Swimmer Staged Activity Badge
Swimmer Staged Activity Badge

How to earn your badge:
Staying safe near water is very important. Learn how you can stay safe while being in or around water.
You could learn about different places to swim, learn about safety flags on the beach or even some rules about swimming pools.
Warming up before swimming helps you move better in the water. Discover ways to stretch your body as part of your warm up before getting in.
It’s time to get in and have a splash around. Learn how to get safely in and out of the water, with support if needed.
Swimming can mean that you need to have your head under the water. Take part in an activity to help you build your confidence in getting your hair wet.
You could scoop water over your head or face, blow some bubbles, or dip your head under the water.
Moving away from the wall can help you feel more confident in the water. Push away from the wall on either your front or back, then glide further into the middle of the pool.
You can do this with or without support from a float.
Floating in the water can help you stay safe, but is also lots of fun. Float on your back or front, with or without support.
Moving through the water helps you get to different places. Swim at least 5 metres with or without support from a float.
You could swim to an adult, to a floating toy or even to the other side of the pool.
Being in the water helps build your confidence but is also good fun. Play a game in the water with your friends and practice the skills you've learned.
You could play catch, throw and retrieve an object or have fun with some floats.
Tips
If you need to print a version of the requirements to take to a swimming instructor, we have created this Stage 1 document you can use.
The Swim England equivalent for this stage is Discovery Duckling 4.
If you have achieved this award, you can gain your Stage 1 Activity Badge.
The Swim Wales equivalent for this stage is Splash 6.
If you have achieved this award, you can gain your Stage 1 Activity Badge.
The Swim Ulster equivalent for this stage is Level 2.
If you have achieved this award, you can gain your Stage 1 Activity Badge.
The Scottish Swimming equivalent for this stage is Swim Skills 1.
If you have achieved this award, you can gain your Stage 1 Activity Badge.
The STA equivalent for this stage is Octopus 1.
If you have achieved this award, you can gain your Stage 1 Activity Badge.
June 2026.
Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.