Diploma system

The Zwem-ABC Diploma Program 2024 Edition

In a country distinguished by its extensive network of canals and open water, mastering swimming skills is imperative. The nationally recognized Zwem-ABC program ensures children acquire vital swimming and water survival abilities, encompassing everything from basic strokes to ice rescue techniques. Your Personal Swim Coach extends this same program to adult learners.

Progressing through each swimming diploma entails mastering skills in a logical and sequential manner, building upon previously acquired abilities. The organization ‘National Platform Zwembaden’ provides a detailed list of requirements for each diploma level, with examinations leading to official Diplomas A, B, and C.

Attaining each diploma is a celebratory occasion, evoking feelings of pride and accomplishment. The diplomas are internationally recognized, translation provided, and never expire. Many B-level swimmers transition seamlessly into the C group to further develop distance swimming and flexibility.

A-survival diploma holders are deemed ‘successful novice swimmers,’ while B-survival diploma recipients are recognized as ‘successful advanced swimmers’ capable of endurance and aiding in rescues. C-survival diploma holders are acknowledged as ‘successful accomplished swimmers,’ fully prepared for diverse water scenarios.

Our tailored lessons guide students through each level, focusing on the four main strokes and safety skills. On average, intermediate swimmers require 5-10 lessons to advance to the A group, followed by 15-20 additional lessons to obtain their A diploma. Our coaches diligently teach and practice exam requirements to ensure students feel confident and prepared.

Clothing is an integral component of swimming lessons, with sessions often commencing fully clothed to simulate real-life scenarios. Wet clothing adds resistance, mimicking the challenge of swimming in distress. Proper-soled shoes are emphasized to complete the experience and a goggle is not allowed.

Self-rescue and water safety are prioritized throughout the curriculum, equipping swimmers with essential skills to navigate unexpected water scenarios. A, B, and C-level training emphasizes preparedness for unforeseen circumstances.

Our diploma events, held twice yearly in each town, offer a culmination of achievement and camaraderie. Participants are fully immersed in exam-focused swim sessions leading up to the event, ensuring readiness for success. While the possibility of failure exists, it’s rare as coaches only nominate students when they’re truly prepared, with progress tracked online.

The shared journey fosters camaraderie and peer support, inspiring individuals of all ages to push beyond their limits. The nominal participation fee of €11.50 covers administrative costs and adds to the sense of occasion and achievement.

swim diplomas
swim diplomas

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.

My future job demands an swim 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 determinded 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 reallife situations, hence no goggles and caps allows. Do you wear glasses, wear them here too.

 

Still have a question? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Our Learning Process

Swimmers at any level are welcome to get started. In order to find the best matching level, we divide our swimmers into three levels Beginners, Stroke Improvers, and Advanced swimmers.

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Your Personal Swim Coach will help you become a more confident you, a stronger, fitter and healthier you, a happier, care-free you and ensure your success in learning to enjoy and feel safe in and around water!

Water Introduction

If you cannot swim at all and are fearful and/or challenged in water generally.

You took classes before and failed or it has been a very long time ago.

Stroke Introduction

You are comfortable in shallow water but are not able yet to perform all 4 basic strokes.

This level requires you to have passed the introduction program, or you are able to perform a swim a backcrawl, and a single backstroke (froggy leg).

Intermediate

You can swim comfortably in shallow water, however, deep water gives you discomfort.

This level requires you to know all the 4 basic strokes and you have had swim lessons before.

Advanced

You have no issues in deep water and are able to swim more than one lane without breaking.

These groups work on improving their swimming skills and stamina and follow the program for Diplomas A, B, and C.

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