SwimSafer Stage 1 Singapore: Test Criteria, Skills & Requirements
Build water confidence the right way. Our Stage 1 programme takes complete beginners from nervous first splashes to a confident, safety-ready swimmer — through structured coaching aligned with Singapore’s national SwimSafer standards.
What Is SwimSafer Stage 1?
SwimSafer Stage 1 is the foundation level of Singapore’s national SwimSafer programme, designed to help beginners develop water confidence, safety awareness, and basic swimming movement skills. At AQZOG, we go beyond just passing the test — we focus on real-life water survival skills, confidence building, and structured progression.
Official SwimSafer 2.0 Stage 1 demonstration video, published by Sport Singapore.
Our Objective
Stage 1 is not about speed — it’s about comfort, control, and safety.
Who Is This For?
What to Bring and How to Prepare
SwimSafer Stage 1 Skills & Requirements
SwimSafer Stage 1 builds six foundation skill areas, each reinforced through the test sequence below.
1. Entry & Exit Skills
- Slide-in entry (the safest entry method for known or unknown depth)
- Exit safely using the pool edge or ladder
2. Floating & Body Control
- Front float for 5 seconds, then recover
- Back float for 5 seconds, then recover
3. Underwater Confidence
- Submerge, open eyes and blow bubbles without goggles
- Identify an object on the pool floor
4. Basic Movement
- Move 10m on the front
- Move 5m on the back with alternating or simultaneous arm and leg movements
5. Survival Skills
- Float on the back, signal distress and call for help
- Grasp a float for 10 seconds, move to the edge and exit
6. Life Jacket (PFD) Skills
- Correct PFD fitting
- Jump into water, float for 30 seconds and climb out
SwimSafer Stage 1 Test Criteria: Sequences 1A and 1B
Sport Singapore’s July 2025 block plan sets out two assessment sequences. Practise the required conditions, including the underwater task without goggles.
Sequence 1A: water skills
- Enter with a slide-in entry.
- Submerge the head, open the eyes, blow bubbles and identify an object on the pool floor without goggles.
- Move 5m on the back.
- Front float for 5 seconds and recover; back float for 5 seconds and recover.
- Move 10m on the front.
- Float on the back, signal distress and call for help.
- Grasp a float, float for 10 seconds, move with it to the pool edge and exit safely.
Sequence 1A may otherwise be done with or without goggles.
Sequence 1B: PFD skills
Without goggles, wearing swimwear, shorts and a T-shirt: correctly fit a personal flotation device (PFD), jump into the water, float for 30 seconds and climb out.
Source: Sport Singapore’s SwimSafer 2.0 block plan (updated 1 July 2025). The assessor determines the result.
Why Choose AQZOG?
Available Locations
Ask AQZOG which Stage 1 classes currently have places at your preferred pool. We will confirm the coach, schedule and fee before enrolment.
Stage 1 Milestones & What Happens Next
Sport Singapore describes approximately 12 hours of lesson time per stage. Actual readiness depends on demonstrated skills, confidence and attendance.
Stage 2
- Better breathing & coordination
Stage 3
- Stroke development
Stage 4 and beyond
- Survival & endurance skills
Progress beyond Stage 1 builds further swimming and water-survival skills; your coach can advise when the learner is ready.
What Makes Our Programme Unique?
Parents’ Guide: How to Support Your Child at Stage 1
Entry Type Comparison: Stage 1 to Stage 3
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Slide In Entry | Step In Entry | Straddle Jump |
Effective 1 July 2025: Slide In Entry is one of the safest entry methods for known or unknown depth, using the feet-first entry technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SwimSafer Stage 1?
It is the introductory stage of Singapore’s six-stage SwimSafer programme, covering water confidence, safe entry and exit, floating, movement and basic survival response.
Does my child need to swim before joining?
No. AQZOG can place a beginner in a suitable class after discussing their age, experience and confidence in water.
Does Stage 1 require perfect front crawl?
The official block plan calls for 10m of movement on the front and 5m on the back, using alternating or simultaneous arm and leg movements. It is not a timed front-crawl race.
Can my child wear goggles in the assessment?
Sequence 1A may otherwise use goggles, but the underwater eyes-open task is without them. Sequence 1B is without goggles. Confirm current test-day instructions with the organiser.
What should my child bring?
For Sequence 1B, the official plan specifies swimwear, shorts and a T-shirt. Ask AQZOG for the current lesson and assessment checklist. A kickboard is a training aid, not a listed Stage 1 assessment item.
How long does Stage 1 take?
Sport Singapore describes approximately 12 hours of lesson time per stage. A learner’s actual progress varies; the coach checks skills before recommending an assessment.
How does the certificate work?
Successful completion of the practical assessment and relevant online theory quiz is required. Private CAMS participants need a CAMS account for assessment registration. Check the current process with AQZOG or Singapore Aquatics.
What comes after Stage 1?
Stage 2 develops further movement, sculling and water safety skills. The coach will advise on readiness to progress.
Give Your Child the Gift of Water Confidence for Life
SwimSafer Stage 1 is more than a swimming class — it builds a foundation for confidence and safer behaviour in the water. Join AQZOG SwimSafer Stage 1 today; ask us to confirm current class availability.