What will my child learn in Stages 1 to 3?
Rule- England
- Swim England
- Learn to Swim
- Swimming lessons
- Stages 1-7
- 2026
- Parents
- Ages 4-11
The early stages build water confidence and safety. Key outcomes include:
| Stage | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1 | Enter and exit safely; move forwards, backwards and sideways 5m (feet can touch the floor); be comfortable with water poured overhead; float on front and back and return to standing; push and glide; give two pool rules |
| 2 | Jump in from the side; blow bubbles at least three times with nose and mouth under; float and stand up without support; travel 5m on front and back with feet off the floor and no floats; tuck and log-roll rotations; exit without support |
| 3 | Jump in and submerge; push and glide then travel 10m on front and on back; pick up an object from the bottom; hold a tuck float for 3 seconds; exit without using steps; know three of the four water safety messages |
The four key water safety messages taught in Stage 3 are:
- Always swim in a safe place.
- Always swim with an adult.
- If you fall in, float, breathe, relax.
- If someone else is in trouble, call 999 or 112.
Added 21 Oct 2026