Learn to Swim Stage 3: Developing water skills

Introduction: Swim England Learn To Swim Stage 3

During this stage learners focus on refining their stroke technique, as well as developing their breathing and timing. They also learn how to swim a longer distance - up to 10 metres - and begin to develop the stamina needed for longer swims.

Additionally, they learn about jumping into the water from the poolside safely and are introduced to basic water rescue skills.

During Stage 3, swimmers also develop their kicks, on both their front and their backs and streamline through push and glides, whilst also swimming underwater. One of the fun aspects of this stage is learning to go under the water to retrieve an object.

Learn To Swim Stage 3 Key Outcomes

By completing the Learn to Swim Stage 3 Award, swimmers will be able to:

1. Jump in from poolside and submerge.

2. Sink, push away from wall and maintain a streamlined position.

3. Push and glide on the front with arms extended and log roll onto the back.

4. Push and glide on the back with arms extended and log roll onto the front.

5. Travel 5 metres on the front, perform a tuck to rotate onto the back and return on the back.

6. Fully submerge to pick up an object.

7. Correctly identify three of the four key water safety messages.*

8. Push and glide and travel 10 metres on the back.

9. Push and glide and travel 10 metres on the front.

10. Perform a tuck float and hold for three seconds.

11. Exit the water without using steps.

*The four key water safety messages include:

• Always swim in a safe place.

• Always swim with an adult.

• If you fall in, float, breathe, relax.

• If someone else in trouble, call 999/112.

Once they have completed this stage, learners can move on to Learn To Swim Stage 4 and continue to develop their swimming skills.