SwimSafer to replace NASSA

[sakura_2009]

peterch:

I have questions

How to enroll for the test? Do we have to go for swimming class before the test?
My kids could swim well, just wondering if they could go for the test or have to go for swimming class again

Thanks

There is a list of criteria that the children have to pass in order to obtain either the bronze/silver/gold/gold star under the current NASSA. Of course each test would have a different set of passing criteria.

For the NASSA form, if your kids have a swimming coach, I believed the coach is able to get the forms and do the necessary regn.

However, since NASSA will be changed to SwimSafe soon, you may wish to wait till the new criteria before registering for any test - just my 2 cents worth

[bubblesnsplashes]

bboomer71:

Checked with my swim coach and he says that more of a name change. Basically the same. He is to go for conversion course.


Hi Bubbles,
Is what my coach said true?

So now the first test to be taken is Stage 1, and not Bronze (as for NASSA)?

Hope you can comment since you are in the industry. Thanks!

Hi bboomer71,

Sorry for the delayed reply. Was out in the forest doing my reservist. :roll:

All the coaches under Sports Council (some coaches are not certified under Sports Council. There was an article on this in the Straits times few days ago) have to go for the conversion course but I saw in my email that there is actually a jam of coaches signing up for the courses and the courses have not started yet thus I think most of the coaches are not sure of the exact details of the changes yet.

From what I have know, there are also Bronze, Silver and Gold in the SwimSafe course after the level 1 to 3.

I believe that most coaches will and should teach the kids how to swim properly with proper strokes. This is the basic foundation that should be trained and practised regardless of the test. The strokes will still be the same regardless of the test items.

They can't change for eg Breaststroke or Front crawl to any other funny new style.

The difference (I am GUESSING) could be that the sequence and the items requiring pyjamas and treading water might be different. There could also be a introduction of use of floating devices like life jacket earlier on in the course. Currently, the usage of life jacket is only introduced during the GOLDSTAR test.

Well, for more details, I can only confirm after attending the course or hearing from coaches who had attend the course. The first batch only start around mid to end April.

[bubblesnsplashes]

pecalis:

cafelatte:

but I compared the NASSA bronze test list and the SwimSafer bronze test and it is obviously more than just a name change.

I have the impression that NASSA is more demanding, esp for the silver and gold. Am thinking of whether to push my kids to take the test in June. Still waiting for our coach to reply.

Stages 1-3 looks like child's play to me.

Actually, at the moment, there is also a beginner, intermediate and advance certification before the Bronze to Goldstar certification. However, most coaches will skip those and jump to Bronze as they are pretty easy. Stages 1 -3 could be something like those.

[bubblesnsplashes]

peterch:

I have questions

How to enroll for the test? Do we have to go for swimming class before the test?
My kids could swim well, just wondering if they could go for the test or have to go for swimming class again

Thanks

The enrollment process is not clear yet. Usually, the registering of the test is through the coach. Using of swim aids like life jackets and pyjamas at the public pool is also not allowed unless there is a coach teaching them at that time. Thus, your kids might have to go for the class again to practise a few times the sequence and items if pyjamas or other aids are needed and you need to practise at a public pool.

[cafelatte]

This is the information I found on internet. I quote :


" …Students midway through Learn-To-Swim will have to take a proficiency test before being allocated to a stage under SwimSafer. Those awarded bronze or silver under NASSA will be channelled to silver or gold, the final two stages of SwimSafer respectively…"

[peterch]

bubblesnsplashes:

peterch:

I have questions

How to enroll for the test? Do we have to go for swimming class before the test?
My kids could swim well, just wondering if they could go for the test or have to go for swimming class again

Thanks

The enrollment process is not clear yet. Usually, the registering of the test is through the coach. Using of swim aids like life jackets and pyjamas at the public pool is also not allowed unless there is a coach teaching them at that time. Thus, your kids might have to go for the class again to practise a few times the sequence and items if pyjamas or other aids are needed and you need to practise at a public pool.

Thanks bubblesnsplashes....

My DS and DD are quite a good swimmer, no aids such life jacket are needed. Will be waiting for info from you later.....

[cafelatte]

bubblesnsplashes


I think they will annouce it later but I am also interested to know the registration process for SwimSafer test not through coach, but ourselves ie. the parents/child. If this is mentioned in your upcoming class, please update us.

peterch

I think what bubblesnsplashes meant is not that your children need life jackets to swim but that there are certain components of the swim tests where the child is expected to demonstrate skills using aids. I guess what he meant was, without a swim coach, prior to the test your children can’t practise using these aids in a public swimming pool.

[bboomer71]

Just want to say thanks for taking the trouble to post a reply, Bubbles!

[bubblesnsplashes]

cafelatte:

bubblesnsplashes


I think they will annouce it later but I am also interested to know the registration process for SwimSafer test not through coach, but ourselves ie. the parents/child. If this is mentioned in your upcoming class, please update us.

peterch

I think what bubblesnsplashes meant is not that your children need life jackets to swim but that there are certain components of the swim tests where the child is expected to demonstrate skills using aids. I guess what he meant was, without a swim coach, prior to the test your children can't practise using these aids in a public swimming pool.

Sure, I will check for you if you can register by yourself.

Yes, you are right. I mean that some components can't be practised in the public pool without the coach. The life guard will ask the kids to come out if you do so.

[bubblesnsplashes]

bboomer71:

Just want to say thanks for taking the trouble to post a reply, Bubbles!

You are welcome.

My course had been schedule on 26th to 27th April. Will let you all know more details after that.