This stage lays the foundation that allows for students future progress in swimming. Focus is on exploring the aquatic environment and personal skills with instructor help. Students develop basic skills to propel and glide through the water and also basic aquatic safety skills.

Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.