The importance of the complete swimming ABCs

"After the A-diploma she would like to stop swimming lessons". A comment we secretly do hear more often than we would like. But did you know that only after the full swimming ADC you have the best basis for safe swimming in large (subtropical) pools? We'll take a moment to explain exactly how that works.

A water country

The Netherlands is a real country of water. Not only is much of the Netherlands below sea level, but 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, among other things, we get used to the extra resistance it brings.

Swimming certificate A

At diploma A, children learn the basics of swimming. They learn to feel confident in the water and how to orient themselves in and under water. In addition, they learn how to swim to shore and climb out of the water after, for example, an unexpected fall into the water. Finally, the four basic swimming strokes (breaststroke, backstroke, breast crawl, back crawl) are taught. This is really about the basics, and over a still 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 was learned at the A diploma. The swimming distances become longer and so we will train endurance. In addition, we refine the learned swimming techniques. After diploma B, your child can really already do more than when only diploma A is obtained. Think of fuller swimming pools with slides for example.

Is swimming certificate C required?

So is the C diploma really necessary? Yes indeed! Only after a child has passed the C diploma, they are actually proficient enough to swim in recreational lakes or large (crowded) pools. Because at diploma C they have to swim with an extra jacket on, they become even stronger in the water. Endurance is trained and, as a result, children with a C diploma can swim longer distances than those with only diploma A and/or B. In addition, they can orient themselves better under water, which in turn is very nice in swimming pools with many large slides, waves and rapids.

For the safety of your child, we always advise you to complete the full swimming certificate. That way you can be sure that your child is extra familiar with different types of water and knows how to cope in all kinds of unpredictable situations.Keep swimming!

And finally, we just want to mention that, just like getting a car license, it is super important to keep swimming regularly, even after getting 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 great fun to swim together! 😊 We wish you lots of fun swimming!