Pool > Lessons > Stages 1-7
Comprised of 7 distinct stages, children go from the use of swimming aids, to being able to confidently swim unaided. The stages are outlined in detail below:
NPTS Stage 1 - TADPOLES
The use of aids is permitted
- Enter the water safely showing a walk in, swivel and jump in entry
- Move forwards, backwards and sideways a distance of 5 metres in each direction
- Scoop the water and wash face, put face in water and blow bubbles rhythmically three times. Show understanding of inhaling and exhaling
- Push and glide from wall on front and back - Stand up
- Travel 5 metres on front
- Travel 5 metres on back
- Working with a partner either a) throw and catch a ball, b) see saw bobbing, submerging under water, c) follow my leader, copy what partner/teacher does
- Demonstrate an understanding of pool rules
- Exit the water safely
NPTS Stage 2 - FROGS
The use of aids is permitted throughout this stage apart from the last item.
- Travel 10 metres on front
- Travel 10 metres on back
- Push and glide, tuck, stretch
- Push and glide, log roll
- Star float, front and back
- Demonstrate an understanding of breathing in and breathing out
- Introduce Breaststroke Leg Action
- Introduce Back Stroke Leg Action
- Introduce Front Crawl Leg Action
- Swim 5 metres on front and back - No Aids
NPTS Stage 3 - STARFISH
Final assessments should be without use of aids.
- Jump in from poolside and submerge (min depth 0.9m)
- Sink, push and glide on front. When surfaced, roll onto back.
- Push & glide on the back. When surfaced, roll onto front
- Travel on the front, tuck to rotate around the horizontal axis to return on the back
- Fully submerge to pick up an object
- Answer correctly 3 questions on the Water Safety Code
- Travel 10 metres on the back attempting all types of leg action
- Travel 10 metres on the front attempting all types of leg action
- Swim 10 metres basic Breaststroke, Backstroke and Front Crawl
NPTS Stage 4 - SEAHORSES
Main Pool
- Demonstrate an understanding of buoyancy
- Perform a tuck float (Mushroom) for 5 seconds
- Perform a sequence of changing shapes (minimum of 3) whilst floating at the surface
- Push & glide from the wall to the pool floor
- Using a float, kick 10 metres Backstroke and Front Crawl. Kick Breaststroke on front and back. Kick 5 metres Butterfly, front and back - no float
- Swim 10 metres Breaststroke, Front Crawl and Backstroke with basic breathing.
- Perform a head first sculling action for 5 metres in a horizontal position
- Travel on the back and roll in one continuous movement onto front
- Travel on the front and roll in one continuous movement onto back
- Introduce treading water practices leading to competency in deep water
NPTS Stage 5 - SEALIONS
- Perform a horizontal stationary scull on the back
- Perform a feet first sculling action for 5 metres whilst horizontal on the back
- Perform a sculling sequence with a partner for 30-45 seconds to include a rotation
- Tread water for 60 seconds
- Perform 3 different shaped jumps into deep water
- Swim 10 metres Backstroke showing effective breathing
- Swim 10 metres Front Crawl showing effective breathing
- Swim 10 metres Breaststroke showing effective
- Swim an undulating dolphin kick on front, side and underwater
- Perform a handstand and hold for a minimum of 3 seconds
- Perform a forward somersault, tucked, in the water
- Demonstrate an action for getting help
NPTS Stage 6 - SHARKS
- Demonstrate an understanding of preparation for exercise
- Sink, push off on side from the wall, glide, kick and rotate into Backstroke.
- Sink, push off on side from the wall, glide, kick and rotate into Front Crawl – 1 hand extended, 1 hand on wall
- Swim 10 metres with clothes on
- Swim 25 metres efficient Front Crawl with correct breathing
- Swim 25 metres efficient Breaststroke with correct breathing
- Swim 25 metres efficient Backstroke with correct breathing
- Swim 10 metres Butterfly with correct breathing
- Perform a ‘shout & signal’ rescue
- Perform a surface dive
NPTS Stage 7 - DOLPHINS
- Swim 50 metres Backstroke
- Swim 50 metres Front Crawl
- Swim 50 metres Breaststroke
- Swim 1 width or half a length of efficient Butterfly with undulation and an over water arm recovery
- Perform a movement sequence of 1 minute duration, in a group of 3 or more, incorporating a number of the following skills: Sculling, Rotation, Floating, Eggbeater
- Perform a dive showing controlled stance, entry and flight
- Swim 100 metres, using a minimum three different strokes
- Tread water using egg beater action for 30 seconds
- Complete an obstacle course (using minimum of 4 objects) with feet off the bottom throughout.