Badges & training levels in our swimming school
Learning to swim means more than just completing a distance.
Many children can swim a certain distance, but true safety in the water means much more. Children need to learn to stay calm when they get tired, to orient themselves in the water, to keep themselves afloat, and to react appropriately even in unfamiliar situations.
That's precisely why our swimming school uses the international swimming levels of the German Swimming Instructors Association (DSLV) as well as the training levels of SUB International. This modern form of swimming instruction combines classic swimming skills with important self-protection and safety competencies.
The badges are internationally recognized and allow children and adults to prove their swimming skills beyond the borders of Germany.
In addition to these international swimming levels, we also offer the German seahorses They can be taken. This way, there is a suitable exam for every learning level and every goal.
Swimming levels at a glance
Otter
Requirements:
- Swim at least 5 meters without swimming aids
- Breathe out into the water
- A jump from the edge of the pool
- Knowledge of the bathing rules
The Otterchen badge is an internal badge of the Otter swimming school and serves as a preliminary stage to the German beginner badge "Seepferdchen" (Seahorse). It is aimed at children who have already learned important swimming basics but have not yet fully met the requirements for the Seahorse badge.
With the Otter Badge, we want to make the children's progress visible and motivate them to continue practicing. The badge is not an official swimming badge, but an internal motivational badge on the way to the Seahorse badge.
seahorse
Requirements:
- Jump from the edge of the pool and swim 25 meters (without swimming goggles) in one swimming style, either on your front or back.
- Retrieving an object from shoulder-deep water using only the hands
- Knowledge of the bathing rules
International Seahorse
Requirements:
- Jump from the edge of the pool and swim 25 meters (without swimming goggles) in one swimming style, either on your front or back.
- Retrieving an object from shoulder-deep water using only the hands
- Fall backwards into the water with your clothes on (simulating an emergency situation) and get to the edge of the pool.
- Knowledge of the bathing rules
International Bronze
Requirements:
- Diving to a depth of approximately 2 meters and retrieving an object.
- Package dive from the starting block or 1-meter springboard. During the package dive, the candidate holds their bent legs while jumping, thus assuming a compact posture reminiscent of a package.
- Jump headfirst from the edge of the pool and swim for 15 minutes, covering at least 200 meters. Of these 200 meters, 150 meters must be swum on your front or back, and 50 meters in the other position.
- Knowledge of the bathing rules
International Silver
Requirements:
- 10m underwater swimming (with push-off from the pool edge)
- Two dives to a depth of approximately 2 meters, each involving the retrieval of one object.
- One jump from a height of 3 meters or two different jumps from a height of 1 meter.
- Jump headfirst from the edge of the pool and swim for 20 minutes, covering at least 400 meters. Of these 400 meters, 300 meters must be swum on your front or back, and 100 meters in the other position.
- Knowledge of the bathing rules
International Gold
Requirements:
- 10 m underwater swimming (without pushing off from the pool edge)
- Three dives to a depth of approximately 2 meters, retrieving one object each time within 3 minutes.
- One jump from a height of 3 meters or two different jumps from a height of 1 meter.
- Jump headfirst from the edge of the pool and swim for 30 minutes, covering at least 800 meters. Of these 800 meters, 650 meters must be swum on your front or back, and 150 meters in the other position.
- 50m backstroke with scissor kick without arm movement or back crawl
- Starting dive and 25m freestyle swimming
- Starting dive and 50m breaststroke in no more than 1:15 minutes
- 50m transport swim (pushing or pulling)
- Knowledge of the bathing rules
Snorkel badge
In addition to the swimming levels of the DSLV (German Swimming Federation), we also offer snorkeling badges according to the standards of SUB International. These badges teach children and young people how to use a mask, snorkel, and fins safely and responsibly.
It's not just about exploring the underwater world, but also about important basics such as underwater orientation, breath control, equipment knowledge and safe behavior in the water.
Snorkeling badges are a great addition to swimming lessons and further promote water awareness, self-confidence and safety in the water.
We will gladly provide further information on the individual badges and requirements upon request.
lifeguard
For advanced swimmers, we also offer lifesaving training from bronze to gold level. Participants learn how to react correctly in emergency situations in the water and how to safely help others.
In addition to good swimming technique, the focus is primarily on self-rescue, rescuing others, correct behavior in water accidents, and basic knowledge of first aid.
The training imparts important skills for greater safety, responsibility and competence in action in the water.
We will gladly provide further information regarding requirements and dates upon request.
FAQs
Do you have questions? We have the answers!
From what age can children participate in swimming lessons?
Our courses start from age 5, depending on the course. We may offer individual lessons for younger children.
Does my child need any prior knowledge?
No. We offer beginner courses for those without prior knowledge as well as courses for children with some swimming experience.
How large are the course groups?
The groups consist of a maximum of 15 children, so that we can teach individually and safely.
How long does a course last?
A course typically comprises 8-10 units, each with 45 minutes of water time.
What should my child bring to the swimming course?
Swimwear
Towel / Bathrobe
Bath slippers
(Optional) Swimming cap
beverage
Do the courses also take place during the holidays?
Yes, except on public holidays.
You will receive more detailed information when you register for the course.
What happens if my child is sick?
Please inform us as soon as possible. Information on make-up options and regulations regarding missed classes can be found in our terms and conditions of participation.
Are the swimming instructors qualified?
Yes. All our trainers have recognized swimming and lifesaving qualifications as well as experience working with children.
Which swimming badges can be earned?
In our swimming school, we test the international swimming levels of the German Swimming Instructors Association (DSLV) as well as the training levels of SUB International.
These badges are internationally recognized and confirm the same basic swimming skills as the German Swimming Federation (DSV) badges. They allow children to demonstrate their swimming abilities beyond the borders of Germany.
Additionally, children can also earn the German Seahorse badge with us.
Furthermore, the DSLV swimming levels place particular emphasis on self-protection and safety in the water.
Is there also a lifeguard training course?
Yes. We offer lifeguard training from bronze to gold level. The training includes both theoretical content and practical exercises in the water.
Is snorkeling training also offered?
Yes, we offer snorkeling training that teaches the safe handling of snorkel, mask and fins as well as basic diving and breathing techniques.
Are there waiting lists?
Yes, for fully booked courses we keep a waiting list and will inform you as soon as a place becomes available.
How do I register my child?
Registration is done online. After registering, you will receive a confirmation with all the important information.
Can parents watch the lessons?
For pedagogical reasons, parental presence is not possible. This allows the children to concentrate better.
A separate arrangement applies to individual lessons.
