SwimSafer Stage 1
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
In Stage 1, learners are introduced to swimming with clothing, specifically swimwear, shorts, and a t-shirt. The primary reason for this requirement is to familiarise participants with the sensation of being in the water while fully dressed. Clothing creates drag and resistance, which significantly alters how the body moves through the water.
This is critical because in real-life situations, such as falling into a pool or body of water unexpectedly, individuals are likely to be wearing clothes. By starting this practice early, learners can experience the added difficulty of swimming with clothes on, building their confidence and competence in handling emergencies from the very beginning of their training.
SwimSafer Stage 1 Test Criteria
Entries & Exits
- Slide-in entry.
- Exit using ladder and from pool edge.
Sculling & Body Orientation
- Front float (mushroom or jellyfish), 5 sec, recover to standing position.
- Back float, 5 sec, recover to a standing position.
Underwater Skills
Submerge in waist deep (student’s) water, open eyes and blow bubbles.
Movement / Swimming / Strokes
- Movement on front 10m. (alternating arms & legs and/or simultaneous arms and legs)
- Movement on back 5m. (alternating arms & legs and/or simultaneous arms and legs)
Survival & Activity Skills
- Signal distress.
- Grasp a flotation aid and float for 10 sec.
- Move to the pool’s edge (with the float).
- Exit safely from water.
Dressed in swimwear, shorts and t-shirt demonstrate:
Correctly fit a PFD, jump into the water, float for 30 seconds and then climb out of deep water.
Knowledge
- Principles of Personal Safety and Survival.
- Environmental Awareness.
- Health Awareness.
- Emergency Situations and Survival Techniques.
- Rescues.