New changes in Swimsafer Stage 3 in JULY 2025!!
When your child learning the swimming skills at Swimsafer stage 3, more or less he knows at least 2 strokes on front and at least 1 stroke on back. All the training will be done at the deep pool (Competition Pool) and they no longer do swimming at the training pool unless strokes corrections or when there is a needs to do at training pool or playing water games.
In Swimsafer stage 3, he is also more accustomed to not wearing goggle and keeping eye open while in the water. The percentage of the chart are just an estimate. We calculated base on ratio.
Arriving at Swimsafer Stage 3 after clearing swimsafer stage 2, the skills taught in this level is on strokes technique with some stamina for a 25 meters backstroke and 20 meters freestyle (Front crawl). The reason we started them on backstroke first was more for safety reason. We do not want the child to knock their head on the wall on their first attempt in the big pool. Below are some of the detailed planned that are required to pass Swimsafer Stage 3.
SwimSafer Stage 3 Lesson Plan
A full 12-lesson curriculum teaching personal survival principles, four strokes up to 50 metres, PFD fitting and basic rescue — aligned with the official SportSG SwimSafer 2.0 syllabus.
Overview
What is SwimSafer Stage 3?
SwimSafer Stage 3 introduces the principles of personal survival alongside the first four official strokes. Participants complete a practical water assessment and an online theory quiz to earn their Stage 3 e-certificate via the CAMS platform. A green swimming cap is issued on assessment day.
Target swimmers
Children and adults who have passed Stage 2 and can swim 25m front crawl and backstroke.
Key new skill
Fitting a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in the water while clothed and swimming 50m with it on.
Assessment format
Practical skills at a SportSG Centralised Assessment Centre plus an online theory quiz.
Programme length
12 hours of structured lesson time. AQZOG delivers this over 12 × 60-min weekly sessions.
Key milestones to pass
Curriculum
12-Lesson Breakdown
Each lesson is 60 minutes. The first 45 minutes is pool time; the final 15 minutes includes debrief and, in theory lessons, the knowledge component.
| Lesson | Focus | Skills practised | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stage 2 review & stride entry | Stride / straddle entry from pool deck. Review 25m front crawl and backstroke from Stage 2. Introduce sculling headfirst on back (5m). | Stroke |
| 2 | Sculling & floating | Scull headfirst on back over 5m with proper hand pitch. Floating face-up 30 sec. Intro to 50-sec tread water target. Warm-up: 50m front crawl + backstroke continuous. | Survival |
| 3 | Breaststroke introduction | Breaststroke kick drills on kickboard. Breaststroke arms with float. Combine kick + arms for 10–15m. Reinforce scull on back. Continuous 50m front crawl/back consolidation. | Stroke |
| 4 | Breaststroke refinement | Breaststroke timing (glide phase). Build to 25m breaststroke. Introduce underwater hoops (2m swim-through). Tread water building toward 50 sec. | Stroke |
| 5 | Survival backstroke introduction | Survival backstroke kick (inverted whip kick). Arm sweeps on back. Combine for 10–15m. Continue 25m breaststroke target practice. Scull drills for distance. | Survival |
| 6 | Survival backstroke & PFD (land) | Build survival backstroke to 25m. PFD familiarisation on land — parts of a PFD, correct fitting, adjustment. Introduce concept of swimming to a PFD in water. 50-sec tread/float target reached. | Survival |
| 7 | PFD in-water introduction | Clothed swim drill (t-shirt + shorts): survival backstroke 15m to a poolside PFD. Practice fitting PFD in shallow water. Short swim (15m) with PFD on. Underwater hoop drills. | Survival |
| 8 | Clothed survival sequence | Full clothed sequence: survival backstroke 25m to PFD → fit PFD in water → swim 25m with PFD → climb out. Repeat twice. Coach feedback on technique and speed. | Survival |
| 9 | Rescue skills & throw aids | Throw a flotation aid to a partner at 3m distance and give verbal instructions (“kick to the edge!”). Reaching and throwing rescue techniques. Recognising safe vs unsafe water environments. | Survival Theory |
| 10 | All-strokes endurance | 50m continuous swim: 25m front crawl + 25m backstroke (assessment standard). 25m breaststroke solo. 25m survival backstroke. Sculling headfirst on back 5m timed. Correct weak points. | Stroke |
| 11 | Theory quiz & mock assessment | Online theory quiz: personal safety, environmental awareness, health awareness, emergency survival, rescues. Pool mock: full Stage 3 skill circuit including clothed PFD sequence. Instructor debrief. | Theory Assessment |
| 12 | Pre-assessment polish | Final corrections based on mock feedback. Full run-through of all assessment elements at full intensity. Mental preparation and assessment day logistics briefing. | Assessment |
Assessment
What students demonstrate on assessment day
All practical skills are assessed at a SportSG Centralised Assessment Centre. Students receive a green swimming cap upon arrival. The clothed survival section is performed in swimwear + shorts + t-shirt.
Assessment clothing
- Stride or straddle entry into pool
- Scull headfirst on back — 5 metres
- Scull, float or tread water — 50 seconds
- Swim through hoops on pool bottom — 2 metres
- 50m continuous: 25m front crawl + 25m backstroke
- 25m breaststroke + 25m survival backstroke (in sequence)
- Clothed: survival backstroke/breaststroke 25m to PFD
- Fit PFD correctly while in the water
- Swim 50m with PFD on, then climb out of water
- Throw flotation aid to partner at 3m & instruct to kick to edge
📚 Theory quiz topics (online, before assessment)
- Principles of personal safety and survival at aquatic environments
- Environmental awareness — hazards in pools, beaches, reservoirs
- Health awareness — swimming hygiene, contraindications
- Emergency situations and survival techniques (HELP position, signalling)
- Basic rescue methods — throw, reach, talk-down
Why AQZOG
Why choose AQZOG for SwimSafer Stage 3?
AQZOG coaches are certified under the SwimSafer 2.0 instructor framework and plan every lesson against the official SportSG syllabus.
Certified SwimSafer coaches
All instructors hold current SwimSafer 2.0 coaching accreditation and first-aid certification.
Progress tracking
Parents receive a written skills progress sheet every 4 lessons so you always know where your child stands.
Small class sizes
Maximum 6 students per coach — far below the industry norm — ensuring focused attention at every session.
CAMS assessment booking
We guide families through booking on the CAMS portal so there are no surprises on assessment day.
FAQ
SwimSafer Stage 3 — frequently asked questions
Common questions from parents and adult learners before signing up.
The SwimSafer programme recommends participants to be aged 5 and above for Stage 1. Stage 3 is typically attempted by children aged 7–10, but adults are equally welcome. The key requirement is successful completion (or equivalent ability) of Stage 2 skills — not age.
Stage 3 consists of 12 hours of lesson time. At AQZOG, we structure this as 12 weekly lessons of 60 minutes each, so most students are ready for assessment in 3 months. Swimmers with strong Stage 2 foundations may progress faster.
The online theory quiz is straightforward for students who attend lessons regularly. Topics include personal safety, water hazards, emergency actions and basic rescue. We cover all theory topics during lesson 11 and provide a revision sheet for the quiz.
The CAMS portal provides clear feedback showing exactly which components were not met. Our coaches use this to design targeted top-up lessons before the student attempts the assessment again. There is no limit on attempts.
Students must bring their own swimwear, goggles and a swimming cap. For the clothed survival component, bring a t-shirt and shorts to wear over the swimwear. The PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is provided by the assessment centre. A green cap is issued to all Stage 3 participants on arrival.
Yes. SwimSafer is Singapore’s national water safety programme by SportSG and is fully recognised by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Primary school students who have attained Stage 3 are awarded credit under the national swimming framework.
Ready to start SwimSafer Stage 3?
Join AQZOG’s next intake. Small classes, SportSG-certified coaches, full parent progress updates.
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