Swimsafer Stage 1

Swimsafer Stage 1 FAQ

The MUST SEE CRITERIA for Swimsafer Stage 1

ENTRIES & EXITS
Skill Outcome • Demonstrate slide-in entry

• Exit using ladder
• Exit safely from pool edge (either by ladder or pool’s edge)
  Enter with slide-in entry • Safe and confident slide in entry
• Hold side of pool
• Twist body to face the wall while slowly lowering the body into the
  water
• Feel for water depth with the feet
  Exit using ladder • Safely exit by holding ladder
• Fully extend arms to support body
• Place feet in steps to climb out
  Exit using the pool’s edge • Hold the edge with both hands palms down
• Raise the body as high as possible to clear the water
• Lean forward and place one foot or knee over the edge and steps

SCULLING & BODY ORIENTATION
Skill Outcome • Front float (mushroom or jellyfish) – 5 seconds, recover to standing
position

• Back float – 5 seconds, recover to standing position
  Front float (mushroom or • Stable floating position on front with face in water
  jellyfish) – 5 seconds, • Float for 5 seconds, in a relaxed manner
  recover to a standing • Recover confidently and unassisted to a stable, upright standing
  position position
  Back float – 5 seconds, • Stable floating position on back, ears in water
  recover to a standing • Float for 5 seconds, in a relaxed manner
  position • Recover confidently and unassisted to a stable, uprightstanding
  position

UNDERWATER SKILLS
Skill Outcome • Submerge in waist-deep (student’s) water, open eyes and blow bubbles

Submerge in waist depth • No goggles
water, open eyes and • Entire head under water
blow bubbles. • Ability to clearly identify an object

• Relaxed and confident exhalation
• Blink eyes to remove water on surfacing

MOVEMENT / SWIMMING / STROKES
Skill Outcome • Movement on the front 10m (alternating arms & legs or simultaneous arms and legs)

Movement on the front • Move confidently through the water for 10m continuously
10m (alternating arms & • Body position is maintained near-horizontal to 45⁰ to surface
legs) • Kick on front

• Start kick from hip
• Move legs in opposite up and down motion (alternating legs)
• Move arms in full circle motion, reaching out in front of head
• Move arms opposite to each other
  OR • Arms do not have to come fully out of water
• Pull with hands past navel
• Any breathing acceptable Movement on the front
• Move confidently through the water for 10m continuously 10m (simultaneous arm
• Trunk horizontal to 45⁰ from surface and legs)
• Recover legs symmetrically
• Kick out drawing a circle
• Bring lower legs and ankles to a glide position
• Recover arms forward to full extension
• Hands move in a circle (palms down), sweeping out and in
  towards chest
• Any breathing acceptable

SURVIVAL & ACTIVITY SKILLS (WITHOUT GOGGLES)
Skill Outcome • Signal distress

• Grasp the float, and float for 10 seconds
• Then move (with the float) to the pool’s edge
• Dressed in swimwear, shorts and t-shirt, correctly fit a PFD, jump into water, float (with head up) for 30 seconds and then climb out of the water Signal distress • Signal for help by raising one hand and waving. Grasp the float and float for 10 seconds
• Facing rescuer and watching aid when thrown
• Grasp and collect aid
• Hold aid securely, float in a stable position for 10 seconds Then move (with the float) to the pool’s edge
• Kick with float to pool’s edge and exit safely from water. Dressed in swimwear, shorts and t-shirt, correctly fit a PFD, jump into water, float (with head up) for 30 seconds and then climb out of the water
• Correctly fit PFD on pool deck – with assistance acceptable
• Safely jump into the water, holding PFD securely
• Float confidently for 30 seconds– face clear of the water, body relaxed
• Exit out of deep end using ladder, safely and confidently

RESCUE SKILLS
Skill Outcome • Ni

Empowering Your Child with SwimSafer Stage 1: The Ultimate First Step Toward Water Mastery & Water Safety

Introduction: Understanding SwimSafer Stage 1

SwimSafer Stage 1 is the foundation of the SwimSafer program in Singapore, designed to equip young children with the basic water safety skills necessary for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. Whether your child is new to the water or has had some exposure, SwimSafer Stage 1 is the perfect starting point to build their confidence and competence in aquatic environments.

Key Objectives of SwimSafer Stage 1

SwimSafer Stage 1 focuses on several essential water skills and safety techniques, including:

1. Water Confidence: The program emphasizes building your child’s confidence in the water. This includes getting used to being in the water, learning to enter and exit the pool safely, and being comfortable with submersion.
2. Basic Swimming Skills: Children learn fundamental skills such as floating, breathing control, and basic strokes like front crawl and backstroke. These skills lay the groundwork for more advanced techniques in later stages.
3. Survival Skills: At Stage 1, children are introduced to basic survival skills, including staying afloat, moving to safety, and understanding the importance of staying calm in the water.
4. Aquatic Knowledge: SwimSafer Stage 1 also imparts essential knowledge about water safety. This includes understanding the dangers of water bodies, recognizing water hazards, and learning the importance of swimming in designated safe areas.
5. Underwater Skills: Children begin to learn how to open their eyes underwater, hold their breath, and retrieve objects from shallow water. These skills are crucial for developing underwater awareness.

Who Should Enroll in SwimSafer Stage 1?

SwimSafer Stage 1 is ideal for children aged 5 years and above who are new to swimming or have minimal swimming experience. It is also suitable for children who need to build their confidence in the water before progressing to more advanced stages.

What to Expect in a SwimSafer Stage 1 Class

A typical SwimSafer Stage 1 class is structured to be fun, engaging, and educational. Here’s what your child can expect:

• Warm-Up Exercises: The class usually begins with simple warm-up exercises to prepare the body for swimming.
• Skill Development: The instructor will guide the children through various exercises to develop their water confidence, basic swimming strokes, and survival skills.
• Practice Sessions: Children will have the opportunity to practice their skills under the supervision of a qualified instructor, ensuring they gain confidence and proficiency.
• Cool Down: The class concludes with cool-down exercises, reinforcing the skills learned during the session.

Benefits of Completing SwimSafer Stage 1

Completing SwimSafer Stage 1 provides numerous benefits:

• Increased Water Safety Awareness: Children become more aware of water safety, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Enhanced Confidence: Building confidence in the water encourages children to enjoy swimming and participate in water-based activities.
• Foundation for Advanced Stages: Stage 1 prepares children for the more challenging stages of the SwimSafer program, ensuring a smooth progression.

Key Components of SwimSafer Stage 1

1. Water Confidence:
   • SwimSafer Stage 1 places a strong emphasis on helping children become comfortable in the water. Through playful and engaging activities, children learn to enjoy the water environment, overcoming any initial fears or anxieties.
2. Basic Swimming Techniques:
   • Participants are introduced to simple swimming techniques, including floating, kicking, and breathing exercises. These foundational skills are crucial for developing proper swimming strokes in future stages.
3. Survival Skills:
   • The program teaches basic survival skills, such as staying afloat, moving to safety, and understanding the importance of remaining calm in the water. Children also learn safe entry and exit techniques, which are vital in preventing accidents.
4. Water Safety Awareness:
   • SwimSafer Stage 1 includes lessons on water safety, such as recognizing potential dangers in aquatic environments and understanding the significance of swimming in supervised areas.
5. Underwater Skills:
   • Children are encouraged to explore underwater by learning to submerge their faces, open their eyes underwater, and retrieve objects from shallow depths. These skills build underwater confidence and awareness.

The Skills Taught in Swimsafer Stage 1 as follows:

Sequence 1A: Water Safety Techniques

Entry Procedure: Enter the water utilizing the slide-in method.

Backstroke: Swim on your back for a distance of 5 meters, employing either alternating arm and leg actions or simultaneous arm and leg movements.

Submersion and Identification: Submerge your head underwater, open your eyes, blow bubbles, and identify an object located on the pool floor without the use of goggles.

Front Float: Execute a front float for a duration of 5 seconds, followed by a transition to a standing position.

Back Float: Execute a back float for a duration of 5 seconds, followed by a transition to a standing position.

Front Swim: Swim a distance of 10 meters using either alternating arm and leg actions or simultaneous arm and leg movements while on the front.

Distress Signal: Signal for distress and call for assistance without the use of goggles.

Floating with Aid: Grasp a floatation device and maintain a float for a duration of 10 seconds without the use of goggles. This exercise ensure the learner can maintain balance while holding on a float without showing sign of panic.

Movement Along the Edge: Utilize the floatation device to navigate towards the pool’s edge.

Safe Exit: Exit the pool safely using either the ladder or the pool’s edge.

Sequence 1B: Practical Skills Without Goggles

Proper Attire: Wear swimwear, shorts, and a t-shirt. The T shirt supposedly to be worn OVER the swim wear and the Short is worn Over the swimwear as well.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Fitting: Properly fit a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with assistance if required. The student will jump in a deep pool with this flotation device so that they will improve your buoyancy in the water.

Jump and Float: Jump into the water while wearing the PFD, float for a duration of 30 seconds, and subsequently climb out of the water.

SwimSafer Theory Online

Completion of Online Quiz: Successfully complete the SwimSafer Theory online quiz.

By adhering to these sequences and completing the online quiz, participants will acquire fundamental water safety skills and knowledge as part of the SwimSafer Stage 1 program.

Mastering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide to SwimSafer Stage 1 in Singapore- Part 1

Swimsafer Assessor (Must See Criteria) for Swimsafer Stage 1

1. Entry & Exit

• Participants must demonstrate safe and confident entry and exit from the pool using appropriate techniques such as sliding in. Participant must demonstrate a good control of feet first entry into the pool safely.
• Proper techniques ensure safety during pool entry and help establish confidence in water environments.

2. Sculling & Body Orientation

• Sculling, a hand movement technique, is essential for learning control in the water. Stage 1 does not required to show sculling but they should have learn this during the swimming lessons to prepare them for future stages. (NOT TESTED)
• Body orientation skills are necessary for understanding how to float and recover (Stand up) on the prone (Front Float) and Supine (Backfloat) for 5 second each.

3. Underwater Skills (Without goggle)

• Being comfortable underwater is a vital survival skill. Participants are assessed on their ability to submerge, open their eyes underwater, and perform simple underwater activities like retrieving objects at the 1 meter pool depth

4. Swimming Strokes

• Basic swimming strokes such as front crawl and backstroke are introduced and assessed. Participants must demonstrate the correct techniques for these strokes over short distances to ensure effective propulsion and breathing.

5. Survival Skills without Goggles

• To simulate real-life scenarios, participants are required to perform survival skills without the use of goggles. This includes floating on front and back confidently.

6. Throw Rescue Skills

• Basic water rescue techniques are introduced, and participants must show the ability to perform a throw rescue using equipment such as a floatation device. This skill emphasizes helping someone in distress from a safe distance without entering the water.
• Participant must also demonstrate the ability to grasp the floatation that was thrown to him and use it to swim to safety on their own.

These criteria ensure that participants in SwimSafer Stage 1 acquire foundational water safety knowledge and skills, building confidence and the ability to handle themselves safely in and around water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Swimsafer Stage 1

Conclusion: Start Your Child’s Swimming Journey with SwimSafer Stage 1

SwimSafer Stage 1 is more than just a swimming class; it’s the first step in ensuring your child’s safety and confidence in the water. By enrolling in this program, you’re giving your child the skills they need to enjoy swimming while staying safe. Don’t wait—start your child’s swimming journey today with SwimSafer Stage 1 and set them on the path to becoming a confident and competent swimmer.