Kids training program

The 3 levels – Swiss Aquatics Kids training system

The Swiss Aquatics Kids training system consists of three main levels. In the Basic, Advanced, and Specific learning levels, children learn the necessary fundamentals for the four Swiss Aquatics swimming disciplines: swimming, water polo, synchro, and diving. The Kids training system is based on the latest sports pedagogy and swimming technique findings . The learning method used is designed to enable children to learn to swim without pressure and with lots of fun . The training aims to develop early self-rescue skills and thus prevent drowning accidents .

For more detailed information, please visit Swiss Aquatics: KIDS LEARN TO SWIM

Aqualetics and the Swiss Aquatics Kids training system

Aqualetics uses the Swiss Aquatics Kids training system and works closely with the responsible people at Swiss Aquatics.

  • Training level Basic: Aqualetics course level KIDS 1 to 6
  • Advanced training level: Aqualetics course level KIDS 7 to 10

Exceptions:

  • Aqualetics Course Level KIDS 0: This level is not part of the Swiss Aquatics Kids training system. The Swiss Aquatics Kids training system only begins at KIDS 1 level.
  • Aqualetics KIDS Level 2 to 3 course: We've noticed for some time now that a large number of children have to repeat Level 3 multiple times. After discussions with other quality swim schools and the Swiss Swimming Federation, we've determined that this isn't unique to us. The gap between the target exercises from Level 2 to Level 3 is too large.
  • Advanced Level 7 to 10: Aqualetics transfers children from Advanced Level 6 onwards to the Birsfelden Swimming Club. The Birsfelden Swimming Club continues the Swiss Aquatics Kids training system. There is no training gap between the two organizations.
  • Training level Specific: Aqualetics promotes a transition to a Swiss Aquatics club in the areas of swimming, water polo, synchro and diving

Course content and course objectives:

Course content and objectives are generally defined by the Swiss Aquatics Kids training system. These are partially adapted based on the learning environment and the specifications of the Birsfelden swimming pool (e.g., water depth).

Aqualetics Coaches and Swiss Aquatics Training Program:

Aqualetics supports the Aqualetics coaches in keeping their Swiss Aquatics KIDS training courses up to date and in continuously developing their skills in this area. We encourage the active exchange of knowledge.

Kids training system at Aqualetics

Image with textThe Companions – Swiss Aquatics Kids Training System

The children are accompanied through the training system by three swimming friends , Bobby, Tina and Tim .

The Kids Pass and Sport Pass guide children through all levels of the Kids Training System. They demonstrate the different learning stages to children and parents and provide motivation with a badge system.

  • Basic - at Aqualetics

    In the Basic level, the fundamentals of swimming are covered, starting with getting used to the water and continuing with learning the backstroke and crawl strokes. This prepares the child perfectly and seamlessly for the transition to the next level.

  • Advanced - at the Birsfelden Swimming Club

    In the Advanced level, children learn the breaststroke and butterfly strokes, and deepen the swimming skills learned in the Basic level. By the end of this level, children will have mastered all four swimming strokes.

  • Specific - at the Birsfelden Swimming Club

    The Specific level is divided into the four Swiss Aquatics disciplines of swimming, synchronized swimming, water polo, and diving. Children have the opportunity to pursue their athletic career in each discipline. There's also the opportunity to obtain the SLRG youth certification in recreational swimming.

    Aqualetics supports a transition to a Swiss Swimming club in the areas of swimming, water polo, synchro and diving for the Specific level.

  • Try&Play - for all

    After the basic level or during the advanced training, there is the possibility to attend an aquapolysport taster level.

    Aqualetics incorporates this content into the Aqualetics children’s swimming courses.

Course content

KIDS 0 - Water familiarization (approx. 3-5 year olds)...

Prerequisite: None.

Short description of course objectives

  • Water acclimatization
  • Shower without fear
  • Blöterle through mouth and nose (bubble bath)
  • face under water
  • Jump into chest-deep water followed by a Blöterle (incl. support)

The KIDS 0 children's course is not part of the Swiss Swimming training system. This only begins at KIDS 1 level.

KIDS 1 - Water Familiarization (approx. 4-6 year olds)...

Prerequisite: Children can already go under water with their heads without fear.

Short description of course objectives

  • Autonomy: safe entry and exit from the water
  • Breathing and orienting underwater
  • Hovering in a free position for at least five seconds
  • Safe jump into shallow water (with support)

KIDS 2 - Gliding, kicking...

Prerequisite: The children can do all target exercises from KIDS 1.

Short description of course objectives

  • Gliding in a prone and supine position without leg movement for at least five seconds (arm position freely selectable)
  • Alternating leg kicks in prone and supine positions for at least five seconds (arm position freely selectable)
  • Straight jump into the water with arms folded and complete submersion underwater
  • Free jump into the water; surface without touching the bottom and swim back to the edge of the pool independently

KIDS 2 to 3 - Kick, dog swim,...

Prerequisite: The children can do all target exercises from Level 2.

Short description of course objectives

  • 5 m leg kick supine (arms tucked in and in streamline position)
  • 7 m strong leg kick prone position with aid in Streamline
  • 5 m dog swimming with at least 2 breaths
  • 3 cycles back (without style specification)
  • Jump into the deep pool, get up, turn onto your back, and do a 3 m leg kick on your back

Reason for level 2 to 3:

We've noticed for some time now that a large number of children have to repeat Level 3 multiple times. After discussions with other quality swim schools and the Swiss Swimming Federation, we've determined that this isn't unique to us. The gap between the target exercises from Level 2 to Level 3 is too large.

The Aqualetics team has therefore decided to include an intermediate stage.

From Level 2 you move on to Level 2 to 3 and if you pass that you move on to Level 3.

KIDS 3 - Kick, Backstroke...

Prerequisite: The children can do all target exercises from levels 2 to 3.

Short description of course objectives

  • 10 m alternating leg kick in prone and supine position (arms tucked in and in streamline position)
  • 10 m alternating leg kick with rotation from prone to supine position and back, arms at the body
  • Three to four cycles back
  • Jump into the water (stretched or squatting), complete submersion and passive emergence

KIDS 4 - Backstroke, front crawl, roll...

Prerequisite: The children can do all target exercises from Level 3.

Short description of course objectives

  • 10 m backstroke
  • Three cycles of crawl without side breathing
  • Roll forward into the water

KIDS 5 - Backstroke (20m), crawl, dive...

Prerequisite: The children can do all target exercises from Level 4.

Short description of course objectives

  • Six cycles crawl
  • 15 to 20 m backstroke
  • Head dive from a sitting or squatting position

KIDS 6 - 25m backstroke, crawl, starting dive...

Prerequisite: The children can do all target exercises from Level 5.

Short description of course objectives

  • 25 m backstroke with start
  • 15 to 20 m crawl with dive
  • Head dive followed by underwater phase (gliding in streamline position followed by leg kick)

KIDS 7 to 10 ... master all four swimming styles (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, crawl)

For KIDS levels 7 to 10, we at Aqualetics offer the following options:

Transfer to the Birsfelden Swimming Club . You benefit from an annual membership and the opportunity for your child to attend training several times a week at no extra charge – if they wish. The Birsfelden Swimming Club is a family club where swimmers can practice either recreational or competitive swimming. Find out more at www.scbirs.ch or contact us.

Short description of course objectives

KIDS 7

  • 25 m freestyle with starting jump
  • 15 m dolphin movement
  • Six chest-leg kicks with breathing

KIDS 8

  • 25 m backstroke with start
  • Six cycles breast
  • Roll turn crawl and backstroke

KIDS 9

  • 15 m dolphin one-armed
  • 15 m breaststroke
  • Kippwende breaststroke

KIDS 10

  • 15 m dolphin
  • 25 m breaststroke
  • 50 m backstroke with start and roll turn
  • 50 m crawl with starting jump and roll turn

Your benefits

  • Maximum 6 children per coach

  • Entrance fees are included in the course fee

  • Top Coaches

  • Decades of experience

  • Swiss Aquatics Kids Training Program

  • Holistic lesson structure – in the water as well as on land

  • The performance test takes place during each lesson, this reduces the pressure on the child for the last lesson

  • A healthy balance of fun and sporting ambitions

  • Included in the course price

    • Swimming pool entrance
    • Swimming pass
    • 1 badge (medal sticker set or motivational sticker) per course

  • Quality and safety

    A safe learning environment, highly trained Aqualetics coaches and a maximum number of children per course are the foundation for learning progress and smiling children's eyes at Aqualetics.

  • Fun in the water

    Our courses combine fun with athletic ambition. At Aqualetics, your child will experience varied and goal-oriented lessons.

  • Many years of experience

    At Aqualetics, we bring years of experience in swimming and aquasports to every lesson. You and your child benefit from a unique team.

  • Modern course structure

    Aqualetics works with the Swiss Aquatics Kids training system , which is based on the latest sports pedagogical findings.

Comparison of the levels “old system” versus Swiss Aquatics Kids training system

In Switzerland, various training systems are offered for children's swimming lessons. Below, we compare the familiar "old system" with the new Swiss Aquatics Kids training system. This comparison is intended to assist you in choosing a course. Please note that an absolute comparison is not possible.

Cancer/Seahorse : Level 1 – 3

Frog: Level 3 – 5

Penguin: Levels 4 – 6

Squid : Level 6 – 7

Crocodile: Level 7 – 8

Polar Bear: Level 8 – 9

Learn to swim in Basel – modern swimming courses for children at Aqualetics

Learning to swim is one of the most important skills for children – but not every child immediately feels comfortable in the water. Some are wary of deep water, others have had little contact with the element. With Aqualetics ' well-designed swimming courses based on the Swiss Aquatics Kids System, learning to swim becomes a fun and safe experience. Our system adapts to each child's individual abilities – from the first familiarization with the water to perfecting the swimming technique of little water lovers.

The Swiss Aquatics Kids System – Learn to swim systematically

The Swiss Aquatics Kids System is a structured learning program that introduces children to swimming step by step. It takes into account the individual learning pace and supports children according to their abilities.

🔹 Basic: Introduction to getting used to water, playful handling of water and first swimming movements.
🔹 Advanced: Improvement of swimming techniques in breaststroke, backstroke and crawl – with a focus on technique and breathing.
🔹 Specific: Deepening of advanced swimming styles such as butterfly stroke and perfecting the movement sequences.

Since swimming is a technically demanding sport, we focus on correct breathing technique, gliding ability and arm control right from the start so that children learn to swim efficiently and with joy.

Individual support & small groups for the best possible learning success

Every child learns to swim at their own pace—patience and a positive learning environment are crucial. Our swimming courses in Basel are held in small groups :

✅ maximum 6 children per coach

Our experienced coaches accompany each child individually and adapt the training tasks accordingly.

Pressure-free exams are integrated into lessons to provide children with a relaxed and motivating learning experience.