Patch Prep Program
**AT THIS TIME, PATCH PREP IS ALL FULL FOR THE SEASON**
Dunn Loring requires all children, 11 and under, to pass a Patch Test before they are allowed to swim independently in water deeper than their shoulder height, go off the diving boards or join the Swim/Dive Teams.
What is the Patch Test? A child must be able to swim 25m, in a competent stroke, unassisted without stopping, standing or holding on to the lane lines; tread water for 1 minute; and float on their back for 30 seconds. The test is administered by the lifeguards during the mandatory 10 minute breaks.
What is Patch Prep? The program was designed to help our swimmers by working on the skills they need to pass the test. IT IS NOT A LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM. Your swimmer will be placed in a small group with one our coaches to work on the skills they need to pass. Participating in this program does not guarantee they will pass.
Cost? It is a package of 4 - 30 minute sessions for $80. If your child needs more than 4 sessions, you can buy an individual session for $20, however, please hold off on signing up for more than 4 unless directed.
When? The majority of the session will take place the Dunn Loring Pool with the exception of the first session on May 24. This will take place at the NCAP pool located at 8101 Wolftrap Road, Vienna, VA 22182. Parents are not allowed on deck at the NCAP location. A link with the sign-up will be sent with your email confirmation.
- Sun, May 24 @ 10am at NCAP Pool - Closed
- Tue, May 26 @ 6pm at Dunn Loring - Closed
- Wed, May 27 @ 6pm at Dunn Loring - Closed
- Thurs, May 28 at 6pm at Dunn Loring - Closed
- Mon, June 1 @ 6pm at Dunn Loring
- Wed, June 3 @ 6pm at Dunn Loring - FULL
- Thurs, June 4 @ 6pm at Dunn Loring
- Mon, June 8 @ 6pm at Dunn Loring - FULL
- Wed, June 10 @ 6pm at Dunn Loring
- Thurs, June 11 @ 6pm at Dunn Loring
Fine Print:
- There are NO refunds once we begin on May 24, even if you do not use all your sessions. Please make sure there are enough sessions that fit your schedule before signing up!
- If a lesson is canceled due to weather, you will be allowed to pick another session as a make up.
- If you sign up and need to make a change, please do so 24 hours in advance by notifying us at [email protected]. If you sign up and fail to attend, you will not be allowed to make that session up. We must do this as we base our staffing needs based on the number of children that sign up.
Ready to Register! Click here and choose 2026 Patch Prep registration.
Question email us at [email protected]
updated 5/29/2026
