“After the A diploma, she would like to stop swimming lessons”. A comment that we secretly hear more often than we would like. But did you know that only after the complete swimming ABC do you have the best basis for swimming safely in large (subtropical) pools? We will explain exactly how that works.
A land of water
The Netherlands is a real water country. Not only is a large part of the Netherlands below sea level, we also have many lakes, canals and ditches in our country. And let’s not forget the sea. With so much water around us, it is of course extremely important that we all know what to do if, for example, we unexpectedly fall into the water. We learn this (and much more) during swimming lessons, because by practicing swimming with clothes on during swimming lessons, we get used to the extra resistance that it entails.
Swimming diploma A
With diploma A, children learn the basics of swimming. They learn to feel comfortable in the water and how to orient themselves in and under water. In addition, they learn how to swim to the shore and climb out of the water after, for example, an unexpected fall into the water. Finally, the four basic swimming strokes (breaststroke, backstroke, front crawl, back crawl) are taught. This is really about the basics, and over a relatively short distance.
Actually, you can look at it this way, after diploma A your child is able to swim in a pool without too many distractions. So no slides, rapids and things like that. Your child can save himself in the water, but is not yet skilled enough to swim long distances or to deal with unpredictable situations.
What is the difference between diploma A and B?
At diploma B we will deepen what has been learned at the A diploma. The swimming distances are increasing and so we are going to train endurance. In addition, we refine the swimming techniques learned. After diploma B, your child can really do more than if only diploma A has been obtained. Think of fuller swimming pools with slides, for example.
Is swimming diploma C necessary?
Is the C diploma really necessary? Yes! Only after a child has obtained the C diploma, it is actually competent enough to swim in recreational lakes or large (busy) swimming pools. Because they have to swim with an extra coat on with diploma C, they become even stronger in the water. Endurance is trained and therefore children with a C diploma can swim longer distances than children with only diploma A and/or B. In addition, they can orient themselves better underwater, which is very nice in swimming pools with many large slides, waves and rapids.
For the safety of your child, we always advise you to go through the full swimming ABC. That way you can be sure that your child is extra familiar with different types of water and knows how to get by in all kinds of unpredictable situations. Keep swimming!
And finally, we would like to mention that, just like with obtaining a car driver’s license, it is super important to continue swimming regularly, especially after obtaining the swimming diplomas. This is to stay familiar with the water and of course not to forget the skills learned. And because it’s just a lot of fun to swim together! 😊 We wish you a lot of swimming fun!