Introducing the STA Swim Scheme - The ISWSS Swimming Awards
The
International Swimming and Water Safety Standards (ISWSS), an initiative
developed through the STA and its members, recognise that children learn
to swim at different ages and at varying paces. Through our series of
Awards categories your child can progress from a ‘STARFISH’
to a ‘Shark’ (and beyond), in no time at all. View the ‘ISWSS
Ladder of achievement to see the progressive nature of the Awards.
Importantly water safety is incorporated into the learning experience from day one, no matter what level your child starts at.
To mark your child’s success in completing each Award we present them with a bright and colourful STA badge to sew on their swimwear. Plus, for the family album, each child also receives a specially designed STA certificate.
The STARFISH Awards
For pre-school children from babies of six months, The STARFISH Awards introduces your child to the water and teaches them to be confident in the pool. These are the foundation Awards which leads to the First Steps Series.
Click here for details of the STARFISH Awards
First Steps Series – In Association with BBC TV Series ‘The Rubbadubbers’
Introduced in 2004 the First Steps Series is specially designed to teach pre-school children, from as young as two years old, to learn to swim through 14 progressive steps. Each series of Awards is based upon characters from the BBC TV series, starting with REG, through to TERENCE, AMELIA, SPLOSHY, TUBB, WINONA and finally FINBAR. The first Award, REG1, will normally be achieved during the first lesson that your child attends. Having completed this Series a child will move onto the Learn to Swim Awards.
Click here for details of the First Steps Awards
Learn to Swim Series
For swimmers who start at Primary School age and comprising 4 levels; Octopus, Goldfish, Angelfish and Shark. Concentrating upon water confidence and stroke development at the end of the 4 levels your child will learn to swim 100 metres, perform all 4 strokes, dive from the poolside, understand their own ability and basic water safety.
Click here for details of the Learn to Swim Awards
Advanced Swimmer & Advanced Water Safety Series
For children who are more confident and wish to progress their water skills we have our Advanced Water Safety Series. These Awards are designed to develop competitive strokes, plus starts, turns and finishes.
Click here for details of the Advanced Series
Personal Survival Series
Developed by the STA to encourage and retain their interest of teenagers, who are more prone to find themselves in wider ranging set of difficult or life threatening circumstances in water. This series addresses deep water situations where the swimmer is fully clothed.
Click here for details of the Personal Survival Series
Special Needs
Through the Penguin and Endeavour Series the STA has helped a growing
number of people with disabilities to enjoy the water.
Be it for leisure, to maintain or improve mobility and fitness, or to
compete, the STA is committed to offering the same opportunities for all.
Whether you are a child or adult, a later learner, disabled or looking
to acquire some rescue skills, the STA have an award and course to suit.
Click here for details of the Penguin and Endeavour Series
For more information on ISWSS, pools near you that are running STA ISWSS
courses please contact the Swimming Teachers’ Association, Anchor
House, Birch Street, Walsall, West Midlands WS2 8HZ.
Alternatively call 01922 645097, fax 01922 720628 or email sta@sta.co.uk.
