Introduction to SWIMSAFER program

SwimSafer is a new national water safety programme, combines the National Survival Swimming Award (NASSA) and Learn-To-Swim programme (LTSP) into a progressive six-stage programme, as stated :-

Stage 1: Introduction to Water Skills
The objective is to gain confidence and develop independence in the water, as well as learn general and deep-end water safety. Techniques taught include forward and backward movement, safe entry and exit, and introduction to personal water survival skills.

Stage 2: Fundamental Water Skills
General skills development will include unassisted step entry into water, sculling, feet-first surface dives, personal water safety skills and water safety awareness in an aquatic environment. The student will be encouraged to achieve 25 metres of continuous swim.

Stage 3: Personal Water Survival and Stroke Development Skills
Principles of personal water survival and basic rescue skills will be taught. The student will demonstrate proficiency in sculling, underwater skills, and the use of a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). The student will be encourage to achieve 50 metres of continuous swim.

Stage 4 (SwimSafer Bronze): Personal Water Survival and Stroke Improvement Skills
Development of the student's stroke techniques will be a focus here, along with coordinated breathing in deep water while swimming 100 metres. Principles of water craft safety will be introduced, as well as continual work on rescue and personal survival skills.

Stage 5 (SwimSafer Silver): Intermediate Personal Water Survival and Stroke Refinement Skills
Fundamentals of diving will be introduced. Development of rescue skills and personal survival skills will also continue at more advanced levels. The student will be required to demonstrate efficient stroke techniques to complete stage 5 before progressing to stage 6.

Stage 6 (SwimSafer Gold): Advanced Personal Water Survival and Swimming Skills Proficiency
The student will be required to perform strokes with greater ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over 400 metres. Rescue skills and water safety knowledge will be focus on lifesaving readiness. Standing dive and advanced personal water survival skills will continue to be taught.


Note :-
The SwimSafer Programme serves to promote safe swimming and aims to provide a safer and positive experience for those involved in water sports. All student swimmers must exercise their own caution and everyone is nevertheless responsible for their own well being. Singapore Sports Council totally excludes any liability whatsoever for any death, personal injury or mishap that my occurs.

HAVE FUN, SWIM SAFE.

Above article is extracted from Singapore Sport Council (SSC) and the National Water Safety Council (NWSC).