Lessons That Prepare Children for SwimSafer 2.0 Stages
SwimSafer is a national programme by Sport Singapore. Swimming Lessons SG is not affiliated with or endorsed by SportSG. SwimSafer 2.0 is Singapore’s National Water Safety Programme. It has six progressive stages that build swimming and water safety skills step by step.
Our private lessons help children build the water confidence, strokes and safety skills covered in each stage, at a pace that suits them. Sign up and we will check coach availability for you.
About SwimSafer 2.0
SwimSafer was introduced in July 2010 by the National Water Safety Council and enhanced in 2018. SwimSafer 2.0 is the National Water Safety Programme.
The programme teaches swimming and water safety in a logical progression through six stages, each with about 12 hours of lesson time. Each stage covers entries and exits, sculling and body orientation, underwater skills, swimming strokes, survival skills, rescue skills and water safety knowledge.
Students are introduced to the pool and basic skills in Stage 1. By the end of Stage 6, they have the skills needed to go on to other aquatic activities such as competitive swimming, sailing, kayaking and lifesaving courses.
The recommended minimum age to start is 6, though this may vary between service providers and instructors. To receive a stage certificate, a swimmer must pass both an online theory quiz and a practical assessment.
Read the official SwimSafer information on ActiveSG
Official assessment and certification information from Singapore Aquatics
The Six Stages
Stage 1
Introduction to Water Skills
The objective is to develop confidence and independence in the water and learn general and deep-end water safety. Techniques taught include forward and backward movement, safe entry and exit, and personal water safety.
Stage 2
Fundamental Water Skills
General skill development including unassisted step entry into water, sculling, feet-first surface dives and personal water safety skills, as well as water safety in aquatic environments.
Goal: 25 metres of continuous swimming.
Stage 3
Personal and Stroke Development Skills
Principles of personal survival as well as basic rescue skills are taught. Skills include sculling, underwater skills and the use of a personal flotation device.
Goal: 50 metres of continuous swimming.
Stage 4 Bronze
Personal Survival and Stroke Improvement Skills
Development of the child's stroke techniques is a focus here, along with coordinated breathing in deep water. Principles of watercraft safety are introduced, with continued work on rescue and personal survival skills.
Goal: 100 metres using a variety of strokes.
Stage 5 Silver
Intermediate Personal Survival and Stroke Refinement Skills
Fundamentals of diving are introduced. Rescue skills and personal survival knowledge continue at more advanced levels. Children need to show efficient stroke techniques to complete Stage 5.
Goal: a variety of strokes over 200 metres within a given time.
Stage 6 Gold
Advanced Personal Survival and Swimming Skill Proficiency
Children perform strokes with greater ease, efficiency, power and smoothness. Rescue skills and water safety knowledge focus on lifesaving readiness. Standing dives and personal safety skills continue to be taught.
Goal: a variety of strokes with efficiency over 400 metres, within a given time for each stroke.
Stage illustrations are Swimming Lessons SG artwork. For full and current assessment criteria, refer to the official SwimSafer information.
How Our Lessons Help
SwimSafer certificates are awarded through the national programme’s own assessments, which are separate from our lessons.
SwimSafer is a national programme by Sport Singapore. Swimming Lessons SG is not affiliated with or endorsed by SportSG.
SwimSafer 2.0: Frequently Asked Questions
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