About Us
About Hillside Swim School
Hillside Swim School has been providing private swim lessons in the Fresno Area for over 5 years. The swim lessons are run out of our backyard, where the atmosphere is approachable and kids feel comfortable learning to swim in a “home” environment.
Our instructors are carefully chosen, trained and CPR certified. We believe in developing water safety through sound swim techniques. Each child is different, so we strive to personalize the instruction to fit each student’s needs and ability.
We are opening a second location at Fresno City College to be able serve more families and offer additional opportunities for swimmers preparing for swim team.
Our Curriculum
1. Water Safety
Water safety is the foundation of all swimming skills. Ensuring swimmers feel comfortable and secure in the water builds confidence and prevents accidents. Before moving on to advanced skills, every swimmer must grasp the basics of safe water behavior.
Safety Milestones:
- Water Acclimation – Getting comfortable in the water by gradually introducing submersion.
- Eyes in the Pool – Encouraging swimmers to keep their eyes open underwater for better navigation.
- Breath Control – Learning to regulate breathing to prevent panic.
- Kicking and Body Position – Establishing strong kicks and balanced posture in the water.
- Safe Submersion – Understanding how to go underwater safely without fear.
- Floats and Rolls – Practicing floating techniques to conserve energy and prevent drowning.
- Safe Entry and Exit – Knowing the proper ways to enter and exit the pool to avoid injury.
2. Strokes
Once swimmers master water safety, they progress to learning essential strokes. These foundational techniques enhance their ability to move efficiently in the water, whether for recreation, competition, or future training.
Stroke Milestones:
- Backstroke – Swimming on the back while maintaining streamlined movement.
- Freestyle – The fastest and most commonly used stroke, focusing on speed and endurance.
- Streamlines – Mastering body positioning to reduce drag and improve efficiency.
- Breath Control with Side Breathing – Learning to roll for air without disrupting momentum.
- Body Rotation – Learning to rotate the body effectively to reduce resistance and improve stroke power.
- Arm and Leg Coordination – Synchronizing arm strokes and leg kicks for maximum propulsion.
- Breath Timing – Understanding when to inhale and exhale during each stroke to maintain a steady rhythm.
3. Advanced Technique
For those who wish to refine their swimming skills or explore competitive swimming, advanced techniques take stroke work to the next level. These skills improve endurance, speed, and overall performance in the water.
Advanced Stroke Milestones:
- Butterfly – A powerful and rhythmic stroke that requires strong coordination.
- Backstroke – Refining backstroke techniques for speed and efficiency.
- Breaststroke – Enhancing stroke mechanics for a smooth and effective glide.
- Freestyle – Increasing endurance and perfecting stroke transitions.
- Flip Turns – Mastering quick turns to maintain momentum in lap swimming.
- Bilateral Breathing – Training to breathe on both sides for better balance and endurance.
- Treading Water – Developing the ability to stay afloat with minimal effort.
- Endurance Training & More! – Building stamina through structured drills and continuous swim training.
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4. Help prevent this by…
- Getting swim lessons (adults and children).
- Always supervising in and around the water.
- Installing a pool fence and making sure the gate is childproof.
- Using life jackets in open water (rivers, lakes and oceans).