Swimmer Staged Activity Badge

Learn about where to swim safely in different locations and find out about rescue equipment.
Take part in a warm up before getting in the pool.
Demonstrate how to get in and out of the water safely using a variety of different methods of entry.
Swim confidently on your front for 50 metres without stopping.
Swim confidently on your back for 50 metres without stopping.
Swim breaststroke or butterfly for 50 metres.
Swim 200 metres in a stroke of your choice.
Swim in clothes for 25 metres.
Perform 3 different sculling techniques during a swim.
Tread water with one hand above the water to attract attention.
Demonstrate one diving technique into the pool followed by a 25 metre swim.
Learn about different rescues and perform one of them.

If you need to print a version of the requirements to take to a swimming instructor, we have created this Stage 5 document you can use.
The Swim England equivalent for this stage is Stage 9.

If you have achieved this award, you can gain your Stage 5 Activity Badge.
The Swim Wales equivalent for this stage is Advanced Swimming Skills, Level 1.

If you have achieved this award, you can gain your Stage 4 Activity Badge.
The Scottish Swimming equivalent for this stage is Swim Skills 4.

If you have achieved this award, you can gain your Stage 5 Activity Badge.
The STA equivalent for this stage is the Platinum Award.

If you have achieved this award, you can gain your Stage 5 Activity Badge.

June 2026.

Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.