SwimSafer Stage 4 Bronze
Introduction to Water Skills
The objective is develop confidence and independence in the water, learn general and deep-end water safety. Techniques taught include the forward and backward movement, safe entry and exit and personal water safety.
Clothing Requirement
Stage 4 introduces more advanced survival skills, and clothing plays a critical role in increasing the difficulty. Participants, still dressed in swimwear, shorts, and a t-shirt, must demonstrate their ability to tread water and perform throw rescues while dressed.
Swimming in waterlogged clothes is physically demanding, and this stage teaches learners how to stay buoyant and conserve energy despite the drag from their clothing. The experience mirrors real-world scenarios, such as being caught in a flood or falling into deep water, where the ability to swim and perform rescues while clothed is essential for survival.
SwimSafer Stage 4 Bronze Test Criteria
Entries & Exits
Compact jump.
Sculling & Body Orientation
- Forward somersault in the water.
- Scull, float or tread for 2 min
Underwater Skills
In at least 1.4m deep water, perform feet-first surface dive, swim through hoops on pool bottom or 2m.
Movement / Swimming / Strokes
Swim 100m continuously:
- 25m Front Crawl.
- 25m Backstroke.
- 25m Breaststroke.
- 25m Survival Backstroke.
Survival & Activity Skills
Scull, float or tread water for 2 min.
Dressed in swimwear, shorts and t-shirt demonstrate:
- 3 min swimming slowly using survival backstroke, sidestroke and survival breaststroke, changing every 15m.
- Wave and call for help Retrieve a flotation aid thrown by a ‘rescuer’ (2m away) and kick to the side of the pool and exit.
Rescue Skills
Throw a flotation aid to a partner 2m away and instruct the partner to kick to the edge.
Knowledge
- Principles of Personal Safety and Survival.
- Environmental Awareness.
- Health Awareness.
- Emergency Situations and Survival Techniques.
- Rescues.