Tadpoles Swimming Lessons

Tadpoles Swimming Lessons focuses on teaching swimmers freestyle and backstroke. In this group, swimmers work on proper breathing and technique for both strokes. The program goal for Tadpoles is for each swimmer to be able to swim 25 yards freestyle with breathing to the side and 25 yards backstroke, which is required to move into the Novice I or Novice II program.

• Ages: 4–8 years old
• Schedule: Seasonal sessions from April–September, 30-minute classes, three times per week for three weeks

Pre-beginners are described as non–water safe swimmers, and the stated goal for that level is for them to become water-safe swimmers before graduating to Tadpoles. Beginners are described as deep-water safe and able to swim 15 yards on their front or back, by dog paddling or swimming underwater. All new swimmers on the Napa Valley Swim Team are evaluated for group placement, and coaches, swimmers, and parents all participate in deciding which program and group is appropriate for each child.

Napa Valley Swim Team states that it provides high-quality swim training for athletes of all ages and abilities and that it offers year-round competitive programs, seasonal training, and pre-competitive instruction. NVST describes its top priority as maintaining a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment that is free from abuse, bullying, harassment, or misconduct of any kind. NVST operates under the guidance of USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport, and as members of USA Swimming, the team states a commitment to upholding standards of safety, integrity, and athlete protection.

NVST is a parent-run, non-profit organization that has served the Napa Valley community for over 50 years. The organization’s mission statement is “The pursuit of excellence in athletics and life through competitive swimming.” One testimonial from former swimmer Alex Swanson, University of Hawaii, describes Napa Valley Swim Team as the program that formed her into the woman she is today and calls swimming for NVST the best decision her family made.

Families are directed to the NVST SwimTopia app to stay informed of location changes and to see calendar events, register swimmers, sign up for volunteer hours, purchase apparel, and read team documents, and it is stated that payment is not required to use the app for these services. Many parents also choose to use the Meet Mobile app to track events, heats, lanes, and swim times during a swim meet, where scores are updated in real time and swimmers’ results can be viewed, with a note that Meet Mobile subscription rates may apply.

Last updated March 8, 2026.