Swimming Lessons

Being able to swim is important, the more so in a country like the Netherlands and cities like Amsterdam, where half the area consists of water. Wherever kids play, walk or cycle, the water is always nearby and they should therefore be taught to swim properly at an early age. The Marnix organizes swimming lessons for young and old at set times throughout the week. Everyone following these lessons are being coached towards obtaining the Swimming-ABC. These are the national swimming diploma's A, B and C.

Young children learn how to cope in the water in a playful way. Once they have mastered the basic swimming techniques, they move on to the next group, to be coached for a swimming diploma. Our training follows a systematic plan with an individual approach for each child to move on to the next level. Each child is being motivated to discover his or her own capabilities. For the roster and timetable for children, go the link.

The Marnix not only teaches children, but also adults, who cannot swim properly and may have the need to feel safe in the water. They are most welcome in the Marnix. There are three groups: youth 9+, adults (mixed) and women 16+.

The Swimming-ABC

Since October 1998, everyone, who learns to swim is coached towards obtaining the Swimming-ABC diploma's. When one is in possession of all three diploma's, one is considered to be a "capable and safe swimmer". The Swimming-ABC coaching implies a child-friendly approach, by which, safety is the first priority. Alls skills are learned, needed to enjoy recreational swimming in swimming baths, subtropical pools or in open water. Not the stroke techniques are the most important, but being able to move freely and safely in the water, under all possible circumstances, is what it is all about.

A-swimming lessons

During training for the A-diploma you learn the four basic swimming strokes. The breaststroke, the one arm backstroke, free style and backstroke. Then various exercises are being trained in deep water, such as various ways to enter the water, swimming under water, floating, tread water and swimming, whilst partially clothed.

The priority with the A-course is safety. Right from the first lesson onwards, one is trained in falling and getting up, jumping into the water and climbing out, also with some clothes on. The final test is taken, dressed in shorts, T-shirt and shoes.

B-swimming lessons

The B-course is somewhat similar to the A-course. In addition one learns to dive, turning in the water, swim longer distances (more lanes), tread water for longer periods, swim underneath a raft and sink to the bottom of the pool. The final test is taken, dressed in trousers, a T-shirt with long sleeves and shoes.

C-swimming lessons

The C-course completes the set of three diploma's. For this diploma, one learns to swim still further distances and tread water for longer periods. All the swimming strokes are being rehearsed, you learn to dive to the bottom of the pool and stay longer under water. You also learn what to do when you fall into the water, fully clothed.