SwimSafer Stage 1 is the programme’s Introduction to Water Skills stage. It is the starting point for children who are new to structured lessons, and it focuses on confidence, independence, safe entry and exit, basic movement, and the first habits of personal water safety. At this stage the goal is not a polished stroke. It is a child who is calm, in control and willing to try things in the water without a parent or coach holding on.
Who Stage 1 Suits
Stage 1 suits beginners: children who may enjoy splashing but have not yet learned to put their face in, float without help, or move a short way on their own. It also suits children who had a fright in the water and need to rebuild trust step by step. The official programme recommends a minimum entry age of six, while noting that providers may vary. Readiness should be assessed individually rather than assumed from age alone.
The Kinds of Skills Stage 1 Builds
Official instruction can include entries and exits, sculling and body orientation, underwater skills, movement, survival skills, rescue skills, and knowledge appropriate to the stage. In everyday terms, lessons at this level tend to work on:
- Getting into and out of the pool safely and without rushing
- Breath control: blowing bubbles, putting the face in, and coming up calmly
- Letting the water support the body on the front and back
- Moving short distances independently and changing direction
- Simple rules about staying safe around water and asking an adult for help
The exact skills, sequences and must-see criteria for the stage are set by the official syllabus, so check the current requirements rather than relying on this overview.
How to Tell if Your Child Is Ready
A child is usually ready to start Stage 1 work when they can follow simple instructions from a coach, stay in a lesson without a parent in the water, and tolerate water on the face for a moment. Children who still cling to the wall or refuse to get their hair wet are not failing; they simply need more confidence time first. A short trial lesson often shows more than any checklist.
How Lessons Prepare for Stage 1
Good beginner lessons move in small steps. A coach typically starts in water where the child can stand, uses games to build breath control, and only gradually reduces physical support. Repetition matters more than variety at this stage: the same few skills practised calmly each week build confidence faster than a long list of new drills.
Common Sticking Points and Practice Tips
- Holding the breath and panicking: practise humming or blowing bubbles in a basin or the bath so breathing out underwater becomes automatic.
- Back floating: many children lift their head and sit up. Encourage ears in the water and a relaxed tummy, and keep sessions short and positive.
- Letting go of support: praise small wins, such as two seconds of independent floating, rather than pushing for distance.
- Inconsistent attendance: long gaps between lessons often reset confidence. Regular, shorter practice usually works better.
Family pool visits help, but always with active adult supervision and within the child’s depth.
What Comes Next
Stage 1 is the first of six stages. Once the foundations are secure, children move on to SwimSafer Stage 2, which builds on movement, underwater ability and continuous swimming. For an overview of the whole programme, see the SwimSafer 指南, and for general beginner lessons see our 儿童游泳课程.
考核与证书
训练本身不会颁发证书。现行报名、理论、实操考核、验证及证书流程必须通过官方渠道完成。
Stage 1 FAQs
My child is scared of the water. Should we still start with Stage 1?
Yes. Stage 1 is designed for beginners. A nervous child may simply need a few extra confidence-building sessions before stage-specific skills are introduced.
Does my child need to know a stroke before Stage 1?
No. Stage 1 is about comfort, control and basic movement. Formal stroke work becomes more important in later stages.
How long does Stage 1 take?
The official programme indicates approximately 12 hours of lesson time per stage, but every child progresses differently. We do not promise completion within a fixed number of lessons.
Can my child do Stage 1 through school?
Many primary schools run SwimSafer through school arrangements. Ask the school which stage your child is doing and how progress is reported.
What should we bring to the first lesson?
Well-fitting swimwear, goggles, a towel and a water bottle are usually enough. Let the coach know about any health conditions or past bad experiences in the water.
准备阶段1
请提供学员的水中信心、游泳经验、学校或私人途径、偏好泳池及任何考核资料。我们会查询是否有具备适当资历的教练。
核实最新规定
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