What is SwimSafer?
SwimSafer is a national water safety program developed to raise the standard of swimming proficiency in Singapore. Created specially for children below 16 years old, this program will help evolve your child from a non-swimmer into a good swimmer.
The SwimSafer programme consists of six progressive stages. Survival and activity skills are taught in each stage of the programme, working progressively toward the next stage.
SwimSafer is conducted by professional and friendly SwimSafer accredited instructors, qualified to provide a positive contribution and environment to your child’s progress in water competency.
Each SwimSafer Instructor holds a valid SwimSafer Instructor accreditation card. From 5 July 2010, only certified SwimSafer Instructors are allowed to conduct classes in Sport Singapore swimming pools.
This is the only programme recognised by all schools, institutions and water-related sports (e.g. Kayaking, scuba diving) in Singapore.
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 Bronze
Personal Survival & Stroke Improvement Skills
Development of child’s stroke techniques is a focus here, along with coordinated breathing in deep water while swimming 100 metres. Principles of water craft safety will be introduced as well as continual work on rescue and personal survival skills.
SwimSafer Silver
Intermediate Personal Survival & Stroke Refinement Skills
Fundamentals of diving will be introduced. 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 Gold
Advance Personal Survival & Swimming Skill Proficiency
Children will be required to perform strokes with greater ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over 400 metres. Rescue skills and water safety knowledge will focus on lifesaving readiness. Standing dive and personal safety skills will continue to be taught.
SwimSafer Stage 1
Introduction to Water Skills
The objective is develop confidence and independence in the water, learn general and deep-end water safety. Techniques taught include the forward and backward movement, safe entry and exit and personal water safety.