SwimSafer to replace NASSA

[bubblesnsplashes]

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.

For private class, it will depend alot more on the coach and kid. Progress is based on how fast the coach is willing to push the kid and how fast the kid can pick up. (Every kid and coach is different and law of average don't work on taking individual sample thus an estimate is not as accurate.)

My estimate on the time taken if the kid is not water phobic is that it should be faster than in group class. Roughly about 3 to 6 months to pick up the stroke but not to master it yet.

[Monster Mummy]

Hi Bubblesnsplashes,


Thanks for your advice. So in other words, it is depend on the kids and how fast they progress well.

[bubblesnsplashes]

Monster Mummy:

Hi Bubblesnsplashes,


Thanks for your advice. So in other words, it is depend on the kids and how fast they progress well.

You are welcome!

The coach and parents are also important factors in determing the speed of the progress but the main factor should be the kids themselves.

[Monster Mummy]

Hi,


Can I know what does it mean by "parents are the important factor to determine the speed of the progress".

[bubblesnsplashes]

Monster Mummy:

Hi,


Can I know what does it mean by \"parents are the important factor to determine the speed of the progress\".

The parents are one of the most influential people to their kids. The coach can only teach and facilitate the learning when the kids come for class which is usually once a week for 1 hr. Parents can bring their kids for more self practice sessions to the pool and this will help speed up the progress.

There are also other examples. Currently, for survival tests, the kids need to be able to unbutton their own pajamas and tie knots. A lot of younger kids are unable to do so and these are things that can be practiced at home with the help from the parents. If the kids only practice unbuttoning shirts and tying knots during class, it will means that less time is spent practicing other things that need to be done in the pool. Thus, progress will be slower.

The parents can also positively motivate the kids when they have done well for the class and be firm when the kids misbehave. By showing an interest in the things that the kids are doing, they will set out to perform even better. (Most kids yearn to get praises and acknowledgment)

There is also a group of kids that is termed as scared of water by the parents however, in actual fact, this group of kids are either scared of trying or don’t want to try new things . There is a difference between scared of water and scared of trying new things. For this group, parents have to stay firm and let the kids try. If the parents are not firm about making the kids try, the coach can’t do much too.

Without facing the fear, there is no true overcoming of it.

Thus, I hope you can see why I mentioned that the parents are one of the important factors.

[Monster Mummy]

Hi,


Thanks for your explanation and that's quite true. Nowadays, children are full of curiosity, ideas and sometime even want to try out new things.

[bubblesnsplashes]

Hi everyone,


I had just finished the first day of my 2 days Swimsafer instructor course. Just discovered that my batch is the first batch of instructor going for the course.

Some points about the program and changes to highlight to the parents. A more detailed explaination will be posted after I finish the whole course and digested the course.

1) NASSA certs will still be valid and recognised.
2) Maximum number of students per class to be capped at 10 persons
3) Both Learn-to-swim programs carried out in Schools swimming program and NASSA program to be phased out and merged into SwimSafer program
4) There is shorter distance to swim. Maximum distance required for the highest level in Swimsafer which is stage 6 (GOLD) is 400m.
5) There is introduction of PFD (Life jacket) much earlier in the the swimming program as compared to the current introduction only during Goldstar test.

There are still quite a number of changes and parents can let me know what they are keen to know and I will try to post the answers to my best ability.

[cafelatte]

bubblesnsplashes


Thanks ! I was waiting for your feedback. So parents can register children for the Swimsafer test from July 2010 at any SSC swimming pool ? There is also no need for coversion for those holding on to existing NASSA certificates ?

[bubblesnsplashes]

cafelatte:

bubblesnsplashes


Thanks ! I was waiting for your feedback. So parents can register children for the Swimsafer test from July 2010 at any SSC swimming pool ? There is also no need for coversion for those holding on to existing NASSA certificates ?

Hi cafelatte,

the exact admin procedures is not finalised yet and was told that it will be finalised by end of May.

The impression that I have is that registration will be though the instructor. The instructor need to be around during the test and need both his signature and the tester's name and signature.

There is no need to convert the existing NASSA certificates. However, the SwimSafer program has a very different approach towards swimming and the things tested are pretty different.

Giving you all a sneak preview, there is a requirement for the kids to swim with socks and shoes for the gold test. There is also not much timing thus no emphasis on speed but instead on good strokes. The kids are also taught how to do basic life saving skills.

Thus, you can also let your kids go through the program if you like.

[cafelatte]

I see. It is begining to make sense.


I don't mind letting my child go through SwimSafer programme but it is the hassle of finding the 'right' swim coach and date/time etc. I will look out for more info in May and June.

Appreciate your help and response so far. :celebrate: