Zwemdiplomas

Zwemdiplomas are certificates awarded in the Netherlands upon successful completion of swimming lessons and skill tests. These diplomas aim to ensure that individuals, particularly children, possess essential water safety skills. The most common and widely recognized zwemdiplomas are the A, B, and C diplomas, administered by the National Platform for Swimming Diplomas (Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid).

The Zwemdiploma A is the foundational level, focusing on basic water acclimatization, buoyancy, and the ability to swim a short distance. It signifies that the holder can survive in water for a limited time. Zwemdiploma B builds upon A, introducing more advanced swimming techniques, longer distances, and the ability to enter and exit the water safely. This diploma indicates a greater level of confidence and competence in the water.

Zwemdiploma C is the highest level in the standard Dutch system. It involves more challenging skills, including swimming with clothes, retrieving objects from the water, and demonstrating endurance. This diploma signifies a high level of water safety and swimming proficiency, preparing individuals for a wider range of aquatic activities and potential emergency situations. Obtaining these diplomas is considered an important part of a child's development in the Netherlands, contributing to overall safety and encouraging lifelong engagement with swimming.