Programs

LEARNING TO SWIM AT THE OBAC

Registration for Spring/Summer programming will open to residents on Wednesday, April 1st at 8 a.m. with the public registration opening on Wednesday, April 8th at 8 a.m. 

SWIM LESSON TYPES:

We offer both PRIVATE and GROUP swim lessons at the Orange Beach Aquatics Center seasonally in a very limited capacity. Our swim progression begins at the preschool level (Jellyfish) and develops through Learn-to-Swim levels (Sting Rays). Continue below for age and ability requirements. All sessions run weekly Monday-Thursday and contain four 30 min lessons. We utilize Fridays as necessary to make-up lessons due to inclement weather or instructor absence.

PRIVATE

These lessons are designed for children who can follow instructions and are ready to swim without their parents/guardian. Instructors will be in the water guiding participants one-on-one and taught to their appropriate skill level. Each lesson is limited to one participant.

To be enrolled, participants must be within the range of 3-10 years by the start of the registered session. 

$55/session (4 lessons) 

GROUP

A specially designed class of up to five participants who are comfortable enough in the water to wade on steps or hold onto the edge of the pool by themselves. As a matter of safety, there will be two instructors present. Abilities will vary in a group setting, but participants need to take direction well. Each lesson is limited to one participant.

To be enrolled, participants must be within the age range of 3-8 years by the start of the registered session.

 $35/session (4 lessons)

SWIM LESSON PROGRESSION:

Preschool Aquatics - Level 1 (Jellyfish):

• Ages 3-6
• No previous experience required
• Ideal for introducing children to the water and the aquatic environment
• Curriculum:
  • enter and exit the water
  • basic water safety and awareness
  • basic breath control
  • blowing bubbles    
• PSA LEVEL 1 Exit Skills Assessment:
  • Enter independently, using either the ramp, steps or side, travel at least 5 yards, submerge to mouth and blow bubbles for at least 3 seconds then safely exit the water. (Children can walk, move along the gutter or “swim.”)
  • While in shallow water, glide on front at least 2 body lengths, then roll to back and float on back for 3 seconds, then recover to a vertical position.

Preschool Aquatics - Level 2 (Jellyfish):

• Ages 3-6
• Experience Required: PSA1 Exit Skills
• Builds on basic water safety, skills, and awareness with instructor support
• Curriculum:
  • basic breath control with submersion
  • independently float and glide
  • flip from front to back
  • arm and leg engagement
• PSA LEVEL 2 Exit Skills Assessment:
  • Glide on front for at least 2 body lengths, roll to back, float on back for 15 seconds, then recover to a vertical position.
  • Glide on back for at least 2 body lengths, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position.
  • Swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for at least 3 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then continue swimming on front for at least 3 body lengths.

Preschool Aquatics - Level 3 (Jellyfish):

• Ages 3-6
• Experience Required: PSA2 Exit Skills
• Builds on the independent use and knowledge of basic water safety, skills, and awareness 
• Curriculum:
  • combine arm and leg action with forward motion
  • improve coordination and control moving from front to back and vice versa
  • gentle introduction to more advanced skills
• PSA LEVEL 3 Exit Skills Assessment:
  • Step from the side into chest deep water, push off the bottom, move into a treading or floating position for 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths, then exit the water.
  • Move into a back float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position.
  • Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to front, continue swimming for 5 body lengths.

Learn-to-Swim - Level 1 (Stingrays)

• Ages 3-8
• Experience Required: PSA3 Exit Skills
• Builds on the independent use and knowledge of basic water safety, skills, and awareness 
• Curriculum:
  • blowing bubbles and continuous bobbing
  • open eyes underwater to retrieve submerged objects
  • glide, roll and float from front to back and vice versa
  • treading water
• LTS LEVEL 1 Exit Skills Assessment:
  • Enter independently, using either the ramp, steps or side, travel at least 5 yards, bob 5 times, then safely exit the water. (Participants can walk, move along the gutter or “swim.”)
  • Glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 5 seconds, then recover to a vertical position. (This part of the assessment can be performed with assistance.)

Learn-to-Swim - Level 2 (Stingrays)

• Ages 3-8
• Experience Required: LTS1 Exit Skills
• Builds on the independent use and knowledge of basic water safety, skills, and awareness 
• Curriculum:
  • fully submerge and demonstrate breath control
  • alternating and simultaneous arm action 
  • beginning to combine arm and leg engagement
  • maintaining a back float for 15-30 seconds
• LTS LEVEL 2 Exit Skills Assessment:
  • Step from the side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom, move into a treading or floating position for at least 15 seconds, swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths, then exit the water.
  • Move into a back float for 15 seconds, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position.
  • Push off and swim using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, roll to back, float for 15 seconds, roll to the front, then continue swimming for at least 5 body lengths.

Learn-to-Swim - Level 3 (Stingrays)

• Ages 3-8
• Experience Required: LTS3 Exit Skills
• Builds on the independent use and knowledge of basic water safety, skills, and awareness 
• Curriculum:
  • perform a streamline followed by flutter kick
  • changing from vertical to horizontal positioning and initiating a forward stroke
  • begin to utilize a rolling breath
  • maintain a back float or tread for up to 1 minute
• LTS LEVEL 3 Exit Skills Assessment:
  • Jump into deep water from the side, recover to the surface, maintain position by treading or floating for 1 minute, rotate one full turn, then turn as necessary to orient to the exit point, level off, swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards, then exit the water.
  • Push off in a streamlined position, then swim front crawl for 15 yards, change position and direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards, then exit the water.

Upon completion of LTS3, a swimmer may progress up to Junior Makos: Pre-Team (Non-Competitive).

REGISTER HERE:

Orange Beach Activity Login: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/.

Orange Beach Swim Activity Reg: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/selectActivity.

Junior Makos is our pre-team program designed to gently ease participants into the world of competitive swimming. Whether the goal is to perform all four strokes legally or advance to the competitive levels of the sport, our qualified coaching staff will lead athletes through each practice at an introductory pace in order to gain confidence and familiarity.

Each session runs Monday-Thursday for two weeks containing eight, 45-min classes. We utilize Fridays as necessary to make-up lessons due to inclement weather, conflicting swim meets, or coach’s absence. 

• Ages 5+
• Experience Required: LTS3 Exit Skills including the ability to to jump and submerge underwater, float on back or tread water for 1 min followed by a 25-yard freestyle swim
• Builds on the independent use and knowledge of basic water safety, skills, and awareness 
• Curriculum:
  • common terminology used in the sport
  • basic knowledge of legal technique in all four strokes
  • the beginning stages of dive and turn work
  • a gradual build in endurance

A swim evaluation for placement is best advised if a participant is new to our program. To schedule an evaluation, contact OBST’s Head Coach, Dakota Heflin, at dheflin@orangebeachal.gov.

REGISTER HERE:

Orange Beach Activity Login: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/.

Orange Beach Swim Activity Reg: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/selectActivity.

HOME OF THE MAKOS

USA Swimming Competitive Team, Ages 5-18

Orange Beach Swim Team was derived from a place of passion and experience in the sport of swimming with a responsibility to establish a safe, competitive outlet in a supportive environment for the City of Orange Beach’s youth community. OBST sets out to inspire, challenge and build well-rounded individuals while instilling the principles of good sportsmanship and individual championship through competitive sport and team atmosphere. OBST takes pride in shaping the character of young athletes and developing a skill that provides health benefits for a lifetime.

As an official club under USA Swimming and Southeastern Swimming LSC, athletes are encouraged to compete in USAS sanctioned meets as long as they hold membership. This is an opportunity to compete at a higher level in addition to local meets within the Mobile County Aquatic League (MCAL).

Follow OBST on social media (@obstmakos) and via club website obstmakos.swimtopia.com.

#obstmakos #gotgrit

The swim year is divided by the following trimesters:

• Winter/Spring | Jan. 6 - May 15  | $200 
• Summer | May 26 - July 24  | $150
  • Registration will open to returning athletes and residents on April 1st at 8 a.m. and to the general public on April 8th at 8 a.m. Registration will close on April 30th.
• Fall | Aug. 10 - Dec. 11 | $200

Please, continue below for group requirements, team progression, and relative links for athlete registration. Visit www.obstmakos.swimtopia.com to learn further details.

As a member of OBST, swimmers must meet respective group requirements. If one's swimming ability/level is in question upon joining, please contact OBST’s Head Coach, Dakota Heflin, to schedule an evaluation at dheflin@orangebeachal.gov.

GROUP DESCRIPTIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

BLUE

Typically 8 y/o and under beginning the early instruction of stroke technique, competitive skills (starts, turns, etc.), legal stroke and competition guidelines. At this age, swim meets are encouraged to measure progress, however, not mandatory. 

• Requirements:
  • hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
  • perform or show working knowledge of freestyle and backstroke 
  • ability to swim a 50 yd freestyle without stopping
• Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, short blade fins, mesh bag, water bottle 

ORANGE

Typically 9-12 elevating their stroke development and competitive skills and paired with body-weight dryland stretching and exercise. At this age, practice and swim meet attendance is important so they can gain confidence in a competitive environment while strengthening relationships with teammates. 

• Requirements:
  • hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
  • perform or show working knowledge of all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle)
  • ability to swim a 100 yd freestyle without stopping
• Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip paddles, mesh bag, water bottle 

JUNIOR

Typically 11-14 years old with refinement of strokes and skills. By this age group, the sport should be one of your main activities and swim meet attendance is essential. Participating as a committed athlete and bonding with teammates is important to an athlete’s quality of sportsmanship and character. At this age, dry-land has become an important part of being a healthy athlete.  

• Requirements:
  • hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
  • legally perform all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle)
  • ability to swim a 200 yd freestyle and 100 yd IM without stopping
• Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, tech suit (optional), short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip and/or hand paddles, ankle band, mesh bag, water bottle  

SENIOR

15-18 years old with a heightened sense of commitment and dedication to the sport appreciating the opportunity to excel, push oneself, and grow as an athlete/individual. A significant increase in yardage and practice structure At this level, athletes are expected to attend practice and compete in swim meets consistently and have pride in what they accomplish.

• Requirements:
  • hold a float or tread water for at least 1 minute
  • legally perform all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle)
  • ability to swim a 500 yd freestyle and 200 yd IM without stopping
• Necessary Equipment: OBST cap, goggles, training suit, OBST meet suit, tech suit (optional), short blade fins, training snorkel, fingertip and/or hand paddles, ankle band, mesh bag, water bottle  

REGISTER HERE:

Orange Beach Activity Login: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/.

Orange Beach Swim Activity Reg: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/selectActivity.

OBST HANDBOOK