Learn to Swim Stage 1: Introduction to water skills

During this stage learners are encouraged to move around the pool and become confident with water on their face.

Introduction: Swim England Learn To Swim Stage 1

Swim England Learn to Swim Stage 1 is the first level of swimming lessons for beginners. It is designed for learners who are new to the water and are not yet confident in submerging their faces or floating independently.

The main objectives of Stage 1 are to help children become comfortable in the water and develop basic water skills.

Learn To Swim Stage 1 Key Outcomes

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

  1. Enter the water safely.

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

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

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

  5. Scoop the water and wash the face.

  6. Be comfortable with water showered from overhead.

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

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

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

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

  11. Give examples of two pool rules.

  12. Exit the water safely.

Swim England Learn to Swim Stage 1 is designed to give learners a positive and enjoyable introduction to swimming and to help them build confidence in the water. Once they have completed this stage, they can move on to Learn To Swim Stage 2 and continue to develop their swimming skills.