How do I document my swim lesson levels so a new owner can run them?

Begin with the ladder itself. List every level in order, with its name, the entry skills, the exit skills and the usual time children spend there. Note which levels have different instructor-to-child setups, and which ones need extra deck help. Gaps in the ladder are what buyers notice first, so fix them before anyone asks, and keep the wording simple enough for a new hire.

Next, capture how a lesson actually runs. Describe the warm-up, the sequence of drills, what to do when a child is scared, and how an instructor decides someone is ready to move up. Attach sample lesson plans, evaluation sheets and the wording you send parents. If you use a published progression from a swimming body, say so and show where your school departs from it.

Last, record the supporting routines: how classes are scheduled, how make-up lessons work, how pool time is booked, and where the records live. Walk one instructor through the binder and see whether they can run a level unaided. Their questions show you what is still missing, and a buyer can read the same gaps during their review.

Key takeaways

• Describe each level by entry skills, exit skills, drills and typical time spent there.
• Include sample lesson plans, evaluation sheets and the wording parents receive about promotion.
• Test the binder by asking one instructor to run a level using only your pages.