Our Essentials Course (formerly called Beginning) contains new lessons that all qualified swim instructors will one day teach to the tens of millions of adults who are fearful in shallow or deep water. Learn the essential information missing from swim lessons you have taken previously. If you knew the essentials today, you’d be happy in deep water. The essentials do not include strokes. Strokes are for speed and efficiency rather than comfort or safety. First, learn to swim. Then learn strokes. “Everything you always wanted to know that no one ever told you!”