Diploma system
The Zwem-ABC Diploma Program: 2025 Edition
In a country known for its extensive canals and open waters, mastering swimming skills is essential. The nationally recognized Zwem-ABC program ensures that learners, especially children, acquire critical swimming and water survival skills—ranging from basic strokes to ice rescue techniques. At Your Personal Swim Coach, we extend this program to adult learners as well.
Progressing through each swimming diploma involves mastering skills in a logical, step-by-step manner, building on previously acquired abilities. The National Platform Zwembaden provides a comprehensive list of requirements for each diploma level, with examinations leading to official Diplomas A, B, and C.
Earning each diploma is a moment of pride and celebration. These diplomas are internationally recognized, come with translations, and never expire.
A-Survival Diploma: Holders are regarded as ‘successful novice swimmers.’
B-Survival Diploma: Recipients are recognized as ‘successful advanced swimmers,’ capable of endurance swimming and assisting in rescues.
C-Survival Diploma: Holders are acknowledged as ‘successful accomplished swimmers,’ fully prepared for diverse water scenarios.
GET AN IMPRESSION!
Get a glimpse of the excitement and pride during our diploma event — where hard work turns into happy faces and well-earned certificates!
WATCH OUR VIDEO
Our customized lessons
We guide students through each level, focusing on the four main strokes and essential safety skills. Intermediate swimmers typically need 5-10 lessons to join the A group, followed by an additional 15-20 lessons to earn their A diploma. Our coaches carefully teach and rehearse all exam requirements to ensure students feel confident and prepared.
Clothing is an essential aspect of the lessons. Sessions often begin with swimmers fully clothed to simulate real-life scenarios, where wet clothing adds resistance, mimicking the challenge of swimming under distress. Proper-soled shoes are emphasized, and goggles are not permitted.
Self-rescue and water safety are emphasized throughout the curriculum, preparing swimmers to handle unexpected water situations. Training at the A, B, and C levels focuses on readiness for real-world emergencies.
Our diploma events, held twice a year in each town, offer a chance to celebrate achievement and build camaraderie. Participants engage in exam-focused swim sessions leading up to the event, ensuring they are fully prepared.
While failure is possible, it is rare, as coaches only nominate students when they are truly ready, with progress tracked online.
This shared journey fosters a sense of community and mutual support, motivating individuals of all ages to push beyond their limits. A nominal participation fee of €11.50 covers administrative costs and adds to the sense of occasion and accomplishment.
FAQ Diploma Swimming
What do I wear at the diploma event?
Each level starts with swimming fully clothed.
During the lessons prior to the event date, your personal swim coach will ask you to bring the right clothing. Bring a plastic bag too to carry it all back home. The rules have been renewed since 2023
- A level: Short-sleeved t-shirt, long trousers and shoes.
- B level: Long-sleeved t-shirt, long trousers and shoes
- C level: Long-sleeved jumper, long trousers, shoes and a jacket.
- Shoes A/B/C: The shoes must be completely closed on the front, sides and back, and should be enclosed on the feet with laces, velcro, a little belt, or elastic. The sole must be sturdy.Our advice: wear the type of shoes that you also wear in your daily life!
What are the costs of the exam?
The diploma exam takes place during a normal lesson. In case this is not your regular lesson, we place based on one make up lesson. If you do not have any, make up lessons left, we send you an invoice for this single lesson. The costs of the diploma event are € 11,50 in addition to a regular lesson fee. This invoice will be sent by our office prior to the event.
The diploma date does not suit me
The diploma dates are planned, check out the dates for the coming months here.
In case this date does not work for you, you are most welcome to pick another date in another pool. The drill is completely the same. If it helps, you book an extra lesson ahead to get familiar with the pool first.
What is the value of this swim diploma?
The diploma dates are planned, check out the dates for the coming months here.
Your Personal Swim Coach follows the ENVOZ Survival diploma program, hence on top of the regular skills there are several exercises regarding survival skills included. The diploma is printed in several languages. Some professions like fly attendant and police officer demand a swim diploma. We have trained several professionals from scratch.
Does my future job demand a swimming diploma?
Several jobs demand a swim diploma. Throughout the years, we had the pleasure to train airline stewards, policemen and marechaussee . The B and C program are a perfect training for those who are in search for the right preparation. The diploma will be handed out ( hard copy) right after the event. It is an official ENVOZ document , acknowledged by the global Institute International Federation of Swimming Teachers Association.
Why should i go for an A diploma?
After all the hard work, it is simply a must to celebrate at one day and by very proud too. By receiving this official document, you can prove that you are capable to deal with certain circumstances as well as swimming all four basic strokes.
Secondly several activities demand a swim diploma ( B) like when you want to join a aqua sport club like waterpolo or triathlon. Also, activities like renting a sailboat of dive equipment, the organization will ask if you obtained a B diploma in the past. Surely, they won’t ask for it to show it, but who want to jeopardize safety issues and mutual trust.
At last , public and private pools and waterparks demands childeren to have a B diploma minimum in order to get in. It goes without saying that this applies for adults too.
Who determines the levels ?
The levels of all diploma’s are determinded by the set standard for international swimming safety.
During the last weeks before the diploma date, the coaches will go through the special skills and clothed parts of the level. The rest of the year will be more about general swim technique.
Can I wear my swimcap and goggles?
The diploma event is a simulation of real life situations, hence no goggles and caps are allowed. Do you wear glasses normally? In that case wear them at the diploma event too.
Still have a question? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our range of swimming classes for adults
Which class suits you best? Select from beginner to advanced swimming lessons. We offer classes suitable at different levels, from classes for beginners to classes for those who want to refine their technique and increase their stamina.
Water introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 1 of 5
No swimming ability? Fear of water? Past lessons unsuccessful or a long time ago? Then it’s time to begin again — from the very start — with a water introduction at ground zero!
Perfect for absolute beginners or those with fear of water.
- Overcome fear of water
- Get comfortable in shallow water
- Learn to float and move freely
- Build basic water confidence
Stroke introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 2 of 5
Comfortable in water, but not yet able to swim the four basic strokes? This level provides the right fit.
Requirements include: completion of the introduction level, or ability to swim back-crawl and backstroke (with froggy leg kick).
For those who are water-confident but don’t yet swim strokes.
- Learn the 4 basic strokes
- Improve breath control
- Build up stamina in shallow water
- Transition from water play to structured swimming
Intermediate
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lessons range: 3 of 5
Participation in this level requires the ability to swim comfortably in shallow water. Discomfort in deep water is acceptable.
Requirements include: knowledge of all four basic strokes.
You can swim in shallow water but still improving technique or confidence.
- Refine technique for all 4 strokes
- Improve efficiency and endurance
- Get more comfortable in deeper water
- Work on swimming longer distances without breaks
Advanced
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 4 of 5
No issues in deep water and able to swim more than 100 meters without exhaustion? This level is the perfect match. The goal: getting fitter and stronger through swimming as a weekly workout.
You swim 100m+ without stopping and want cardio & progress.
- Swim in deep water with full confidence
- Increase swimming stamina and speed
- Improve stroke power and breathing
- Prepare for diploma-event and/or sports-level training
Sports Class
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 5 of 5
Take swimming skills to the next level with the Sport Class! Designed for holders of official swim diplomas or advanced swimmers seeking new challenges — this class delivers focused, high-level training.
For advanced or diploma-level swimmers seeking challenge.
- Train like an athlete
- Learn interval and endurance sets
- Improve race technique and starts
- Build peak swimming fitness
They did It — So you can too!
Just look at all those smiles! — These are just some of the 1000+ swimmers who earned their diploma with us.
Whether they started from scratch, overcame fear, or fine-tuned their strokes, they all reached their goal — and so can you!
Diploma system
The Zwem-ABC Diploma Program: 2025 Edition
In a country known for its extensive canals and open waters, mastering swimming skills is essential. The nationally recognized Zwem-ABC program ensures that learners, especially children, acquire critical swimming and water survival skills—ranging from basic strokes to ice rescue techniques. At Your Personal Swim Coach, we extend this program to adult learners as well.
Progressing through each swimming diploma involves mastering skills in a logical, step-by-step manner, building on previously acquired abilities. The National Platform Zwembaden provides a comprehensive list of requirements for each diploma level, with examinations leading to official Diplomas A, B, and C.
Earning each diploma is a moment of pride and celebration. These diplomas are internationally recognized, come with translations, and never expire.
GET AN IMPRESSION!
Get a glimpse of the excitement and pride during our diploma event — where hard work turns into happy faces and well-earned certificates!
WATCH OUR VIDEO
A-Survival Diploma: Holders are regarded as ‘successful novice swimmers.’
B-Survival Diploma: Recipients are recognized as ‘successful advanced swimmers,’ capable of endurance swimming and assisting in rescues.
C-Survival Diploma: Holders are acknowledged as ‘successful accomplished swimmers,’ fully prepared for diverse water scenarios.
Our customized lessons
We guide students through each level, focusing on the four main strokes and essential safety skills. Intermediate swimmers typically need 5-10 lessons to join the A group, followed by an additional 15-20 lessons to earn their A diploma. Our coaches carefully teach and rehearse all exam requirements to ensure students feel confident and prepared.
Clothing is an essential aspect of the lessons. Sessions often begin with swimmers fully clothed to simulate real-life scenarios, where wet clothing adds resistance, mimicking the challenge of swimming under distress. Proper-soled shoes are emphasized, and goggles are not permitted.
Self-rescue and water safety are emphasized throughout the curriculum, preparing swimmers to handle unexpected water situations. Training at the A, B, and C levels focuses on readiness for real-world emergencies.
Our diploma events, held twice a year in each town, offer a chance to celebrate achievement and build camaraderie. Participants engage in exam-focused swim sessions leading up to the event, ensuring they are fully prepared.
While failure is possible, it is rare, as coaches only nominate students when they are truly ready, with progress tracked online.
This shared journey fosters a sense of community and mutual support, motivating individuals of all ages to push beyond their limits. A nominal participation fee of €11.50 covers administrative costs and adds to the sense of occasion and accomplishment.
FAQ Diploma Swimming
What do I wear at the diploma event?
Each level starts with swimming fully clothed.
During the lessons prior to the event date, your personal swim coach will ask you to bring the right clothing. Bring a plastic bag too to carry it all back home. The rules have been renewed since 2023
- A level: Short-sleeved t-shirt, long trousers and shoes.
- B level: Long-sleeved t-shirt, long trousers and shoes
- C level: Long-sleeved jumper, long trousers, shoes and a jacket.
- Shoes A/B/C: The shoes must be completely closed on the front, sides and back, and should be enclosed on the feet with laces, velcro, a little belt, or elastic. The sole must be sturdy.Our advice: wear the type of shoes that you also wear in your daily life!
What are the costs of the exam?
The diploma exam takes place during a normal lesson. In case this is not your regular lesson, we place based on one make up lesson. If you do not have any, make up lessons left, we send you an invoice for this single lesson. The costs of the diploma event are € 11,50 in addition to a regular lesson fee. This invoice will be sent by our office prior to the event.
The diploma date does not suit me
The diploma dates are planned, check out the dates for the coming months here.
In case this date does not work for you, you are most welcome to pick another date in another pool. The drill is completely the same. If it helps, you book an extra lesson ahead to get familiar with the pool first.
What is the value of this swim diploma?
The diploma dates are planned, check out the dates for the coming months here.
Your Personal Swim Coach follows the ENVOZ Survival diploma program, hence on top of the regular skills there are several exercises regarding survival skills included. The diploma is printed in several languages. Some professions like fly attendant and police officer demand a swim diploma. We have trained several professionals from scratch.
Does my future job demand a swimming diploma?
Several jobs demand a swim diploma. Throughout the years, we had the pleasure to train airline stewards, policemen and marechaussee . The B and C program are a perfect training for those who are in search for the right preparation. The diploma will be handed out ( hard copy) right after the event. It is an official ENVOZ document , acknowledged by the global Institute International Federation of Swimming Teachers Association.
Why should i go for an A diploma?
After all the hard work, it is simply a must to celebrate at one day and by very proud too. By receiving this official document, you can prove that you are capable to deal with certain circumstances as well as swimming all four basic strokes.
Secondly several activities demand a swim diploma ( B) like when you want to join a aqua sport club like waterpolo or triathlon. Also, activities like renting a sailboat of dive equipment, the organization will ask if you obtained a B diploma in the past. Surely, they won’t ask for it to show it, but who want to jeopardize safety issues and mutual trust.
At last , public and private pools and waterparks demands childeren to have a B diploma minimum in order to get in. It goes without saying that this applies for adults too.
Who determines the levels ?
The levels of all diploma’s are determinded by the set standard for international swimming safety.
During the last weeks before the diploma date, the coaches will go through the special skills and clothed parts of the level. The rest of the year will be more about general swim technique.
Can I wear my swimcap and goggles?
The diploma event is a simulation of real life situations, hence no goggles and caps are allowed. Do you wear glasses normally? In that case wear them at the diploma event too.
Still have a question? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our range of
swimming classes
for adults
Which class suits you best? Select from beginner to advanced swimming lessons. We offer classes suitable at different levels, from classes for beginners to classes for those who want to refine their technique and increase their stamina.
Water introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 1 of 5
No swimming ability? Fear of water? Past lessons unsuccessful or a long time ago? Then it’s time to begin again — from the very start — with a water introduction at ground zero!
Perfect for absolute beginners or those with fear of water.
- Overcome fear of water
- Get comfortable in shallow water
- Learn to float and move freely
- Build basic water confidence
Stroke introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 2 of 5
Comfortable in water, but not yet able to swim the four basic strokes? This level provides the right fit.
Requirements include: completion of the introduction level, or ability to swim back-crawl and backstroke (with froggy leg kick).
For those who are water-confident but don’t yet swim strokes.
- Learn the 4 basic strokes
- Improve breath control
- Build up stamina in shallow water
- Transition from water play to structured swimming
Intermediate
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lessons range: 3 of 5
Participation in this level requires the ability to swim comfortably in shallow water. Discomfort in deep water is acceptable.
Requirements include: knowledge of all four basic strokes.
You can swim in shallow water but still improving technique or confidence.
- Refine technique for all 4 strokes
- Improve efficiency and endurance
- Get more comfortable in deeper water
- Work on swimming longer distances without breaks
Advanced
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 4 of 5
No issues in deep water and able to swim more than 100 meters without exhaustion? This level is the perfect match. The goal: getting fitter and stronger through swimming as a weekly workout.
You swim 100m+ without stopping and want cardio & progress.
- Swim in deep water with full confidence
- Increase swimming stamina and speed
- Improve stroke power and breathing
- Prepare for diploma-event and/or sports-level training
Sports Class
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 5 of 5
Take swimming skills to the next level with the Sport Class! Designed for holders of official swim diplomas or advanced swimmers seeking new challenges — this class delivers focused, high-level training.
For advanced or diploma-level swimmers seeking challenge.
- Train like an athlete
- Learn interval and endurance sets
- Improve race technique and starts
- Build peak swimming fitness
They did It — So you can too!
Just look at all those smiles! — These are just some of the 1000+ swimmers who earned their diploma with us.
Whether they started from scratch, overcame fear, or fine-tuned their strokes, they all reached their goal — and so can you!
Diploma system
The Zwem-ABC Diploma Program: 2025 Edition
In a country known for its extensive canals and open waters, mastering swimming skills is essential. The nationally recognized Zwem-ABC program ensures that learners, especially children, acquire critical swimming and water survival skills—ranging from basic strokes to ice rescue techniques. At Your Personal Swim Coach, we extend this program to adult learners as well.
Progressing through each swimming diploma involves mastering skills in a logical, step-by-step manner, building on previously acquired abilities. The National Platform Zwembaden provides a comprehensive list of requirements for each diploma level, with examinations leading to official Diplomas A, B, and C.
Earning each diploma is a moment of pride and celebration. These diplomas are internationally recognized, come with translations, and never expire.
GET AN IMPRESSION!
Get a glimpse of the excitement and pride during our diploma event — where hard work turns into happy faces and well-earned certificates!
WATCH OUR VIDEO
A-Survival Diploma: Holders are regarded as ‘successful novice swimmers.’
B-Survival Diploma: Recipients are recognized as ‘successful advanced swimmers,’ capable of endurance swimming and assisting in rescues.
C-Survival Diploma: Holders are acknowledged as ‘successful accomplished swimmers,’ fully prepared for diverse water scenarios.
Our customized lessons
We guide students through each level, focusing on the four main strokes and essential safety skills. Intermediate swimmers typically need 5-10 lessons to join the A group, followed by an additional 15-20 lessons to earn their A diploma. Our coaches carefully teach and rehearse all exam requirements to ensure students feel confident and prepared.
Clothing is an essential aspect of the lessons. Sessions often begin with swimmers fully clothed to simulate real-life scenarios, where wet clothing adds resistance, mimicking the challenge of swimming under distress. Proper-soled shoes are emphasized, and goggles are not permitted.
Self-rescue and water safety are emphasized throughout the curriculum, preparing swimmers to handle unexpected water situations. Training at the A, B, and C levels focuses on readiness for real-world emergencies.
Our diploma events, held twice a year in each town, offer a chance to celebrate achievement and build camaraderie. Participants engage in exam-focused swim sessions leading up to the event, ensuring they are fully prepared.
While failure is possible, it is rare, as coaches only nominate students when they are truly ready, with progress tracked online.
This shared journey fosters a sense of community and mutual support, motivating individuals of all ages to push beyond their limits. A nominal participation fee of €11.50 covers administrative costs and adds to the sense of occasion and accomplishment.
FAQ Diploma Swimming
What do I wear at the diploma event?
Each level starts with swimming fully clothed.
During the lessons prior to the event date, your personal swim coach will ask you to bring the right clothing. Bring a plastic bag too to carry it all back home. The rules have been renewed since 2023
- A level: Short-sleeved t-shirt, long trousers and shoes.
- B level: Long-sleeved t-shirt, long trousers and shoes
- C level: Long-sleeved jumper, long trousers, shoes and a jacket.
- Shoes A/B/C: The shoes must be completely closed on the front, sides and back, and should be enclosed on the feet with laces, velcro, a little belt, or elastic. The sole must be sturdy.Our advice: wear the type of shoes that you also wear in your daily life!
What are the costs of the exam?
The diploma exam takes place during a normal lesson. In case this is not your regular lesson, we place based on one make up lesson. If you do not have any, make up lessons left, we send you an invoice for this single lesson. The costs of the diploma event are € 11,50 in addition to a regular lesson fee. This invoice will be sent by our office prior to the event.
The diploma date does not suit me
The diploma dates are planned, check out the dates for the coming months here.
In case this date does not work for you, you are most welcome to pick another date in another pool. The drill is completely the same. If it helps, you book an extra lesson ahead to get familiar with the pool first.
What is the value of this swim diploma?
The diploma dates are planned, check out the dates for the coming months here.
Your Personal Swim Coach follows the ENVOZ Survival diploma program, hence on top of the regular skills there are several exercises regarding survival skills included. The diploma is printed in several languages. Some professions like fly attendant and police officer demand a swim diploma. We have trained several professionals from scratch.
Does my future job demand a swimming diploma?
Several jobs demand a swim diploma. Throughout the years, we had the pleasure to train airline stewards, policemen and marechaussee . The B and C program are a perfect training for those who are in search for the right preparation. The diploma will be handed out ( hard copy) right after the event. It is an official ENVOZ document , acknowledged by the global Institute International Federation of Swimming Teachers Association.
Why should i go for an A diploma?
After all the hard work, it is simply a must to celebrate at one day and by very proud too. By receiving this official document, you can prove that you are capable to deal with certain circumstances as well as swimming all four basic strokes.
Secondly several activities demand a swim diploma ( B) like when you want to join a aqua sport club like waterpolo or triathlon. Also, activities like renting a sailboat of dive equipment, the organization will ask if you obtained a B diploma in the past. Surely, they won’t ask for it to show it, but who want to jeopardize safety issues and mutual trust.
At last , public and private pools and waterparks demands childeren to have a B diploma minimum in order to get in. It goes without saying that this applies for adults too.
Who determines the levels ?
The levels of all diploma’s are determinded by the set standard for international swimming safety.
During the last weeks before the diploma date, the coaches will go through the special skills and clothed parts of the level. The rest of the year will be more about general swim technique.
Can I wear my swimcap and goggles?
The diploma event is a simulation of real life situations, hence no goggles and caps are allowed. Do you wear glasses normally? In that case wear them at the diploma event too.
Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our range of swimming classes for adults
Which class suits you best?
Select from beginner to advanced swimming lessons. We offer classes suitable at different levels, from classes for beginners to classes for those who want to refine their technique and increase their stamina.
Water introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 1 of 5
No swimming ability? Fear of water? Past lessons unsuccessful or a long time ago? Then it’s time to begin again — from the very start — with a water introduction at ground zero!
Perfect for absolute beginners or those with fear of water.
- Overcome fear of water
- Get comfortable in shallow water
- Learn to float and move freely
- Build basic water confidence
Stroke introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 2 of 5
Comfortable in water, but not yet able to swim the four basic strokes? This level provides the right fit.
Requirements include: completion of the introduction level, or ability to swim back-crawl and backstroke (with froggy leg kick).
For those who are water-confident but don’t yet swim strokes.
- Learn the 4 basic strokes
- Improve breath control
- Build up stamina in shallow water
- Transition from water play to structured swimming
Intermediate
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lessons range: 3 of 5
Participation in this level requires the ability to swim comfortably in shallow water. Discomfort in deep water is acceptable.
Requirements include: knowledge of all four basic strokes.
You can swim in shallow water but still improving technique or confidence.
- Refine technique for all 4 strokes
- Improve efficiency and endurance
- Get more comfortable in deeper water
- Work on swimming longer distances without breaks
Advanced
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 4 of 5
No issues in deep water and able to swim more than 100 meters without exhaustion? This level is the perfect match. The goal: getting fitter and stronger through swimming as a weekly workout.
You swim 100m+ without stopping and want cardio & progress.
- Swim in deep water with full confidence
- Increase swimming stamina and speed
- Improve stroke power and breathing
- Prepare for diploma-event and/or sports-level training
Sports Class
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 5 of 5
Take swimming skills to the next level with the Sport Class! Designed for holders of official swim diplomas or advanced swimmers seeking new challenges — this class delivers focused, high-level training.
For advanced or diploma-level swimmers seeking challenge.
- Train like an athlete
- Learn interval and endurance sets
- Improve race technique and starts
- Build peak swimming fitness
They did It —
So you can too!
Just look at all those smiles! — These are just some of the 1000+ swimmers who earned their diploma with us.
Whether they started from scratch, overcame fear, or fine-tuned their strokes, they all reached their goal — and so can you!
