Swim Safer was an initiative by the National Water Safety Water Safety Council in collaboration with SportsSG (formerly known as Singapore Sports Council) in 2010. The programme was reviewed in 2016-2017 and a refreshed version of SwimSafer was developed.

The objective of the SwimSafer™ 2.0 programme teaches people of all ages and varying abilities to swim and be safe in, on and around the water. This programme emphasises skill development in conjunction with water safety and personal water survival education.

Swimming and water safety skills are taught in a logical progression through six stages. Students will be taught basic skills and introduced to the swimming pool and its environment in Stage 1. As they progress through the stages, students will build on their basic skills and refine their movement in water. by the end of Stage 6, students would have acquired the prerequisite skills for entrance into other aquatic activites such as competitive swimming, sailing, kayaking and lifesaving courses.

SWIMSAFER 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.

SWIMSAFER STAGE 2

Fundamental Water Skills

General skill development including unassisted step entry into water, sculling, feet first surface dives, personal water safety skills as well as water safety in aquatic environments. Goal is to achieve 25 metres of continuous swimming.

SWIMSAFER STAGE 3

Personal & Stroke Development Skills

Principles of personal survival as well as basic rescue skills are taught. Skills include sculling, underwater skills and the use of personal flotation device. Goal is to achieve 50m of continuous swimming.

SWIMSAFER STAGE 4 Bronze

Personal Survival & Stroke Improvement Skills

Development of the child’s stroke techniques is a focus here, along with coordinated breathing in deep water while swimming 100 meters. Principles of watercraft safety will be introduced as well as continual work on rescue and personal survival skills.

SWIMSAFER STAGE 5 Silver

Intermediate Personal Survival & Stroke Refinement Skills

Fundamentals of diving will be introduced. The development of rescue skills and personal survival knowledge will also continue at more advanced levels. Children will be required to demonstrate efficient stroke techniques to complete stage 5.

SWIMSAFER STAGE 6 Gold

Advance Personal Survival & Swimming Skill Proficiency

Children will be required to perform strokes with greater ease, efficiency, power, and smoothness over 400 meters. Rescue skills and water safety knowledge will focus on lifesaving readiness. Standing dive and personal safety skills will continue to be taught.