Swimsafer Tests: Must-See Criteria Debunked Part 1

Based on the SwimSafer 2.0 Instructor's Manual, the acceptability of certain swimming techniques, which might be considered "mistakes," changes as a swimmer progresses through the stages. The criteria become more specific and stricter in the higher levels.

Stage 1

In this stage, a wide range of movements are acceptable, as the focus is on developing confidence and basic water competency.

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  Front and Back Movement: Swimmers can use any combination of alternating or simultaneous arm and leg movements for both front and back swimming.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Breathing: Any breathing method is acceptable for both front and back movements.

  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Arm Technique: For front movement with alternating arms, the arms do not have to come fully out of the water. The same applies to back movement with alternating arms.

  
  
  
  
  
  

Stage 2

The criteria for swimming skills become slightly more refined.

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  Front Movement: An occasional scissors kick is acceptable. Any rhythmic breathing is also acceptable.

  
  
  
  
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  Back Movement: The face should be above the water most of the time. An occasional scissors kick is acceptable. Similar to Stage 1, alternating arms do not have to come fully out of the water.

  
  
  
  

Stage 3

This stage introduces formal strokes, and while some variations are allowed, the criteria are more specific.

• Front Crawl:

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    Acceptable: Some body roll, some side-to-side motion of the trunk and legs, and occasional head lifts are all acceptable. Legs may be bent at the hips or knees during the downbeat. The power phase of the arm can finish at hip level. A catch-up stroke is acceptable, and hesitation is permitted when turning to the side to breathe.

    
    
    
    

• Backstroke:

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    Acceptable: Ears can be out of the water, and the hips can be bent. Some body roll and some side-to-side motion of the shoulders and hips are allowed. Kicking with legs bent at the knee is acceptable, and feet may break the water surface. The arm recovery can be above water even if the elbows are below the surface. The power phase of the arm can be straight at the elbow. Occasional breath-holding and hesitation at the finish of the arm stroke are also acceptable.

    
    
    
    

• Breaststroke:

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    Acceptable: Knees can be wider than the hips and ankles. An occasional flutter kick is acceptable during the glide position. Hands can sweep beyond the shoulder, but not past the waist. A minimal glide with some forward motion is acceptable.

    
    
    
    

• Survival Backstroke:

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    Acceptable: Hips can be bent, and ears may be out of the water. Knees may break the water surface during recovery. An occasional scissors kick is acceptable.

    
    
    
    

Bronze Stage

The criteria become slightly more stringent, although many variations from Stage 3 are still acceptable.

• Front Crawl:

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    Acceptable: Body roll and occasional side-to-side motion of the trunk and legs are allowed. Moderate splash from the feet is acceptable. A straight-arm recovery is acceptable, and a slight hesitation (catch-up) during breathing is allowed. A slight hesitation is also acceptable when breathing to the side.

    
    
    
    

• Backstroke:

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    Acceptable: Similar to Stage 3, ears can be out of the water, hips may be bent, and some body roll and side-to-side motion are allowed. Occasional bicycling action with the legs is acceptable, as are legs bent at the knee and feet breaking the water surface. Arm recovery with elbows below the surface and a straight arm power phase are acceptable. Occasional breath-holding and hesitation at the finish of the arm stroke are also permitted.

    
    
    
    
    
    

• Breaststroke:

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    Acceptable: Knees may occasionally be wider than hips and ankles. Occasional flutter or scissors kick is acceptable. Legs may be partially bent at the end of the power phase, and an occasional flutter kick is acceptable during the glide. A minimal glide with some forward motion is also permitted.

    
    
    
    

• Sidestroke:

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    Acceptable: The trunk can be up to 30° from the surface with one shoulder breaking the water. The bottom ear may be out of the water with the head raised, and occasional face submersion is acceptable. The hands of both the leading and trailing arms may break the water surface during recovery.

    
    
    
    

Silver Stage

This stage marks a significant increase in stroke proficiency requirements. Several previously acceptable "mistakes" are no longer permitted.

• Front Crawl:

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    Unacceptable: A catch-up stroke and any hesitation when turning to breathe are not allowed.

    
    
    
    
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    Acceptable: The body should be nearly horizontal and streamlined. The document states that alternate side breathing is preferred.

    
    
    
    

• Backstroke:

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    Acceptable: The body should be horizontal to 15° from the surface. A slight hesitation at the finish of the arm stroke is acceptable.

    
    
    
    
    
    

• Breaststroke:

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    Acceptable: The pull-breathe-kick-glide sequence should be performed with rhythmic breathing.

    
    
    
    

• Sidestroke:

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    Acceptable: Occasional face submersion is still acceptable. The stroke requires a scissors kick on one side.

    
    
    
    

Gold Stage

This is the highest stage, and the criteria are the most demanding. The focus is on a high level of technique, efficiency, and endurance.

• Front Crawl:

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    Unacceptable: A catch-up stroke and hesitation when turning to breathe are not allowed.

    
    
    
    

• Backstroke:

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    Unacceptable: The body should have no side-to-side movement, and there should be no hesitation at the finish (no catch-up stroke). This is a stricter requirement than in the Bronze and Silver stages.

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

• Breaststroke:

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    Unacceptable: The stroke must be a continuous movement from the finish into the recovery, and the face and head must submerge during the arm recovery. A flat, horizontal body position during the glide is no longer acceptable; the body must be "nearly horizontal" and "streamlined".

    
    
    
    

• Butterfly:

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    Acceptable: Arms may contact the water during recovery. Hands may enter wider than the shoulders. Arms can be straight at the elbow during the catch action. The arms can be bent at the elbow during recovery and finish, and they may hesitate at the side before recovery.

    
    
    
    

• Survival Backstroke:

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    Acceptable: The body should be nearly horizontal and streamlined during the glide. The arm and leg power phases should begin simultaneously.

    
    
    
    

• Sidestroke:

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    Acceptable: The body should be nearly horizontal and streamlined during the glide, with hips and shoulders aligned. The bottom ear and lower face should be in the water. An extended glide is required after the power phase.