75 Years of Swim Lessons

Since 1927, Fanny Chapman has introduced children in the community of Doylestown to a life-long enthusiasm for aquatic competence. Through eleven distinct levels of swimming development, Fanny Chapman’s lesson program, in its 74th summer, continues to perpetuate a tradition of fun and discipline. Not just a reservoir for social gathering, but instead a purveyor for confidence, the pool’s young and talented staff grows along with the children of the community as they recognize the skills necessary for a safe and fulfilling swimming experience.

Beginning with the non-swimmer level at the age of four, children are helped into the water slowly, allowing them to build trust in their own aquatic abilities. Progressing thereafter, children develop the skills necessary for Beginner I and Beginner II, two levels that work on the perfection of fundamental skills, thereby laying the framework for more complicated strokes and forcing basic competence before moving into deeper water. Passing the deep water test or promotion into further intermediate courses is a right of passage; children under the age of thirteen practice hours and weeks to match the skills of older friends in hopes of joining them in the diving well.

The pool’s mission is different from other community pools in fundamental ways; children must strongly demonstrate a high level of swimming achievement before being allowed to swim past their shoulders. Parents recognize that Fanny Chapman is unwavering in its adherence to strict policies and sometimes wish that their children be given the go-ahead for deep-water placement, however, they also respectfully realize that Fanny’s staff is dedicated to safety and true aquatic development. Children leave Fanny Chapman’s lesson program knowing that their skills will aid them in any aquatic endeavor they choose to pursue, whether it be the competitive Fanny Chapman swim team, high school swim team, or Red Cross life-guarding certification.