Instant overview in 60 seconds
| Diploma | Distances & strokes | Clothing | Other requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 50 m school - 25 m back | Swimsuit/pants | Through hoop at 3 m - jump from side |
| B | 75 m school - 50 m back - 30 s water kicks | Shirt - long trousers - sneakers | Safety jump - orienteering underwater |
| C | 100m varied (breast, back, breast & butterfly) | Shirt - long trousers - jacket - shoes | Rotational jump - 15 s float - hole at 3 m |
✔️ Prefer to know immediately where you stand? Schedule a free trial lesson and receive personalised advice.
Why do the NRZ requirements exist?
The National Swimming Safety Council (NRZ) Ensures national uniformity in swimming diplomas. Every pool issuing diplomas is audited at least once a year. If the pool does not comply, it is not allowed to conduct A, B or C exams until the shortcomings are resolved. This guarantees parents that a swimming lessons programme for children provides the same basic security in Amsterdam as in Groningen.
Audit: what does the NRZ audit?
- Instructor competence (diploma + refresher training)
- Group size ≤ 1 : 8
- Water quality log (chlorine 0.5-1.5 mg/L, pH 6.8-7.6)
- Presence of rescue equipment and AED < 100 m
Diploma A - anhydrous & basic
Main goals
- 50m breaststroke with smooth breathing
- 25m backstroke with head still and toes up
- Looking underwater - through a hoop 3 m away
- Jump from the side and swim back independently
Tips to get A faster
Two lessons a week speed up the course by about 30%. Consider private swimming lessons If your child needs extra attention or little waiting time.
Diploma B - endurance & clothes swimming
Main additional requirements
- 75 m breaststroke and 50 m backstroke without intermission
- 30 seconds of water pedalling with "T" shaped arms
- Clothing swim with shirt, long trousers and sneakers
- Safety jump & underwater orientation
Practising at home? Let your child play in the bath with shirt on: that way clothes in water feel less strange.
Diploma C - survival & open water
Extras for complete water safety
- 100 m varied - school, back, breast and butterfly stroke
- Rotational jump (mimicking unplanned launching)
- Floating 15 s on back with jacket and shoes
- Underwater through hole at 3 m, swimming against light current
In a hurry? With our turbo swimming lessons complete the entire ABC programme in ± 9 weeks.
5 tips to meet requirements faster
- Lesson frequency 2× p/w - accelerates on average 4 months.
- Buoyancy and breathing exercises at home - 5 minutes a day.
- Use a mini-kickboard In bath for leg muscle.
- Private lessons For concentration problems or hydrophobia.
- Turbo track with solid motivation and sufficient swimming fitness.
Summary & next step
All NRZ requirements summarised: A (anhydrous), B (endurance & clothing) and C (survival). Want to know how far along your child is now? Drop us a free trial lesson schedule or register directly for a teaching package.