SwimSafer to replace NASSA

[bubblesnsplashes]

tree nymph:

Hi!


If the kid is not ready to take the bronze by June, what is the alternative? Does that mean that they have to start the exams all over again? what kind of criteria then?

Hi tree nymph,

The kids will have to take the test under the Swimsafer test system. Currently, the test criteria are not known yet to the instructors. The first batch of instructors are only going for the course on 19th April so after that, the information will start to flow down.

The kids might have to make some changes in practices to cater to the new system but the basics are still the same. They will still have to learn how to do their strokes properly and have enough stamina before attempting the test.

[bubblesnsplashes]

Monster Mummy:

Hi Monster Mummy,


Can I check on the reason for the switch? Is it to be a group class under the same coach or do you mean changing to a group class under another coach?

Hi Bubblesnsplashes,

Initially, I put the children to the private instructor because of worry the children phobia of water. But it seem that they have overcome it.
The instructor teaching them is only teach private. Therefore, I am just wondering whether is it okay to switch them to group class under another class. It seem now that the new course going to take effect in July, where we are still not quite sure of the syllabus.[/quote]

Hi monster mummy,

Don't worry about the switching. You can switch anytime. Towards end of April, there will be more information on the new course after the instructors go for their own courses. I will post more information on the Swimsafer program then.

I am guessing that your kids are rather beginner so they probably still have to practise on the basic strokes irregardless of which coach they are under.

[Monster Mummy]

hi bubblensplashes,



Yes, the kids are still in beginner stage.

[tree nymph]

bubblesnsplashes:

tree nymph:

Hi!


If the kid is not ready to take the bronze by June, what is the alternative? Does that mean that they have to start the exams all over again? what kind of criteria then?

Hi tree nymph,

The kids will have to take the test under the Swimsafer test system. Currently, the test criteria are not known yet to the instructors. The first batch of instructors are only going for the course on 19th April so after that, the information will start to flow down.

The kids might have to make some changes in practices to cater to the new system but the basics are still the same. They will still have to learn how to do their strokes properly and have enough stamina before attempting the test.

Hi buddlesnsplashes,

Thanks for your reply. guess we have to wait then. My DS1 can do the breast stroke and now perfecting his freestyle. he is also do laps but he seems to be much more comfortable with breast stroke. The only complaint I have is he seem to be taking very long to learn how to swim properly! He started learning 20 months ago. I think he does more talking then swimming during lessons... :roll:

Now I'm thinking of my DD2. What is a good age to start? she is not afraid of water and can put her head under the water.

[bubblesnsplashes]

tree nymph:

Hi buddlesnsplashes,


Thanks for your reply. guess we have to wait then. My DS1 can do the breast stroke and now perfecting his freestyle. he is also do laps but he seems to be much more comfortable with breast stroke. The only complaint I have is he seem to be taking very long to learn how to swim properly! He started learning 20 months ago. I think he does more talking then swimming during lessons... :roll:

Now I'm thinking of my DD2. What is a good age to start? she is not afraid of water and can put her head under the water.

Hi tree nymph,

How old was he when he started learning?

Well kids progress differently. I have some older kids around 8 to 9 years old who are able to swim breaststroke after 4 to 8 lessons while I have others (younger ones taking 9 months to 1 year).

Most people are more comfortable with breaststroke. It is not so tiring. :lol:

Perhaps your son is trying to be the \"assistant coach\" and instruct the rest. At least he is able to swim the breast stroke now. You can ask the instructor to be \"not so nice\" to him to ask him to practise more.

There are classes for babies from few months old onward so as soon as actually the kids can have class rather soon from the time that they are born. Mainly, I will classify the kids into 3 different groups.

1) Baby swimming (very specialised and majority don't coach in this)
2) Toddlers or preschool (age 3 to 5, maybe about 10 to 20% of the coach will take in kids from this group)
3) Kids who are 5 years old onward (normal class)

The objectives in the 3 different groups are quite different. For group 1 and 2, it is to get the kids to be comfortable in the water and do basic movements. The parents should not expect the kids in the first 2 group to be able to suddenly do a good stroke. The kids are still developing their muscle group and psycho motor skills.

So why let these 2 groups start? Swimming will help stimulate the brain, strengthen the muscle group and improve the psycho motor skills. Just by letting the kids walk in knee deep water will already be training their lower limb as they will meet with some water resistance when they walk.

To me, I think it is quite alright for the kids to start when they are 3 to 4 years old. Alot of parents are actually starting their kids around that age now. (the kiasu syndrome)

[Monster Mummy]

Hi Bubblensplashes,


Previously, when i search through the internet for swimming classes in internet for group. I have difficulty to find swim class for the age of 4 as during that time, my gal only 4 years old

Normally, the swim school will take in around 5 years and above.

[tree nymph]

hi bubblesnsplashes,


my eldest one was about 4.5yo when he started. i think he is taking an awfully long time to learn his strokes and perfecting it too. i remembered myself being a very fast learner... aiyoh, the lesson is only 45 mins and he took half an hour chit-chatting with friends and monkeying around. prob only swim for 10-15 mins tops. that's why i am complaining... i got to pay extra coaching fees leh! :roll:

for my gal, she is soon-to-be four years old. thinking of starting her only end of this year. should not be too late right?

[bubblesnsplashes]

Monster Mummy:

Hi Bubblensplashes,


Previously, when i search through the internet for swimming classes in internet for group. I have difficulty to find swim class for the age of 4 as during that time, my gal only 4 years old

Normally, the swim school will take in around 5 years and above.

Hi Monster Mummy,

You are right. As just mentioned in my previous post, maybe about 10% to 20% of the coaches take in kids below 5. The reason is that it is more difficult to handle such kids. They are more prone to throwing tantrums and do not follow instructions as well as older kids. Thus, they need much more patience in dealing with them.

Think in Sengkang pool, I see only another 1 or 2 coaches handling these young kids beside me.

[bubblesnsplashes]

tree nymph:

hi bubblesnsplashes,


my eldest one was about 4.5yo when he started. i think he is taking an awfully long time to learn his strokes and perfecting it too. i remembered myself being a very fast learner... aiyoh, the lesson is only 45 mins and he took half an hour chit-chatting with friends and monkeying around. prob only swim for 10-15 mins tops. that's why i am complaining... i got to pay extra coaching fees leh! :roll:

for my gal, she is soon-to-be four years old. thinking of starting her only end of this year. should not be too late right?

Hi tree nymph,

On average, I think it will take about 1 year to 1.5 year to do a good stroke for 4.5 year old in a group class setting. To pick up the stroke (not do a good one), probably 6 months to 9 months including the initial overcoming of fear of water etc etc.

Did you learn when you were 4 plus too? If so, then your parents were ahead of their cohort when you were young. :lol: I think when you were young, kids started learning swimming when they were at least around 8 or 9 years old so of course these kids will learn faster.

If you did started learning as young as your son, then probably you are the top 20% of your batch if you pick them up fast.

I must say your son is really sociable. Like that, you must really ask the teacher not to be so nice to him but I think your son must have enjoy the class. :lol:

Learning when your daughter is 4 plus is quite ok. If you want her to learn fast, you can bring her to the pool and get her used to the water. Try to get her to kick in the pool to you independently or with board. Once she can do all these basic things, she will progress faster when she goes for class.

[Monster Mummy]

Hi Bubblesnsplashes,


Yes, I am totally agreed. My two children are taking the private lesson. The elder one can pick up quite fast while the gal need more practise else she will forget the stroke again.

As you have mentioned that it take about 6 to 9 months for a 4.5 years kid to pick up the stroke in group. How about in private class, do you have any idea, how long does it take for the kid to pick up.