| FOUNDATION – Adult & Child |
| Fun and enjoyment are critical at any stage
of learn to swim but particularly at this stage. The main emphasis
is placed on developing water confidence whilst working with
the parent or accompanying adult. The stage takes babies from
the initial introduction to the water through to achieving independence.
Children who complete this stage may be ready to move straight
on to level 2, the beginner stage. |
| LEVEL 1 – Non Swimmer |
 |
This category covers the initial process of
introducing those with no previous experience of swimming to
the new water environment, developing confidence and being at
ease in the water. Achieved to a great extent through informal
play, the main outcomes involve moving around quite freely,
submerging and opening the eyes, floating, and using the arms
and legs to achieve a simple form of travelling through the
water. |
| LEVEL 2 – Beginner |
|
In this category, the emphasis moves from initial
confidence to building a sound foundation in those
aspects of "watermanship" which later on will underpin
the performance of sound swimming technique. As well
as becoming completely "at home" on and under the
water, these include developing control in water
breathing and beginning to experiment with the different
methods of using the limbs for propulsion.
|
| LEVEL 3 – Improver 1 (Blue Hat) |
 |
The focus is now on building competence in
the basic
elements of propulsion, using the main swimming strokes
with a continuing emphasis on the importance of good
streamlining and breathing control. This is accompanied by
the introduction of a range of aquatic skills such as sculling,
treading water and swimming underwater. |
| LEVEL 4 – Improver 2 (Yellow Hat) |
 |
The aim here is essentially to consolidate
the aquatic
skills along with controlled breathing, so that pupils can swim
competently, using correct basic techniques on
three of the main strokes over the standard distance of
25 metres and on Butterfly over 10 metres. In addition,
turns and essential safe foundation practices for diving
are introduced. |
| LEVEL 5 – Advanced 1 (Yellow Hat) |
|
Once an acceptable degree of basic competence is
achieved in the fundamental skills at Improver 2, it is time
to progress to the development of more efficient
swimming. This level also consolidates the wider range
associated aquatic disciplines, synchronised swimming,
water polo and diving as well as providing for the
development of a greater awareness and expertise in
personal water safety and survival swimming. From this
stage, pupils with the interest and enthusiasm will be
ready to move on to participation across the range of
swimming and aquatic sports with a solid foundation. |
| LEVEL 6 – Advanced 2 (Green Hat) |
 |
As well as the further development of the main
swimming strokes, this category acts as an introduction
to the early stages of training in competitive swimming;
provides a basis for swimming as part of a healthy
lifestyle and continues with some more advanced
activities in the other disciplines. The development of
both basic aerobic swimming endurance and of
swimming speed are integrated within the programme. |
| LEVEL 7 – Pre-competition Development
(Green Hat) |
|
This level leads logically on from Advanced 2 and has been
designed specifically to lay the foundation required to
prepare young swimmers to take part in the developmental
coaching and training programmes run by swimming clubs
in preparation for taking part in competitive swimming. The
stage focuses on the consolidation of effective technique,
the racing skills associated with them and a suitable range
of drills and practices. The final stages introduce the more
demanding aspects of training development. |
