glide to Rollover
Level 3: Orange Cap
Pool Discovery & Safer Play
Competencies
Safety
Rescue Tube Save
Circles on Wall
Breath Control
Tea Party
Nose Bubbles
Buoyancy
Horizontal Body
Glide on Back
Movement & Stroke Development
Dolphin/Mermaid Swim
Swim-Float-Swim
Level 4: Green Cap
Independent Swimming
Competencies
Safety
Intro to Treading
Jump-Float-Return to Safety
Breath Control
Bobbing to Wall
Superhero Swim with Side Breath
Buoyancy
Survival Stroke
Streamline Backstroke Kicks
Movement & Stroke Development
Freestyle w/ Effective Arms
Corkscrew with Fins
Level 5: Yellow Cap
Safer & Stronger Swimmer
Competencies
Safety
Jump-Float with Clothes On
Tread Water 5 Sec
Breath Control
Quick Side Breath
Breaststroke Timing
Buoyancy
Survival Stroke with Clothes On
Streamline Backstroke Kicks
Movement & Stroke Development
Butterfly with Fins
Underwater Dolphin Kick
Level 6: Purple Cap
Swim Stroke Development
Competencies
Safety
Reach-Throw-Don't Go
Never Swim Alone
Breath Control
Exhales Underwater
Freestyle Breath on Both Sides
Buoyancy
Intro to Flip Turn
Tread Water 20 Sec
Movement & Stroke Development
Consistent Kick
Butterfly Arms with 2-Beat Kick
Level 7: Blue Cap
Swim Team Prep
Competencies
Safety
Pace Clock for Intervals
Stroke Count into Wall
Breath Control
Rhythmic Breathing
Fast Open Turns
Buoyancy
Flip Turn to Streamline Finish
6-Beat Freestyle Kick
Movement & Stroke Development
Shoulder & Core Rotation
Kick from Hips
Level 8: Red Cap
Swim Team Star
Competencies
Safety
Treading with Object Overhead 2 Min
Circle Swim
Breath Control
Extended Glide & Exhale
No Breath with First Stroke
Buoyancy
Backstroke Starts
Tight Body Underwater Streamline
Movement & Stroke Development
Controlled Transitions
Swim IM with Legal Turns
Trusted Training Partners
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Swim Angelfish has developed aquatic-based training programs targeted to swimmers of availabilities, including those with special needs such as anxiety, attention and physical difficulties, sensory challenges, and autism.
