4 to 5 Year Old Beginner Swimmer Progression

SwimSafer is a program in Singapore that aims to promote water safety and develop swimming proficiency among children. The program is designed to equip children with the essential skills and knowledge to be safe in and around water, and to progress through swimming levels based on their ability. Here's how the SwimSafer program can be incorporated into a 5-year-old's swimming progression:

While, we will highlight a typical progression for a 4 to 5 year old beginner learning to swim, it's important to note that every child is different and will learn at their own pace. While the SwimSafer program provides a structured approach to learning, it's important to recognize that some children may progress more quickly than others. It's important for swimming instructors to be patient, encouraging, and adapt their teaching methods to meet the individual needs of each child. With the right approach, every child can develop essential water safety skills and become a proficient swimmer.

Month 1-2: Introduction to Water and Water Safety In the first two months, a 5-year-old will be introduced to the water and taught basic water safety skills. This includes learning how to enter and exit the water safely, understanding the dangers of water, how to stay afloat and move around in the water

Month 3-4: Fundamental Skills and Stroke Techniques During the third and fourth months, a 5-year-old will start to learn fundamental swimming skills and basic stroke techniques. They will also learn about safe diving techniques, treading water, and proper breathing techniques.

Month 5-6: Introduction of Stroke Technique By the fifth and sixth months, a 5-year-old will focus on their stroke technique, including freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke. They will also learn how to turn and how to swim different strokes for short distances with minimal assitance.

Month 7-8: Building Endurance and Deep Water Skills During the seventh and eighth months, a 5-year-old will focus on building endurance and learning how to swim in deep water. They will also learn how to perform survival strokes and rescue techniques.

Month 9-10: Development of Stroke Technique, the focus will be on their stroke technique, including freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke. They will also learn how to turn and how to swim different strokes for longer distances and without assistance.

Month 11-12: SwimSafer Certification By the eleventh and twelfth months, a 5-year-old will be ready to take the SwimSafer test, which assesses their swimming proficiency and water safety knowledge. Upon passing the test, they will receive a SwimSafer certification and move on to the next level of the program.

The SwimSafer program is a valuable addition to a 5-year-old's swimming progression. It provides a structured approach to developing essential water safety skills and swimming proficiency, and offers a clear pathway for progress and advancement. By incorporating the SwimSafer program into our swimming lessons, a 5-year-old can develop a love for swimming, improve their skills, and learn important life-saving techniques that will stay with them for life.