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Home > Our Services > Courses and Workshops > SwimSafer > SwimSafer FAQ
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FAQs for PUBLIC & INSTRUCTORS
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1. What is the rationale behind replacing the Learn-To-Swim Programme (LTSP) and National Survival Swimming Award (NASSA) with SwimSafer programme?
A review initiated by the National Water Safety Council (NWSC) in 2008 determined that an integrated programme combining the merits of the LTSP and NASSA into a single national framework be introduced. This new programme called the SwimSafer Programme ensures that students learn basic swimming, survival and lifesaving skills concurrently.
2. Will the LTSP and NASSA cease to exist with the implementation of the SwimSafer?
As the SwimSafer is designated as the replacement programme for the LTSP and NASSA, both the latter programmes would be discontinued wef 5 July 2010.
3. With regard to the transition to the SwimSafer programme, would it not be more viable for the LTSP and NASSA to exist concurrently with the SwimSafer programme before phasing it out gradually?
After deliberation on this issue, it was concluded that it would be prudent to discontinue the LTSP and NASSA completely with the SwimSafer onboard. This would minimise confusion for consumers, who may be surprised by the entry of a new programme in Singapore. We are thus announcing the SwimSafer four months in advance of its official roll out on 5 July 2010, so that the public is aware of its existence.
4. What are the differences in this new SwimSafer programme from the previous Learn-To-Swim Programme?
The SwimSafer programme is a six stage level which not only incorporates progressive elements of swimming but also water survival and lifesaving skills at each level.
5. If my child or I have completed LTSP, do I still need to go/can I go through the SwimSafer programme?
Yes, you still can and it is recommended for you to continue to participate in the SwimSafer programme. Instructors will assess your next entry point in the programme based on your individual skill level.
6. If my child has not completed the LTSP, how will the shift from LTSP to the SwimSafer programme be made?
With effect from 5 July 2010, instructors will be conducting SwimSafer courses at all of Singapore Sports Council's (SSC) swimming pools. Your child?s skill level will be assessed based on SwimSafer Stage 1 standards and he/she will progress from there.
7. If my child is currently undergoing the NASSA programme, how will the transition to SwimSafer be?
Your child's instructor will determine which of the SwimSafer stages, Bronze, Silver or Gold, will your child be and instruct him/her accordingly.
8. What?s the minimum number of hours needed to complete the SwimSafer programme?
The SwimSafer programme has six progressive stages, each comprising 12 hours of lesson time. Survival and activity skills are taught in each stage of the programme, working progressively toward the next stage.
9. With the implementation of the SwimSafer, does it mean that being on the programme would render you well prepared for water sports participation?
SwimSafer will help you equip yourself with the basic and essential water safety skills. With these, the better prepared and safer you would be. Nevertheless, adequate safety precautions, such as wearing a life vest, should still be noted.
10. Will the SwimSafer affect the pathway to competitive swimming, since its emphasis is on survival and not technical swimming?
With the SwimSafer programme, it does not mean that students will not taught proper swimming skills. They will, of course, be instructed on basic swimming skills/strokes, as well as a well-rounded understanding of water survival. As they acquire such water safety skills, they will grow in water confidence and adapt better to competitive swimming.
11. How will you ensure that only SwimSafer certified instructors instruct in the SRC's swimming pools?
All SwimSafer certified instructors will be provided with a SwimSafer Instructor Card which they will have to produce upon entering the SSC's SRCs, as well as showing upon request from a parent. In addition, they will be identifiable on the pool deck by the SwimSafer branded hat that they will wear when conducting classes.
12. Where can I get more details about the SwimSafer programme?
More details of the programme will be available on the SSC at http://www.ssc.gov.sg/swimsafer. The NWSC website, too, will soon have more information about the SwimSafer programme.
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| FOR INSTRUCTORS |
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1. What is the rationale behind replacing the NASSA, which has been synonymous with survival swimming programmes for many years?
A review initiated by the National Water Safety Council (NWSC) in 2008 determined that an integrated programme combining the merits of the LTSP and NASSA into a single national framework be introduced. This new programme called the SwimSafer Programme ensures that students learn basic swimming, survival and lifesaving skills concurrently.
2. What are the differences in this new SwimSafer Programme from the previous LTSP?
SwimSafer programme is a six-stage level which incorporates elements of swimming, water survival and lifesaving skills progressively at each level.
Some of these changes include:
a) Introduction of new components such as drowning prevention techniques, introduction of flotation survival techniques, and water safety knowledge.
b) Revision of maximum Instructor Student Ratio (IPR) of 1:10 that is beneficial from a safety and educational perspective as it allows instructors to supervise students more closely and devote attention towards individuals.
c) Contact time extended from 10 hours to 12 hours to provide students more learning time/opportunities.
3. Will the LTSP and NASSA cease to exist with the implementation of the SwimSafer?
As the SwimSafer is designated as the replacement programme for the LTSP and NASSA, both the latter programmes would be discontinued wef 5 July 2010.
4. With regard to the transition to the SwimSafer, would it not be more viable for the LTSP and NASSA to exist concurrently with the SwimSafer before phasing it out gradually?
NWSC has deliberated on this issue and concluded that it would be prudent to discontinue the LTSP and NASSA completely when the SwimSafer is onboard. This would minimise confusion for consumers, who may be surprised by the entry of a new programme in the market. We are thus announcing the SwimSafer four months in advance of its official roll out, so that the public is aware of its existence.
5. What is the transition from NASSA to SwimSafer?
The transition would be such:
- NASSA Bronze to SwimSafer Silver
- NASSA Silver to SwimSafer Gold
- NASSA Gold to SwimSafer Gold (rescue skills, personal survival skills and stroke refinement are also introduced in that stage)
6. Why must the swimming Instructors attend SwimSafer Instructor Course (SSIC) in order to teach this programme?
As SwimSafer is a new programme, there is a need for existing instructors to attend a two-day conversion course to familiarise themselves with the philosophy and methodology of the programme.
7. If the Instructor does not wish to teach the SwimSafer programme, can the Instructor continue to teach private swimming classes at the Sports & Recreation Centres (SRC) in Singapore Sports Council?
All instructors teaching private swimming classes in the SSC's SRCs are required to be SwimSafer certified.
8. Is the pool usage permit still required for Instructor to teach SwimSafer programme?
Yes. Pool usage permit is still required for the SSC's SRCs, as well as the SwimSafer instructor card, which is renewed annually.
9. Is the National Registry of Coaches (NROC) required for Instructor teaching SwimSafer programme?
Yes, it is a requirement for all instructors teaching SwimSafer to register with NROC as a member or renew their NROC membership. However, we will be reviewing the requirements to see if we can simplify the process for the instructors to register or renew their membership with NROC.
10. Is the SSIC qualification recognised internationally?
The SSIC is a local accreditation for instructing the SwimSafer programme.
11. Does the SSIC replace the NCAP Theory and Technical courses requirements for application of the membership to the National Registry of Coaches (NROC)?
No. Currently, all swimming instructors who intend to teach swimming will have to achieve both certification in the NCAP Theory conducted by the SSC and the NCAP Technical Course conducted by the Singapore Swimming Association.
12. Can a swim coach who is not NROC registered become accredited to instruct SwimSafer programmes?
No. One has to be a NROC registered coach, before he/she is able to undergo the SwimSafer Instructor Course (SSIC). Subsequently, upon completion of the SSIC, the coach be will qualified to instruct the SwimSafer programmes.
13. Are there plans to streamline the re-certification courses for NROC and SwimSafer?
We are currently in discussions with stakeholders to streamline the re-certification process for the NROC, SwimSafer and Singapore Swimming Association programmes for your convenience.
14. To be a SwimSafer accredited instructor, it is a requirement to complete 6 professional development sessions in 12 months. Can these sessions be completed online?
It is a must to complete the 6 professional development sessions within 12 months in order to be a SwimSafer qualified instructor.
Yes, these development sessions can be completed online.
15. During SwimSafer Gold Level, the students are required to wear their shoes and socks during the lesson. However, in SSC swimming complexes, wearing socks and shoes in the water are not allowed. Will this policy affect the requirements and lessons of the Gold Level?
As a SwimSafer instructor, you must follow the SSC's swimming complex policies at all times. When instructing students on this skill, you will verbally instruct for them to remove their shoes before any other additional clothing. The particular skill should be performed only if the swimming pool you instruct in allows shoes and socks for instructional purposes.
16. Will there be any levels beyond SwimSafer Gold?
Yes, there are other stakeholders developing programmes beyond SwimSafer Gold Level. As the SwimSafer programmes progress and new levels are developed, information about those will be available in the SwimSafer website.
17. If I am a SwimSafer accredited instructor and I would like to be a trainer for future SwimSafer instructors, how do I go about this?
In order to be a qualified trainer for future SwimSafer instructors, one will need to complete two courses, 'Train the Trainer' and the 'SwimSafer Trainer'.
The first step will be to email the SwimSafer team at ssc_swimsafer@ssc.gov.sg and let us know your desire to become a SwimSafer trainer.
In addition, the SwimSafer team will be organising an information session for interested accredited instructors regarding what would be required to become a SwimSafer trainer. More information on this session will be provided closer to the event.
18. Is SwimSafer developing more modules for the programme?
The National Water Safety Council is working on additional programmes. More information about these will be made available when they are ready.
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