Swimming diplomas are important for children because they lay the foundation for safety in and around water. In a watery country like the Netherlands, and especially in a city like Amsterdam with its canals, ditches and ponds, a swimming certificate reduces the risk of accidents. A child with a swimming certificate can swim better if he or she accidentally falls into the water and knows exactly what not to do. In addition, a swimming certificate gives your child more self-confidence, better motor skills and the ability to safely participate in water activities later on, such as swimming in open water or on holiday. For parents, it gives much more peace of mind to know that their child can manage.
Want to know right away how your child can work step by step towards the Zwem-ABC in Amsterdam? Take a look at our swimming lessons for children in Amsterdam.
Why think about a swimming certificate now?
Your child likes to play in the park, along the canals, with friends on a sloop or at a children's party in the swimming pool. In Amsterdam, water is never far away. This is precisely why many parents think about swimming lessons and swimming diplomas early on.
You may be wondering: "Does my child really have to get all the diplomas? Isn't one diploma enough? And from what age is it wise to start?"
In this article, we calmly explain:
- Why swimming diplomas are so important in the Netherlands, and specifically in Amsterdam;
- what the benefits are for safety, but also for your child's development;
- How the official Swim-ABC works;
- What to look out for when choosing swimming lessons, for example at the Mirandabad;
- What you as a parent can do yourself to make your child water-free and safe.
So you can make a choice that suits your child, your schedule and your sense of security. If, after reading, you want to check out your options straight away, take a look at our page on swimming lessons in Amsterdam.
1. Netherlands = waterland - why that swimming certificate is not a luxury
1.1 Water all around us
In the Netherlands, we have:
- thousands of kilometres of ditches, canals and canals;
- many ponds, lakes and recreational lakes;
- beaches and swimming pools in almost every city.
In Amsterdam, these include:
- canals where children cycle or walk past;
- parks with water features;
- boats and sloops where children sometimes sail.
Even if you don't often go to a pool yourself, chances are your child will be playing near water. A moment of inattention can then be enough.
1.2 The difference between "a little bit of swimming" and being truly swim-safe
Many children "can swim a bit" before they get their official diploma. For example, they can swim a few metres without straps, or they float with a board. That is nice, but it is NOT the same as being swimming safely.
A swimming certificate means that your child:
- can swim longer distances;
- can swim in deep water;
- can swim with clothes on;
- know how to stay calm when you panic;
- Know what to do and what not to do when something goes wrong.
Precisely the latter is important. In an emergency situation, a child should have learned to calm down, float on his back and ask for help.
2. The benefits of swimming certificates for your child
2.1 Safety in and around water
The biggest benefit, of course, is safety. A child with a swimming certificate:
- can better save itself if it unexpectedly ends up in the water;
- know not to "climb" on each other in the water;
- understands that jumping into unfamiliar water can be dangerous;
- practised going underwater, going under head, slipping and resurfacing.
Especially in Amsterdam, where children cycle independently to school or sport along water at an early age, this is not a luxury but actually a basic skill.
2.2 Increased self-confidence
Children who learn to swim often quickly notice that they have learned something "great". This gives self-confidence, not only in the water but also outside it.
- They are more likely to dare to come along on school outings to the pool.
- They dare to play in the shower or bath without fear of water in the face.
2.3 Motor development and health
During swimming lessons, your child uses the whole body: arms, legs, torso and even the trunk muscles around the abdomen and back.
Advantages:
- Better motor skills and coordination;
- Stronger muscles, especially in back and shoulders;
- good condition without putting pressure on joints;
- more body awareness: your child learns to feel what the body is doing in the water.
For many children who do not like running or ball sports, swimming is a nice way to still be in motion.
2.4 Participating in activities and holidays
With a swimming certificate, your child can:
- safely to the pool with friends;
- participate in swimming parties;
- on holiday playing in the sea or the hotel pool;
Without a diploma, you are often limited as a parent: you have to stay within arm's length all the time and don't dare let go of your child. With a diploma, supervision remains important, but much more is possible.
3. What about the Swim-ABC?
3.1 Swimming certificate A
Diploma A is the basics. Your child will learn here:
- float on belly and back;
- going underwater and looking underwater;
- several metres of chest crawl and back crawl;
- a piece of breaststroke;
- launch in different ways;
- swim with clothes on (e.g. long trousers and shirt).
After diploma A, your child can manage better in a swimming pool environment. Still, it is not yet fully "swimming-safe", especially in outdoor water.
3.2 Swimming certificate B
Diploma B is a deepening of A. Your child learns:
- swimming longer distances;
- More variations in jumps;
- dealing better with deeper water;
- even more exercise with clothes on.
With diploma B, your child gets closer to the standard that is often considered "sufficiently swimmable" for most situations in the Netherlands.
3.3 Swimming certificate C
Diploma C is often seen as the true "swimming safety" limit, especially for outdoor water. Your child then learns:
- swimming in conditions similar to outdoor water (waves, unexpected situations);
- even longer distances and combinations of strokes;
- rescue skills, such as helping someone without being in danger yourself.
In a city like Amsterdam, with canals and lakes, many parents choose to continue through to C. This gives extra peace of mind when playing outside, boating and holidays by the water.
4. Why a good swimming school in Amsterdam matters
4.1 Construction in small steps
Good swimming lessons build slowly: first water-free, then floating, then strokes. A child who feels safe and knows what to expect learns faster. Therefore, pay attention:
- Aren't the groups too big?
- Is your child getting enough individual attention?
- Is there a step-by-step explanation of what is intended?
Especially with children who have some tension in front of water, a gentle build-up can make the difference between "I don't dare" and "I can do this". For children who need extra attention, private swimming lessons in Amsterdam be a good solution.
4.2 Communication with parents
Especially as a parent in a busy city, you don't always have time to stay by the poolside. That's when clear communication is nice:
- you know exactly what phase your child is in;
- you will be told what is still being worked on;
- you know approximately when your child can swim off.
Transparency gives confidence. Then you don't have to guess whether your child is well on his way to swimming certification. Don't live in Amsterdam itself, but in the neighbourhood? Then our swimming lessons for children in Amstelveen perhaps more convenient in terms of travel time.
5. When do you start swimming lessons?
5.1 Average starting age
Many children in the Netherlands start real swimming lessons somewhere between the ages of 4 and 6. That is also when:
- they can usually listen a bit better;
- they can follow instructions;
- they have enough strength and motor skills to learn the strokes.
In Amsterdam, some parents choose to start a bit earlier, as children are around water a lot from an early age.
5.2 Preparing with parent-child swimming
Before 4, you can already make your child water-free with parent-child lessons or free swimming:
- playing together in the shallows;
- singing songs in the water;
- Practice gently with wet hair and a few drops in the face;
- quietly let them feel what it is like to float (with you as support).
The more positive experiences your child has in the water before the first real swimming lesson, the easier the step to diploma swimming will be.
6. What if your child is afraid of water?
Not every child runs happily into the pool. Fear of water is more common than you think.
6.1 Recognisable signals
- Your child does not want to shower or wash hair.
- It clings to the shallows.
- It does not want to go head-to-head.
- It quickly panics if water gets on its face.
6.2 How swimming lessons can help
A good swimming school takes fear into account:
- Practice in a quiet corner of the bath;
- clear explanations, without pressure;
- small, achievable steps;
- lots of repetition and compliments.
A swimming certificate is especially important for these children: it shows that they can overcome their fears and still feel safe in the water.
6.3 What you as a parent can do
As a parent, there are many things you can do to help your child:
- Don't force your child, but stay consistent: water is part of the Netherlands.
- Keep the atmosphere playful: games, toys, laughing together.
- Set a good example: enter the water calmly yourself.
- Speak positively about swimming lessons: "You learn something new that makes you very strong."
For some children, a quieter, more intensive approach works better. In that case, private swimming lessons in Amsterdam or just starting at a less busy time might be a good idea.
7. How many degrees are enough?
Many parents wonder, "Isn't diploma A just enough?"
7.1 Realistic response
Broadly speaking, you can think of this:
- With diploma A, your child can usually manage in a swimming pool environment.
- With diploma B, your child will become more skilled and build more fitness.
- With diploma C, your child will be swimming safely in many situations, including outdoor water.
In a city like Amsterdam, with plenty of open water, continuing education up to diploma C is a logical choice for many families. But it's still your decision. The important thing is to understand what each diploma means, so that you choose consciously.
8. The role of you as a parent, together towards that swimming certificate
Swimming lessons are a collaboration between child, swimming teacher and parent. You make a difference by:
- bringing your child to class on time;
- to come and watch regularly;
- talking positively about progress at home;
- sometimes practice extra outside the lesson (e.g. together in the leisure pool).
Do you think it is important for your child to learn to swim in small groups with lots of attention? Then ask for a trial lesson on, so your child can experience it quietly first.
Conclusion: a swimming certificate as the basis for growing up safely in Amsterdam
Swimming diplomas are much more than "a piece of paper" that your child gets to hold up at the end of the lesson. They are the basis for safety in a country and a city where water is everywhere. A child with swimming certificates:
- can better manage themselves in and around the water;
- has more confidence and fun in the pool;
- can participate fully in activities with friends, at school and on holidays;
- is better prepared for daily life in a watery city like Amsterdam.
Good swimming lessons, for example in a familiar environment like the Mirandabad, help your child progress step by step towards the Swimming ABC. This way, you give your child a skill that will help them for the rest of their life. If you also want to become more confident in the water, check out our Swimming lessons for adults in Amsterdam.
Next step for your child
Do you want your child to grow up safe and confident in a watery city like Amsterdam? Then choose professional swimming lessons at the Mirandabad. At Zwemclub ABC, we guide your child step by step towards the Zwem-ABC, focusing on safety, fun and personal growth. Schedule a trial lesson via our website and find out which type of lesson suits you best.