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SwimSafer Programme

Singapore's national water-safety programme — swimming certificates & awards, taught the OtterSwim way.

SwimSafer is a national water-safety programme developed to raise the standard of swimming proficiency in Singapore. Created specially for children below 16, it helps evolve your child from a non-swimmer into a confident, competent swimmer. It is the only programme recognised by all schools, institutions and water-related sports (such as kayaking and scuba diving) in Singapore.

The stages

How SwimSafer progresses

Each stage is assessed across the same six skill areas, building distance and water-safety competence as your child advances.

Stage 1

Introduction to Water Skills

Develop confidence and independence in the water and learn general and deep-end water safety. Techniques taught include forward and backward movement, safe entry and exit, and personal water safety.

Stage 1 test criteria

  • Entries & Exits
  • Sculling & Body Orientation
  • Underwater Skills
  • Movement / Swimming / Strokes
  • Survival & Activity Skills
  • Knowledge
Stage 2

Fundamental Water Skills

General skill development including unassisted step entry into water, sculling, feet-first surface dives and personal water-safety skills in aquatic environments. The goal is 25 metres of continuous swimming.

Stage 2 test criteria

  • Entries & Exits
  • Sculling & Body Orientation
  • Underwater Skills
  • Movement / Swimming / Strokes
  • Survival & Activity Skills
  • Knowledge
Stage 3

Personal Survival & Rescue

Principles of personal survival and basic rescue skills are taught — including sculling, underwater skills and the use of a personal flotation device. The goal is 50 metres of continuous swimming.

Stage 3 test criteria

  • Entries & Exits
  • Sculling & Body Orientation
  • Underwater Skills
  • Movement / Swimming / Strokes
  • Survival & Activity Skills
  • Knowledge

Swimmers continue through all six SwimSafer stages — stages 4 to 6 build greater distance, the full range of strokes and advanced rescue skills. Ask us about your child's current stage.

Start the SwimSafer journey

From first water confidence to a nationally recognised certificate — book a trial and we'll assess your child's starting stage.

Book a trial
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