SwimSafer Stage 1 is the perfect starting point for children and beginners in Singapore to build essential water confidence and basic swimming skills. As part of the national SwimSafer programme by Sport Singapore, Stage 1 focuses on creating a fun, safe, and encouraging environment to help participants overcome water fear while learning vital aquatic skills.
In this foundational level, learners will master water entry and exit, breath control through bubbling, submerging their face, floating on front and back, and simple propulsion techniques. They’ll also be introduced to important water safety rules, including what to do in an emergency.
Stage 1 lessons are usually conducted in shallow water, with certified instructors guiding students step by step. No prior swimming experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and enjoy the water.
Why Choose SwimSafer Stage 1?
- MOE-recognized certification
- Focus on water safety and survival skills
- Builds confidence for future swim stages
- Conducted at ActiveSG pools across Singapore
Start your child’s swimming journey the right way with SwimSafer Stage 1. Enrol now and give them the gift of water confidence for life. There will be a new update on Swimsafer Syllabus starting 1 July 2025. Sign up your child for the new swimsafer version soon.
Where Can You Join SwimSafer Stage 1 in Singapore?
We offer SwimSafer Stage 1 lessons at convenient ActiveSG pools, including:
📍 Clementi | 📍 Bukit Batok | 📍 Sengkang | 📍 Bishan | 📍 Lakeside | 📍 Delta | 📍 Canberra
About Swimsafer program
The Programme consists of six (6) progressive stages, with each stage consisting
of two (2) components that must be completed to be considered as
cleared/competent for the respective stage:
- A practical assessment (100% competent)
- An online theory quiz (90% passing)
The SwimSafer Centralized Assessment Management System (CAMS) is a
national initiative designed to enhance the quality and experience of SwimSafer
assessments, including streamlining processes, standardizing operations,
improving accessibility and transparency, and ensuring consistency for parents,
participants, instructors and swim schools.
All lessons are conducted by experienced, certified coaches in a safe and structured environment. We will train you with the latest swimsafer syllabus.
SwimSafer Stage 1 – Build Your Child’s Water Confidence in Singapore
What Is SwimSafer Stage 1?
SwimSafer Stage 1 is the starting point of Singapore’s national water safety program designed to help children aged 5 and above develop basic swimming skills, confidence, and independence in shallow water.
This level focuses on building water confidence, safe entry and exit, and basic underwater skills. Whether your child is nervous in water or just starting out, Stage 1 offers a gentle and supportive introduction.
What Will Your Child Learn in SwimSafer Stage 1?
✔ Safe entry and exit from the pool
✔ Breathing control through bubbling
✔ Floating on the front and back for 5 seconds
✔ Submerging head and opening eyes underwater
✔ Introduction to front and back paddle
✔ Water safety awareness and pool rules
✔ Survival skills: forward roll and recover
Why Is Stage 1 Important?
Stage 1 lays the foundation for all future swimming and survival skills. It ensures children are comfortable, safe, and aware in and around water — before learning complex strokes or deep water techniques.
Many drowning incidents happen in shallow water. That’s why water confidence and awareness are critical, especially for young beginners.
Who Should Join?
This program is perfect for:
- Children aged 6 with at least 1.2m in height or 7 year old onward.
- Absolute beginners with no water experience
- Nervous swimmers needing gentle introduction
- Parents seeking structured lessons under certified instructors
How Long Does It Take?
Most children complete SwimSafer Stage 1 within 10-20 lessons, depending on their comfort level and frequency of classes.
Get Certified – What Is the Assessment Like?
At the end of Stage 1, participants must:
- Perform water entry and exit
- Submerge underwater and open eyes
- Float and recover to standing
- Demonstrate front and back paddling
- Pass a short quiz on water safety (new format from July 2024 requires mobile and email entry)
After passing, they will receive a SwimSafer e-Certificate.
What Makes Our Program Unique?
- Picture Learning and Simple Instruction
- Customized lesson plans for shy learners
- Coaches with over 10 years of experience
- Supportive feedback after every class
- Friendly reminders for assessment preparation
Parents’ Guide: How to Support Your Child at Stage 1
- Talk positively about water
- Practice bubbles during bath time
- Bring them to the pool early to explore
- Stay close and encourage them without pressure
- Choose instructors trained to work with young learners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Swimsafer Stage 1
What is Swimsafer Stage 1?
Swimsafer Stage 1 is the introductory level of the Swimsafer program, designed to equip participants with basic water safety knowledge and swimming skills. It focuses on building water confidence, safe entry and exit from the water, and the fundamentals of swimming lessons in Singapore.
Is it true that all primary 3 need to pass a swim safer test in Singapore?
Yes — all Primary 3 students in Singapore are expected to participate in the SwimSafer programme, which is part of their Physical Education curriculum. They do not need to pass the swimsafer test. There is no implication or any demerit point should they fail their swimsafer test. Life still goes on. Not going to affect their CCA Point or whatsoever. Having a swim test is just to gage whether they can swim after doing thru all the swimming lessons. It is just a form of motivation and encouragement for the students to excel.
Who is eligible to enroll in Swimsafer Stage 1?
Swimsafer Stage 1 is suitable for children aged 6 years and above who have little to no prior swimming experience. It is also ideal for anyone who wants to start learning swimming from the basics.
What skills will my child learn in Swimsafer Stage 1?
In Swimsafer Stage 1, participants will learn essential water safety skills, including how to enter and exit the water safely, basic floating, gliding, and propulsion techniques. They will also practice kicking and arm movements that lay the foundation for swimming strokes.
How long does it take to complete Swimsafer Stage 1?
The duration of Swimsafer Stage 1 can vary depending on the individual’s learning pace and class frequency. Typically, it takes around 12 to 15 lessons to complete this stage. Regular practice and attendance will help participants progress more efficiently.
Any tips to help my child clear swimsafer stage 1?
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Does my child need any prior swimming experience to join SwimSafer Stage 1?
No prior swimming experience is required. SwimSafer Stage 1 is specifically designed for beginners and helps build a strong foundation in water safety and basic swimming skills.
What should my child bring to a SwimSafer Stage 1 class?
Your child should bring a swimsuit, a towel, goggles, and a swim cap (Provided by AQZOG Swim School @ $10 Each if you join our school). It’s also advisable to bring a water bottle to keep them hydrated
How can I help my child succeed in SwimSafer Stage 1?
Encourage your child to practice the skills they learn in class and be supportive of their progress. Positive reinforcement and patience are key to helping your child build confidence in the water. Sign up with AQZOG Weekly class and train together with the other children during the swimming lesson.
Does my child need any prior swimming experience to join SwimSafer Stage 1?
No prior swimming experience is required. SwimSafer Stage 1 is specifically designed for beginners and helps build a strong foundation in water safety and basic swimming skills.
What should my child bring to a SwimSafer Stage 1 class?
Your child should bring a swimsuit, a towel, goggles, and a swim cap (if required). It’s also advisable to bring a water bottle to keep them hydrated.
How can I help my child succeed in SwimSafer Stage 1?
Encourage your child to practice the skills they learn in class and be supportive of their progress. Positive reinforcement and patience are key to helping your child build confidence in the water.
In the 10m swim, does my child need to do a perfect swim stroke?
No. As stage 1 is just a beginner stage where they are still in the early stage of stroke development, it would not be necessary to display a perfect swimming style, be it breast stroke or freestyle. What the assessor would like to see is so long within the 10m swim, he/she did not stand and walk or so long the feet did not touch the ground throughout the 10m swim journey.
Does this mean I can stop swimsafer program after my child clear stage 1?
Technically, yes—you can stop the SwimSafer program after your child clears Stage 1, but here’s why most parents in Singapore choose not to stop at that point:
🔹 What Stage 1 Really Covers
SwimSafer Stage 1 is primarily about:
Basic water confidence
Safe entry/exit
Simple floating and submerging
Basic paddling movements
Introduction to aquatic safety rules
➡️ It’s a foundation, not a full set of survival or swimming skills.
🔹 Why Continuing Is Important
Stage
Key Skills Gained
Why It Matters
Stage 2–3
Safe breathing, deeper water confidence, basic strokes
Prepares child for real-world swimming like in school pools, outings, and holidays
Stage 4–5
Strong strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke), endurance, survival techniques
Builds stamina, prepares for emergencies, better PE scores in school
Stage 6 (Gold)
Mastery of all strokes, clothed swimming, advanced survival & rescue skills
Required by many MOE schools and CCAs; vital for independent swimming, kayaking, boating safety
🔹 Practical Considerations
Most MOE schools expect students to reach Stage 4 or higher by P6.
Stage 6 certificate is a common requirement for secondary school camp activities, water sports, and lifesaving pathways.
SwimSafer is a progressive program—skills build upon one another.
🔹 Final Recommendation
Stopping at Stage 1 is like learning the alphabet but never reading a full sentence. For your child’s safety, confidence, and opportunities, it’s highly encouraged to continue through the full SwimSafer program—especially until at least Stage 4, and ideally Stage 6.
My Child wear glasses, can he be exempted from not wearing goggle?
Yes, your child can wear goggles during SwimSafer lessons even if they wear glasses — and they are not automatically exempted from swimming without goggles unless there’s a valid medical reason.
🔹 SwimSafer Policy on Goggles
During the test, some parts of the assessment (especially water safety and survival skills) may require swimming without goggles to simulate real-life situations (e.g. falling into water unexpectedly).
However, instructors can consider reasonable accommodations for children with vision impairments.
🔹 Options for Children with Glasses
Prescription Goggles – Highly recommended.
These are designed to match your child’s prescription.
Comfortable and allow them to see clearly during lessons.
Available at most sports shops or optical stores in Singapore.
Temporary Exemption (case-by-case):
If your child cannot see at all without glasses, you may:
Speak to the instructor or swim school.
Provide a doctor’s note or explain the severity of vision issues.
Request an accommodation for only essential no-goggle components.
🔹 What You Should Do
✅ Buy prescription goggles (best long-term solution).
✅ Talk to your child’s SwimSafer coach to explain their needs.
✅ Prepare your child to try swimming briefly without goggles during lessons so they are not surprised during assessment.
✅ If needed, get a letter from an optometrist stating that swimming without corrective lenses may risk safety.
🔹 Final Note
SwimSafer is designed to prepare children for unexpected water scenarios, including falling into water without goggles. So even children with glasses are usually encouraged to practice short moments without goggles, under supervision, for safety awareness.
I Just received notification there will be a swimsafer lesson in my Primary 3 School. What should I do?
The notification you are getting is the “MOE Swimsafer Program”. Over the years, most of the primary 3 students will have to take this MOE swimsafer program. Take note of the swim schedule, the time and venue. Then prepared the necessary items such as goggle, extra t shirt and extra short, swimming wear, water bottles, towel and slipper. Get ready for the big day. The school has their own arrangement to bring your child for the MOE swimsafer Program and the training will be held at most of the activesg Pool in Singapore. Your child neighbourhood pool might not be the location for training as all these venue arrangement is done and decided by the MOE.
There are currently 6 stages of swimsafer program. Stage 1 is beginner while stage 6 is the most advanced.
If your child is currently attending Swimsafer Lessons outside or weekly classes, or already has an existing swimsafer certificate, show it to the teacher. They will then grade them accordingly to the stages. Those who do not have swimsafer certificate will likely be put in stage 1 even if they can swim.
My child failed the MOE Swimsafer Test. Will it have any implication to his future?
The SwimSafer program is designed to promote water safety and swimming skills in Singapore. While it is encouraged in schools (especially in Primary 3 under the MOE program), it is not a compulsory requirement for academic progression or future job opportunities.
SwimSafer results are not reflected on PSLE results or any formal school report. While it may be a part of co-curricular activities or school programs, it does not determine academic success.
Swimsafer Stage 1 Training is done at training pool or competition pool?
Most of the swimsafer stage 1 training will be done in the training pool. (1m depth pool). Except wearing the life jacket will be done in the competition pool (1.2 m depth to 1.8m depth pool).
Which stage need to wear life jacket / PFD?
Swimsafer stage 1, Swimsafer Stage 2, Swimsafer Stage 3 (Wear in water), Swimsafer Stage 5 (Wear in water).
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.