Preparing Your Child for the SwimSafer Test (2025): Tips from Coaches

Introduction

In Singapore, the SwimSafer Programme is the national water safety syllabus taught in schools and swim schools. It equips every child with essential water survival and swimming skills.

From 2025, the testing format has changed. SwimSafer assessments now follow the Centralised Assessment Model (CAMS), meaning parents and students must adapt to new booking procedures, schedules, and reporting requirements.

At Isplash Swim School, we’ve guided thousands of kids through SwimSafer Stages 1–6, and we’ve already helped families transition smoothly to the new CAMS format as part of our kids swimming lessons. In this guide, we’ll explain what parents need to know — plus share exclusive preparation tips from our coaches to help your child succeed.

Understanding the CAMS SwimSafer Assessment

Previously, SwimSafer tests were arranged by swim coaches and swim schools at flexible timings and approved venues. With the new CAMS format, all assessments are now centralised and standardised by Singapore Aquatics (SAQ).

Here’s what has changed under CAMS:

• 📌 Registration – Parents must register students directly through the CAMS portal.

• 📍 Venues – As of 1 July 2025, there are only five approved swimming complexes:

  • Bukit Batok Swimming Complex

  • Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex

  • Yishun Swimming Complex

  • Jalan Besar Swimming Complex

  • HeartBeat@Bedok Swimming Complex

• 👩‍👦 Profiles – Students’ profiles are created in CAMS, with linked parent and child accounts for bookings.

• 📝 Certification – Successful completion is tracked digitally, with e-certificates issued via the CAMS portal.

👉  At Isplash, we support you by consolidating submissions, providing clear reporting guidelines, and ensuring students are fully ready before test day.

Know the SwimSafer Test Requirements

Each stage has must-see criteria:

• Stage 1–2: Entry & exit, floating, basic strokes, survival techniques.
• Stage 3–4: Endurance swimming, underwater retrieval, rescue skills.
• Stage 5–6 (Bronze/Silver/Gold equivalent): Distance swims, clothed survival, towing, complex rescue drills.

Attend Mock Preparation Lessons at Isplash

One of the best ways to prepare is through mock SwimSafer sessions, which we conduct before every test cycle.

• Kids practise the entire test sequence in the correct order.
• Coaches assess and give specific feedback.
• Parents get updates on whether their child needs improvement in any components.

💡 This is especially important now under CAMS, since slots are fixed — we want to ensure your child enters the test ready and confident, not “just trying.”

Build Consistency, Not Cramming

With CAMS, there are fewer opportunities for last-minute registration changes. That’s why consistent attendance is more important than ever.

At Isplash, we encourage:

• Weekly group lessons for steady progress.
• Holiday Intensive Programmes (6 sessions in 2 weeks) for those preparing for upcoming CAMS assessments.
• Avoiding unnecessary absences since makeup slots are harder to coordinate under the new model.

Practise in Clothing for Survival Drills

All the SwimSafer assessment has components that require participants to swim in clothes. Many kids struggle the first time because of the added weight.

To help, Isplash coaches conduct clothed-swimming practices so students are used to the sensation before the CAMS assessment. This reduces panic and boosts confidence.

Supporting Your Child’s Confidence

With stricter assessment structures, children may feel extra pressure. Parents play a big role:

• Stay encouraging, not pushy.
• Praise effort and progress, not just results.
• Remind them that the test is about safety and learning, not perfection.

At Isplash, we use positive reinforcement and structured coaching to ensure every child feels supported throughout their SwimSafer journey.

Be Prepared for Test Day (CAMS Format)

Under CAMS, parents will receive a reporting time and venue confirmation via the system. To help your child feel ready:

• Arrive early — reporting late may risk disqualification.
• Ensure CAMS registration is completed in advance.
• Pack all essentials: goggles, swim cap, clothing (if required), water, and snacks.

At Isplash, we’ll guide parents on the CAMS procedures step by step, so you’re never left guessing.