Efficacy of SwimSafer programme

Response to parliamentary question on the efficacy of the SwimSafer assessment component, and how it complements other national swimming programmes.

Question

Mr Mark Chay: To ask the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the SwimSafer assessment is designed, administered and scored in a standard and consistent manner; and (b) how does the SwimSafer programme align with the national swimming development programme.

Response

Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law:

1. The SwimSafer programme teaches students swimming, water survival and life-saving skills to react appropriately to sudden and adverse aquatic situations.  The programme comprises six progressive stages, with each stage comprising 12 hours of lesson time. SwimSafer assessments are conducted at the last session of each stage, where students are required to demonstrate their competence in negotiating situations.
2. SwimSafer instructors have to undergo the SwimSafer Assessor course to qualify as an assessor. SwimSafer assessors are guided by a standard list of criteria when evaluating students. To ensure the integrity of the assessment system, SwimSafer assessors do not evaluate their own students.
3. The SwimSafer programme’s primary objective is drowning prevention.  That said, the fundamental water confidence and swimming skills acquired under the programme can serve as stepping stones for children interested in taking up competitive swimming and other aquatic sport activities. As such, SwimSafer complements the swimming development pathways under the Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) by helping to nurture interest in swimming, as well as participation in water sports.