WCSA Learn to Swim Framework

Our Swimming Framework

Our Water Creations Swim Academy (WCSA) Framework is a comprehensive and structured approach informed by The Learn to Swim Framework and is designed to develop children’s water safety and survival kills , aquatic skills, and strokes progressively through the stages. Our framework will guide individuals through the process of learning the essential skills required to become a confident and efficient swimmers.

The WCSA framework is carefully designed to accommodate swimmers of all ages and abilities, from beginners taking their first dip in the water to those seeking to refine their strokes and enhance their performance. It is based on a progressive curriculum that ensures a systematic and gradual development of swimming skills, building upon each level's foundation.

Within our WCSA Framework, our criteria is progressively mapped out to develop three key areas of learning:

Water Safety and Survival

As we teach in a pool with a deep shallow end, we have had to think carefully about how we approach The Learn to Swim Framework and intrinsically understand the importance of teaching water safety and survival skills. Therefore, we have embedded Water Safety and Survival Skills into the foundations of our framework as key requirements in order to progress through the stages. Our aim is to progress aided, unaided and confident swimmers to safe swimmers. We aim to achieve this through progressively teaching and assessing swimmers water safety and survival skills throughout the stages in engaging formats.

Water Skills

Aquatic Skills are abilities children need that are specific to swimming. These include: entries, exits, aquatic breathing, rotation and orientation, streamlining, health and fitness, buoyancy and balance, travel and co-ordination. These Aquatic Skills are fundamental in the swimmer’s journey in learning how to swim. Our aim is to provide swimmers with the understanding and abilities required to become confident and competent swimmers. We aim to achieve this through our relentless commitment in creating a positive perception of swimming and journey in learning how to swim. Our lessons aim to progressively teach the aquatic skills through engaging games, activities and practices at every stage of development.

Stroke Development

From ducklings all the way through to Stage 7 +, we provide swimmers with the knowledge and feedback suitable to their level in order to best develop the 4 strokes - front crawl, backstroke, breastroke and butterfly. Our aim is to develop children’s strokes in a way that promotes good habits and techniques, therefore creating more opportunities in the future. We do this using the concept of BLABT (Body position, Leg action, Arm action, Breathing, Timing) and by progressively promoting good swimming habits in a fun and engaging way. We have create links with competitive swimming clubs in the local community which we actively promote.

The Learn to Swim Framework utilizes a combination of instructional techniques, including demonstrations, drills, guided practice, and feedback, to facilitate learning and improvement. Qualified and experienced instructors follow the framework's guidelines to deliver consistent and effective lessons, ensuring that swimmers receive proper guidance and support throughout their journey.

By following our Framework, individuals can develop a strong foundation in swimming, gradually building their confidence, stamina, and technique. Whether the goal is recreational swimming, water sports, or competitive swimming, the framework provides a solid platform for continuous growth and advancement.

Overall, our Framework is designed to make the process of learning to swim safe, enjoyable, and effective. It sets clear milestones and expectations, empowering swimmers to progress at their own pace by providing a clear pathway to unlock their aquatic potential while instilling a lifelong love for the water.

All about Swim England (formerly ASA) Learn To Swim Pathway

The Pathway takes your child on a journey from their first splash to developing confidence and competence in the water. The Learn to Swim Awards are a great way to keep swimmers motivated throughout their swimming journey.

It starts with the Swim England Pre-School Framework before moving on to the movement skills of the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework Stages 1 to 7. The final part of your child’s journey is the Swim England Aquatic (pre-competitive) Skills Framework Stages 8 to 10.

New swimmers joining us will be placed in a class most appropriate to their ability. You can find more detail on the awards programme below.

WCSA Learn To Swim Criteria

1. Enter the water safely from a seated or standing position and return to the wall or pool side, with full adult support.
2. Be at ease wetting or splashing the face and putting the chin in the water.
3. Hold the rail or side of pool and move towards the steps or ladders using floatation equipment, with full adult support.
4. Exit the water safely with adult supervision.
5. Float on the front using floatation equipment, with full adult support.
6. Reach and grab toys on top of and under the surface of the water.
7. Rotate 180 degrees either using a log roll or an upright position, using floatation equipment and with minimal adult support.
8. Push away from the wall in a streamlined position, with full adult support.
9. Travel on the front using floatation equipment, with full adult support.
Badges Achievable: Discovery Ducklings 1 | Discovery Ducklings 2 | Discovery Ducklings 3 | Discovery Ducklings 4
By completing this Award I have completed the safety, skill and stroke criteria for this stage because:
1. I can enter the pool, rotate and return to the side without adult support.
2. I can swim comfortably with a noodle on my front and back.
3. I can move 5 metres along the rail or wall without adult support.
4. I can climb out of the water without adult support.
5. I can submerge my face with confidence and without force under adult supervision.
6. I can push off on the front and back in a streamlined shape without a supporting adult.
7. I can jump from the wall into the water without adult support.
8. I can star float on my front and back for 5 seconds with swimming aids.
9. I can rotate 180 degrees either using a log roll or an upright position, using floatation equipment and without adult support.
10. I can move from a flat body position to an upright position and return back to a flat body position.
Badges Achievable: Ducklings 1 | Ducklings 2 | Ducklings 3
By completing this Award I have completed the safety, skill and stroke criteria for this stage because:
1. I can jump into the pool and float on my back without aids.
2. I can jump into the pool and swim back to the wall without aids.
3. I can swim comfortably with a noodle on my front and back and with swimming aids.
4. I can maintain an upright position using my hands and legs for 10 seconds (with swimming aids).
5. I can swim unaided on my front and back for at least 4 metres without adult support.
6. I can perform a signal for help.
7. I am safe in the water most of the time.
8. I can blow bubbles slowly under water for at least 5 seconds consistently and without encouragement.
9. I can push off on my front and back in a streamlined shape without aids.
10. I can jump into the water and fully submerge confidently.
11. I can star float on my front and back for 5 seconds without aids.
12. I can pencil float and mushroom float without aids.
13. I can log roll without swimming aids.
14. I can submerge from the wall to the floor.
15. I have completed my Water Skills 1.
16. I have completed the stroke criteria for this stage.
17. I can push, glide and swim front crawl for 6 metres using an alternative leg action and long paddle with swimming aids.
18. I can push, glide and swim backstroke for 6 metres using an alternative leg action with swimming aids.
Badges Achievable: Water Skills 1 | Stage 1 | Rainbow Distance 5 metres
By completing this Award I have completed the safety, skill and stroke criteria for this stage because:
1. I can tread water in an upright position for 10 seconds without floatation equipment and signal for help.
2. I can swim comfortably, confidently and consistently unaided for 12 metres (rope and back - pause allowed) without any adult support.
3. I can fully submerge, and rhythmically take a breath; re-submerge four times.
4. I have completed my Water Safety Award.
5. I can blow bubbles a minimum of three times rhythmically, with my face submerged.
6. I can collect a submerged object from the floor using two different techniques.
7. I can sink, push and glide on my front and back.
8. I can log roll from my back to front and back to front unaided.
9. I can transition from three different floating positions.
10. I can sitting dive.
11. I have completed my Water Skills 2.
12. I can alternate kick on my front for 12 metres with light swimming aids.
13. I can alternate kick on my back for 12 metres with light swimming aids.
14. I can move both feet back, out, round and together for 6 metres.
15. I can wiggle on my front for 6 metres.
16. I can push, glide and swim front crawl for 6 metres using an alternative leg action and attempting arm over recoveries unaided.
17. I can push, glide and swim backstroke for 6 metres using an alternative leg action unaided.
Badges Achievable: Water Safety Award | Water Skills 2 | Stage 2 | Rainbow Distance 10 metres
By completing this Award I have completed the safety, skill and stroke criteria for this stage because:
1. I have completed my Water Safety Award 2.
2. I can kneeling dive.
3. I can head first scull on my back.
4. I can collect a submerged object: from the wall; using a jump; and pushing from the wall to the floor.
5. I can complete an obstacle course (which includes a jump / dive, submersion, floating, treading water).
6. I have completed my Water Skills 3.
7. I can alternate kick on my front for 18 metres with swimming aids.
8. I can alternate kick on my back for 18 metres with swimming aids.
9. I can perform a breastroke kick for 12.5 metres with swimming aids.
10. I can perform a butterfly kick for 6 metres.
11. I can push, glide and swim rhythmic front crawl (with arm over recoveries and breathing to the side) for 12.5 metres.
12. I can push, glide and swim backstroke (using arm over recoveries) for 12.5 metres.
13. I can push, glide and perform breaststroke for 6 metres.
14. I can push, glide and perform dolphin for 6 metres.
Badges Achievable: Water Safety Award 2 | Water Skills 3 | Stage 3 | Rainbow Distance 15 metres
By completing this Award I have completed the safety, skill and stroke criteria for this stage because:
1. I have completed my Personal Survival 1.
2. I use controlled trickle breathing for front crawl and backstroke.
3. I use controlled explosive breathing for breaststroke and butterfly.
4. I can feet first scull on my back.
5. I can attempt a standing dive.
6. I can tread water for 1 minute.
7. I can perform a forward roll from the wall.
8. I can complete an obstacle course (which includes a jump / dive, submersion, floating, treading water).
9. I have completed my Water Skills 4.
10. I can flutter kick on my front for 25 metres with swimming aids.
11. I can flutter kick on my back for 25 metres with swimming aids.
12. I can perform butterfly kick for 12.5 metres with or without swimming aids.
13. I can perform a breastroke kick for 12.5 metres with swimming aids.
14. I can push, glide and swim using rhythmic front crawl for 25 metres (with rolling breathing to the side).
15. I can push, glide and swim backstroke for 25 metres.
16. I can push, glide and perform breaststroke 12.5 metres.
17. I can push, glide and perform butterfly for 6 metres.
Badges Achievable: Water Skills 4 | Stage 3 | Rainbow Distance 25 metres
By completing this Award I have completed the safety, skill and stroke criteria for this stage because:
1. I have completed my Personal Survival Award 2.
2. I can stationary scull.
3. I can scull with a partner.
4. I can swim 25 metres performing different styles of sculling.
5. I can perform a handstand.
6. I can standing dive from a raised wall.
7. I can perform a stationary forward roll.
8. I can complete an obstacle course (which includes a dive, submersion, floating, treading water).
9. I have completed my Water Skills 5.
10. I can flutter kick on my front for 50 metres with swimming aids.
11. I can flutter kick on my back for 50 metres with swimming aids.
12. I can perform butterfly kick for 25 metres with swimming aids
13. I can perform a breastroke kick for 25 metres with swimming aids.
14. I can push, glide and swim using rhythmic front crawl for 50 metres (with rolling breathing to the side) maintaining technical expectations throughout.
15. I can push, glide and swim backstroke for 50 metres maintaining technical expectations throughout.
16. I can push, glide and perform breaststroke 25 metres maintaining technical expectations throughout.
17. I can push, glide and perform butterfly for 12.5 metres.
Badges Achievable: Water Skills 5 | Stage 5 | Rainbow Distance 50 metres
By completing this Award I have completed the safety, skill and stroke criteria for this stage because:
1. I have completed my Water Safety Award 3 with clothes on.
2. I have completed my Rookie Lifeguard Bronze Reward.
3. I can scull with a partner.
4. I can swim 50 metres performing different styles of sculling.
5. I can perform a touch turn for breaststroke and butterfly.
6. I can perform tumble turns with underwater transitions.
7. I can standing dive from a raised wall and perform underwater transitions.
8. I can complete an obstacle course (which includes a dive, submersion, floating, treading water).
9. I have completed my Water Skills 6.
10. I can flutter kick on my front for 100 metres with swimming aids.
11. I can flutter kick on my back for 100 metres with swimming aids.
12. I can perform butterfly kick for 50 metres with swimming aids
13. I can perform a breastroke kick for 50 metres with swimming aids.
14. I can push, glide and swim using rhythmic front crawl for 100 metres (with rolling breathing to the side) maintaining technical expectations throughout.
15. I can push, glide and swim backstroke for 100 metres maintaining technical expectations throughout.
16. I can push, glide and perform breaststroke 50 metres maintaining technical expectations throughout.
17. I can push, glide and perform butterfly for 25 metres maintaining technical expectations throughout.
Badges Achievable: Water Safety Award 3 | Water Skills 6 | Stage 6 | Rainbow Distance 100 metres
By completing this Award I have completed the safety, skill and stroke criteria for this stage because:
1. I have completed my Rookie Lifeguard Silver Reward.
2. I can swim 100 metres performing different styles of sculling.
3. I perform all the correct turns when finishing my lengths.
4. I can standing dive from a raised wall and perform underwater transitions.
5. I can complete an obstacle course (which includes a dive, submersion, floating, treading water).
6. I have completed my Swimming Challenge Bronze Award.
7. I can flutter kick on my front for 200 metres with swimming aids.
8. I can flutter kick on my back for 200 metres with swimming aids.
9. I can perform butterfly kick for 100 metres with swimming aids
10. I can perform a breastroke kick for 100 metres with swimming aids.
11. I can push, glide and swim using rhythmic front crawl for 200 metres (with rolling breathing to the side) maintaining technical expectations throughout.
12. I can push, glide and swim backstroke for 200 metres maintaining technical expectations throughout.
13. I can push, glide and perform breaststroke 100 metres.
14. I can push, glide and perform butterfly for 50 metres.
Badges Achievable: Stage 7 | Rainbow Distance 200 metres | Swimming Challenge Bronze Award

WCSA Learn To Swim Criteria PDF

How to purchase certificate awards

The Learn to Swim Stage 1-7 Awards are divided into progressive stages. They make up the core, national syllabus of learning to swim for primary school aged children.

They are designed to reward your child for their development of the essential aquatic skills they need to be confident, competent and safe in the water.

Swimmers can achieve a number of swimming awards, from Discovery Duckling, Duckling, Stage and Distance awards throughout the term. These rewards can be found on your online portal.

Certificates and badges can be ordered and purchased from our poolside operator during the dates specified at the beginning of the term.

Water Creations Swim Academy, with a deep passion and strong dedication to water safety skills, strives to educate each child water safety while having fun.

Book a class

WCSA Learn to Swim Framework

Our Swimming Framework

Water Safety and Survival

Water Skills

Stroke Development

All about Swim England (formerly ASA) Learn To Swim Pathway

WCSA Learn To Swim Criteria

Parent and Child

Ducklings & Stage 1 Beginners +

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

Stage 7

How to purchase certificate awards

Water Creations Swim Academy, with a deep passion and strong dedication to water safety skills, strives to educate each child water safety while having fun.