Swimming awards

Stages 8, 9 and 10

The Learn to Swim Stages 8-10 Awards make up the Aquatic Skills Framework of the Learn to Swim Programme. They continue the swimmer's journey past Learn to Swim Stage 7 of the Learn to Swim Framework.

Swimmers are encouraged to take part in different aquatic disciplines that develop their fundamental sports skills.

Stage 8

By completing this award you will be able to:

  1. Complete a set lasting 400 metres (for example, 16 x 25 metres, 8 x 50 metres, 4 x 100 metres) on a specific turnaround time agreed by the teacher or coach (for example, 1.00 minutes for every 25 metres) with a focus on stroke technique and consistency.
  2. Swim 400 metres continuously using one stroke.
  3. Push and streamline then kick 25 metres backstroke with or without using a board.
  4. Push and streamline then kick 25 metres breaststroke with or without using a board.
  5. Push and streamline then kick 25 metres butterfly without using a board.
  6. Push and streamline then kick 25 metres front crawl with or without using a board.
  7. Perform a backstroke turn from 10 metres into 15 metres out.
  8. Perform a breaststroke turn from 10 metres into 15 metres out.
  9. Perform a butterfly turn from 10 metres into 15 metres out.
  10. Perform a front crawl turn from 10 metres into 15 metres out.
  11. Perform a dive track or grab start, and kick butterfly underwater in a streamlined position for 5 metres with the focus on progressing it to 10 metres.*

*Delivery will depend on the pool design and facilities available.

Stage 9

By completing this award you will be able to:

  1. Complete a set lasting 800 metres (either 16 x 50 metres, 8 x 100 metres, 4 x 200 metres) on a specific turnaround time agreed by the teacher or coach (for example, 1.30 minutes for 50 metres) with a focus on stroke technique and consistency.
  2. Swim 800 metres continuously using one stroke.
  3. Swim a continuous 100 metre individual medley (4 x 25 metres) using recognised turns with a focus on stroke technique and consistency.
  4. Perform a 15 metre underwater kick on the front from a push and glide in a streamlined position.
  5. Perform a backstroke start then butterfly kick in a streamlined position underwater up to a maximum of 15 metres from the start point (wall). Transfer into stroke and complete the remainder of the 25 metres.*
  6. Perform a front crawl start then kick in a streamlined position underwater up to a maximum of 15 metres from the start point (wall). Transfer into stroke and complete the remainder of the 25 metres.*
  7. Perform a butterfly start then kick in a streamlined position up to a maximum of 15 metres from the start point (wall). Transfer into stroke and complete the remainder of the 25 metres.*
  8. Perform a breaststroke start then perform a one and a half pull underwater. Transfer into stroke and complete the remainder of the 25 metres.*

*Delivery will depend on the pool design and facilities available.

Stage 10

By completing this Award you will be able to:

  1. Complete a set lasting 1600 metres (either 16 x 100 metres, 8 x 200 metres, 4 x 400 metres) on a specific timed turnaround set by the teacher or coach (for example, 2.30 minutes for 100 metres), focus on stroke technique and consistency.
  2. Swim 1500 metres continuously using one stroke.
  3. Perform a continuous 100 metre individual medley kick (4 x 25 metres) without using a kickboard.
  4. Swim a continuous 200 metre individual medley (4 x 50 metres) using recognised turns.
  5. Perform a front crawl relay take over - as an incoming swimmer.
  6. Perform a front crawl relay take over - as an outgoing swimmer.