SwimSafer, a new national water safety programme, combines the National Survival Swimming Award (NSSA) and Learn-To-Swim-Prgramme (LTSP) into a progressive six-stage programme. At the end of each stage, each child will receive a stage completion certificate indidcating his/ her individual skill achievements. A badge will be awarded upon the completion of every stage.

In addition, each child will be awarded a coloured pin upon completion of each stage from stages 4 to 6.

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, safe entry and exit of the pool, 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: Personal Water Survival and Stroke Developmental 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 a Personal Floatation Device. Your child will be encouraged to achieve 50 metres of continuous swim.

Stage 4: Personal Water Survival and Stroke Improvement Skills

(Bronze Pin)
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.

Stage 5: Intermediate Personal Water Survival and Stroke Refinement Skills

(Silver Pin)
Fundamental of diving will be introduced. Development of rescue skills and personal water survival skills will also continue at more advanced levels. Your child will be required to demonstrate efficient stroke techniques to complete stage 5 before progressing stage 6.

Stage 6: Advanced Personal Water Survival and Swimming Skills Proficiency

(Gold Pin)
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.

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