New Swimming Programme

There is a new swimming programme rolled out by the National Water Safety Council in 5th July 2010. It is known as SwimSafer. It aims to imbue the swimmers skills that they need in order to swim in a fun and safe way.

There are a total of 6 stages with each stage comprising of 6 skills set.

They are "Entry and Exit"; "Scull and Body Orientation"; "Underwater Skills"; "Movement / Strokes"; "Survival Skills"; and "Knowledge"

The 6 stages are known as "Stage 1"; "Stage 2"; "Stage 3"; "Bronze"; "Silver"; and "Gold".

The outlines for the various stages mentioned above are taken from the SwimSafer Programme Outline.

Stage 1: Introduction to Water Skills.

The objective is for your child to gain confidence and develop independence in the water, as well as learn general and deep end water safety. Techniques taught include forward and backward movement, entering and exiting the pool safely, and introduction to personal water survival skills.

Stage 2: Fundamental Water Skills.

General skills development will include unassisted step entry into water, sculling, feet-first surface dives, personal water safety skills and water safety awareness in an aquatic environment. Your child will be encouraged to achieve 25 metres of continuous swim.

Stage 3: Stroke Development Skills.

Principles of personal water survival and basic rescue skills will be taught. Your child will demonstrate proficiency in sculling, underwater skills, and the use of Personal Floatation Device. Your child will be encouraged to achieve 50 metres of continuous swim.

Bronze: Personal Water Survival and Stroke Improvement Skills.

Development of your child's stroke techniques will be 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 water survival skills.

Silver: Intermediate Personal Water Survival and Stroke Refinement Skills.

Fundamental of diving will be introduced. Development of rescue skills and personal water survival skills also continue at more advanced levels. Your child will be required to demonstrate efficient stroke techniques to complete Silver stage before progressing to Gold stage.

Gold: Advanced Personal Water Survival and Swimming Skills Proficiency.

Your child 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 advanced personal water survival skills will continue to be taught.