Swimsafer Stage 3

for Swimsafer Stage 3
Obtaining Swimsafer Stage 3, Is it enough?
SwimSafer Stage 3 is the third level of the SwimSafer program in Singapore, and it builds upon the skills learned in Stages 1 and 2. At this stage, participants will learn more advanced water survival skills such as survival floating, and underwater skills and knowing at least 3 swimming strokes.
While SwimSafer Stage 3 represents a significant improvement over the previous stages and provides a solid foundation of water safety skills, it may not be enough on its own. Participants should aim to continue progressing through the higher stages of the program to further develop their skills and knowledge.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that water safety is an ongoing process that requires regular practice and refinement. Even after obtaining SwimSafer Stage 3, participants should continue to practice their swimming and survival skills to maintain their proficiency and develop additional skills.
Therefore, while SwimSafer Stage 3 is a commendable achievement, it’s essential to continue building on your water safety education and training beyond this level.
What is next after Swimsafer Stage 3?
Student who completed swimsafer stage 3 will be able to progressively move to learn the tasks for stage 4. More information on Stage 4 here.
About Swimsafer Stage 3
Swimming is an important life skill that can save lives. Swimsafer Stage 3 is an intermediate level of the Swimsafer program that focuses on developing survival and swimming skills. In this stage, participants are required to demonstrate their proficiency in various swimming strokes, survival sequences, and water safety techniques.
To pass Swimsafer Stage 3, participants must be able to swim 25 meters on both front crawl and backstroke. They must also perform survival sequence 3A without goggles, which includes jumping into deep water, swimming breaststroke, backstroke, sculling on the back, floating, and treading water.
In addition, participants must be able to perform a feet-first surface dive and swim through hoops using flutter or dolphin kicks. They must also demonstrate their ability to resurface and exit the pool safely.
Survival sequence 3B involves swimming while wearing swimwear, shorts, and a t-shirt. Participants must swim 25 meters using either survival backstroke or breaststroke to a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). They must then demonstrate their ability to correctly fit the PFD in the water, swim 50 meters with it, and climb out of the water.
Swimsafer Stage 3 is an important step in developing essential swimming and survival skills. Participants who successfully complete this stage will have the skills and knowledge to stay safe in and around the water. Upon passing Swimsafer Stage 3, learner can progress to the next stage which is Swimsafer Stage 4 (Bronze).
Stage 3 Swimsafer 2.0 Skills Assessment
In Swimsafer Stage 3, You need to:
- Swim 25m on front crawl or breaststroke
- Swim 25m on backstroke
Survival Sequence 3A (w/o goggles)
- Stride/Straddle jump in deep water
- Swim 25m Breaststroke/ Survival Breaststroke
- Swim 25m Survival Backstroke
- Scull head first on back for 5m and recover
- Scull, float and tread water for 50sec
- In chest-deep water, perform feet-first surface dive
- Swim through hoops, place 2m apart using flutter/dolphin kick
- Resurface and exit pool safely
Survival Sequence 3B (w/o goggles)
Dressed in swimwear, shorts and t-shirt demonstrate:
- Swim25m using survival backstroke or breaststroke to a PFD
- Correctly fit a PFD in water, swim 50m with PFD, then climb out of the water

MOE Assessor Checklist Swimsafer Stage 3
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Swimsafer Quiz Answers
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Swimsafer Stage 3 Certificate
Successful applicant will receive an E Certificate of Swimsafer Stage 2 upon passing of the Swimsafer Practical Test and the Swimsafer 2.0 Quiz.

Swimsafer Theory Test Portal
Swimsafer participant are required to complete the Swimsafer Quiz and achieve 80% to pass the test with unlimited attempts.
Register your Swimsafer Test with us to do your Swimsafer 2.0 Quiz.
The E-Certificate can only be generated upon passing both the Swimsafer Practical Test and Swimsafer Theory Test.
Learning Outcome (Swimsafer 2.0 Stage 3)
- Know at least 3 strokes ideally Freestyle, backstroke and survival breaststroke or Breast stroke, Survival Back and Survival Breaststroke or any combination of the 3 strokes with 2 front and 1 back.
- Treading water for 50 sec
- Know how to wear life jacket in the water
Swimsafer Stage 3 Swim Lesson Plan

Activities/ Exercise | Teaching Points for swimsafer stage 3 | Organisation | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Straddle Jump with Demo | Step in with Incline Body & Perform an OutSweep upon touching water surface. Maintain Head above water during the activity. | One by One | 5 mins |
Survival Back Leg Action | Bend – Open- Close Action. Controlled leg action. Do with care. Ensure enough personal space to prevent kicking other accidentally. | All together | 5 mins |
Sculling Demo | Understand the effect of In Sweep, Out Sweep, Down Sweep & Up Sweep arm action. | All together | 5 mins |
Wear PFD in water | Wear in water using backfloat method. | One by One | 15 mins |
Tread water wo goggle | Use Energy Saving method- Save energy 30 sec, 50 sec, 1min. Space out. | All together | 15 mins |
Swimsafer Stage 3- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of performing a straddle Jump?
When doing a straddle jump, the head should not go into the water. That is the purpose of straddle jump. Sometimes the ocean might have debris or oil spill, and your boat is on fire. You need to get off the boat by doing straddle jump so that your head will not get dirty.
What are the challenges activities for swimsfer stage 3?
Treading water, feet first or head first sculling as well as going underwater and swim thru the hoops.
What can my child do if he/she fail the swimsafer stage 3 test in their MOE swimsafer program?
If your child fails the SwimSafer Stage 3 test in their MOE (Ministry of Education) SwimSafer program, there are a few options available:
Option #1– Retake the test: Your child can have another opportunity to retake the SwimSafer Stage 3 test after some additional practice and preparation (you can find one with your friend’s recommendation or any existing swimming classes that your child’s best friend is also learning swimming to join him).
Option #2– Talk to the instructor or the program coordinator to understand the specific requirements and expectations for the test. They can provide guidance on areas that need improvement and suggest strategies for success.
Option #3– Participate in remedial classes: The SwimSafer program may offer remedial classes or additional practice sessions for children who did not pass the test. These classes can provide focused attention and additional instruction to help your child strengthen their skills and improve their performance. Check with the MOE Teacher.
Option #4– Continue swimming lessons: If your child did not pass Stage 3, it might be beneficial to continue regular swimming lessons to further develop their swimming abilities. Consistent practice and instruction can help build confidence and improve skills over time. Your child can work on the specific areas they struggled with during the test and gradually progress to meet the Stage 3 requirements.
Option #5– Consider private lessons: If your child needs more individualized attention or has specific areas that require extra focus, you might consider private swimming lessons. A qualified swimming instructor can tailor the lessons to your child’s needs and work on the specific skills necessary and preparing them well for passing the SwimSafer Stage 3 test.
Option #6– Join our 6 days holiday swimsafer program. It is an exciting aquatic adventure that promises to enhance your child’s swimming skills and provide endless fun in the water. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to overcome your fear of water or an advanced swimmer aiming to refine your technique, this program offers a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for individuals of all ages and abilities. The enrolment is open in Aug-Sept for Dec Holiday swim program and Mar-April for June Holiday Swim Program. Read more here.
Remember that failing the test is not uncommon, and it does not mean that your child cannot succeed in learning to swim. It is essential to provide encouragement and support to help them overcome any setbacks and keep them motivated to continue their swimming journey.
What is survival breast stroke?
Survival breaststroke is a normal breast stroke action such that you keep your head out of the water while swimming this stroke. This is for the purpose of sighting while you swim. Some ladies doesn’t like to get their hair wet or still does not like to get their face wet, so they swim breaststroke with their head above the water. That is survival breaststroke.
Unsure which stage your child can do? Try our Swimsafer Stage Checker here.
Where can I find more information about Swimsafer Syllabus?
You can get more information here.
Why need to learn wearing life jacket in the water?
Learning to wear a life jacket in the water is crucial for several important reasons:
Personal Safety: A life jacket is a vital piece of safety equipment that provides buoyancy and helps keep individuals afloat in the water. Learning how to properly wear a life jacket ensures that it is securely fastened and fitted, reducing the risk of it coming off or shifting during water activities. This enhances personal safety, especially for individuals who may not be strong swimmers or who find themselves in unfamiliar or challenging water conditions.
Buoyancy and Floating: Life jackets are designed to keep individuals buoyant, allowing them to float on the water’s surface. By wearing a life jacket, individuals can conserve energy and reduce the risk of fatigue while in the water. This is particularly important in situations where individuals may need to await rescue or assistance, as the life jacket keeps their head above water, making it easier to breathe and preventing potential drowning.
Emergency Situations: Accidents or emergencies can occur unexpectedly, even for experienced swimmers. By learning to wear a life jacket, individuals are prepared for unforeseen circumstances, such as sudden fatigue, injury, or falling into the water unexpectedly. The life jacket acts as a reliable flotation device, providing immediate support and increasing the chances of survival or self-rescue.
Water Confidence: Wearing a life jacket can boost water confidence for individuals who may be hesitant or fearful of swimming. Knowing that they have the added support and buoyancy of a life jacket can help individuals feel more secure and comfortable in the water, encouraging them to participate in water activities and gradually build their swimming skills and confidence.
Water Activities: Life jackets are often required or recommended for various water activities, such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or water sports. Learning to wear a life jacket ensures compliance with safety regulations and guidelines for these activities, promoting a culture of safety and responsible water recreation.
It is important to note that wearing a life jacket does not replace the need for learning how to swim. The ability to swim is still a valuable skill that individuals should strive to develop. However, wearing a life jacket provides an additional layer of safety and support, especially for individuals who are not strong swimmers or when engaging in water activities with inherent risks.
By learning to wear a life jacket in the water, individuals prioritize their personal safety, increase their buoyancy, prepare for emergencies, build water confidence, and adhere to safety regulations, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience in aquatic environments.quested.
Which stage will my child learn to tread water?
From stage 2 onward. By stage 3, they need to be able to tread water for at least 50 sec.
What is the purpose of picking object without wearing goggle?
The purpose of picking up an object without wearing goggles is to simulate a real-life situation where someone may accidentally drop an object in the water and need to retrieve it without the aid of goggles or other visual assistance. This exercise serves several important purposes:
Adaptability: In real-life situations, it is not always possible to have goggles or any form of visual aid readily available. By practicing picking up objects without goggles, individuals learn to adapt and rely on their other senses, such as touch and spatial awareness, to locate and retrieve items underwater.
Emergency Situations: Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and individuals may find themselves in situations where they need to retrieve a dropped object or rescue someone without the luxury of goggles. By practicing this skill, individuals develop the ability to react quickly and efficiently, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Skill Development: Picking up objects without goggles challenges individuals to improve their tactile perception and hand-eye coordination. They learn to navigate the water with reduced visibility, enhancing their ability to locate and retrieve objects with precision.
Safety Awareness: Engaging in activities without goggles helps individuals become more aware of potential hazards or obstacles in the water. They become attuned to the importance of cautious movements and careful exploration, which can prevent accidents and injuries.
Confidence Building: By successfully picking up objects without goggles, individuals gain confidence in their swimming and retrieval abilities. This exercise allows them to develop a sense of self-reliance and resourcefulness, boosting their overall confidence in water-related activities.
It is worth noting that this exercise should be conducted in a controlled and supervised environment, particularly for individuals who are not experienced swimmers. Safety precautions should always be taken, and participants should be mindful of their limitations and comfort level in the water.
By practicing the skill of picking up objects without goggles, individuals enhance their adaptability, emergency response capabilities, and overall swimming proficiency, allowing them to be better prepared for real-life scenarios where visual aids may not be readily available.
Which are the component in Stage 3 that has the highest failure rate?
Sculling, swimming strokes, treading 50sec and underwater activities.
Where do I sign up for weekly class?
Some of our slot are full. However you may join some of other slots that still have available slot. We may put you on waiting list if the slot you requested are full. Max per group is 10 pax. Sign up here.
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