Learn to Swim Stage 1

Swim England Learn to Swim Stage 1 helps to build water confidence, while introducing water safety skills and the basic skills needed to build swimming ability.

Learners will develop basic safety awareness, learn basic movement skills and water confidence skills.

They will also be introduced to a structured class setting. Swimmers may use flotation equipment, such as noodles and floats, throughout this stage.

The early stages are really important for developing the building blocks for future technique and the skills that are learnt should be fun and enjoyable.

During Learn to Swim Stage 1, children will be encouraged to move around the pool and become confident with water on their face.

Learn to Swim Stage 1 Outcomes

By completing the Learn to Swim Stage 1 Award, swimmers will be able to:

1. Enter the water safely. 

2. Star Float on front and back for 5 seconds (back float assisted to begin with). 

3. Mushroom float.

4. Assisted jumping into the water.

5. Seahorse treading (with noodle). 

6. Jump into water turn around get back to the wall and climb out (assisted).

7. Walk forward for a distance of 5 metres, feet may be on or off the floor. 

8. Walk backwards for a distance of 5 metres, feet may be on or off the floor. 

9. Walk sideways for a distance of 5 metres, feet may be on or off the floor. 

10. Scoop the water and wash the face.

11. Be comfortable with water showered from overhead.

12. Blow bubbles from the nose a minimum of five times rhythmically, with nose and mouth submerged. 

13. Move from a flat floating position on the back and return to standing.

14. Move from a flat floating position on the front and return to standing.

15. Push and glide in a flat position on the front from a wall.

16. Push and glide in a flat position on the back from a wall.

17. Give examples of two pool rules.

18. Exit the water safely.