Instant answer: what is the Swim ABC and how long does it take?
The Swimming ABC Is the official trajectory of the National Swimming Safety Council (NRZ) with which children learn to swim safely step-by-step. In three diploma levels - A, B and C - they grow from water-free to open-water survival.
- Average lead time at two classes a week: ± 14 months
- Diploma A → anhydrous + basic strokes
- Diploma B → endurance + clothes swimming
- Diploma C → survival skills in deep and open water
✔️ Register now for a free trial lesson and find out which starting level suits you best.
1. Why take the full Swimming ABC?
The Netherlands is full of canals, ponds and the sea. Children with only diploma A are still at risk in open water; diploma C is therefore the real flood protection standard. On top of that:
- Self-confidence - more easily dare to try water sports later.
- Motor development - all four swimming strokes are perfected.
- Continuity - regular swimming lessons maintain fitness and technique.
2. Diploma A - water-free & basic strokes
2.1 Learning objectives
| Section | Requirements | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| 50m breaststroke | Rhythm & breathing | Recreational swimming |
| 25m backstroke | Head still | Orientation to rescuers |
| Looking underwater | Through hoop at 3 m | Allaying fears |
| Jumping from side | Self back to side | Self-reliance |
2.2 Exercises (first 3 months)
- Blowing in water → breath control
- Float and balance exercises with plank
- "Penguin run" in shallow water
✔️ Prefer extra 1-on-1 attention? Check out our private swimming lessons.
3. Diploma B - endurance & clothes swimming
| Extra | Change compared to A |
|---|---|
| 75 m breaststroke + 50 m backstroke | + 50 % distance |
| 30 s of water treading | In "T-position" |
| Swimming with clothes | Shirt, long trousers, sneakers |
| Jump from plank | Swim on immediately |
Teach your child at home to put on and take off clothes in wet conditions: saves time and stress.
4. Diploma C - survival & open-water-skills
- 100 m varied - all 4 strokes
- Underwater orientation - through hole 3 m away
- Floating 15 s in jacket + shoes
- Rotational jump - simulate unexpected launching
Is your son or daughter in a hurry? Then choose a turbo swimming lessons (A to C in ± 9 weeks).
5. How long does each degree really take?
| Lessons | A | B | C | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2× per week | 4-5 months | 4-5 months | 5 months | ± 14 months |
| 1× per week | 7-8 months | 7-8 months | 8-9 months | ± 22 months |
| Turbo | 10 d | 3 wk | 6 wk | ± 9 wk |
✔️ Intermediate acceleration? Turbo swimming lessons shorten the route by ± 40 %.
6. Costs & packages
| Package | Content | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Strippenkaart 10 lessons | Group lesson 45 min | € 125-150 |
| Monthly subscription | 1× p/w lesson | € 60-70 |
| Private 1-on-1 | 30 min session | € 45-55 |
| Turbo A-C | Day course + diploma | € 1.150-1.400 |
* Always consult our current rates.
✔️ Already convinced? Sign up directly for a teaching package.
7. Practice at home for faster progress
- Dry training breaststroke - 5 min/day on the bench.
- Cup game - Wet face step-by-step to prevent water anxiety.
- Diving rings - Under-water orientation in (toddler) pool.
8. Tracking progress
During our swimming lessons for children track your scores in an app for each lesson.
9. Summary & next step
Diploma C is the flood protection standard. With two lessons a week, you'll catch up on average in 14 months the finish line. Private or turbo lessons speed up the process, but cost more.
- Schedule a free trial lesson - instructor determines the starting level.
- View all swimming lesson options in one place.
- Sign up directly for a teaching package and start this season.
Together, we will ensure that your child will soon confident and safe diving into any pool.