Water is an integral part of the Dutch landscape. It is therefore imperative for children to learn to swim properly at an early age.  At some swimming schools, children may start at the age of four, whereas at others, only when they are five or six.  Some parents are not concerned at which age their child starts their swimming education, while others prefer their child to learn to swim as early as possible.

Swimming Education Netherlands (ZwemOnderwijsNederland (ZON)) advise pupils to begin when they are four years and six months.   On average children of this age have attended a primary school for a period of six months and are familiar with the concept of being educated in a group. They are also aware that lessons are taught by a teacher, they take physical education classes and are able to cycle etc.  This provides a  solid basis for starting to learn how to swim. However, due to long waiting lists it is not always possible to start learning at this age.

In The Netherlands, children can learn how to swim under the supervision of various  bodies.  For example, via ZON or the National Swimming diploma Committee (Nationale Raad Zwemdiploma’s). All swimming instructors in Holland are required to have recognised professional certificates.  All managers must be in possession of a swimming instructor-certificate recognised by the ministry of Health and Education.

One of the most common questions from parents  is: will my child receive an official certificate?  No organisation has an exclusive  right to issue swimming certificates.  Every swimming organisation in Holland that has recognised, professional swimming instructors is entitled to issue swimming certificates. Swimming certificates issued by ZON are completely recognised. It is, therefore, entirely up to parents to decide which certificate they consider best for their child.

ZON sets the highest standards for the quality of the swimming skills of their  pupils and puts emphasis on the discipline of swimming fully clothed. After all, if a child were to fall into a ditch it is more likely to do so fully clothed than  in swim wear.  Furthermore, children are taught how to help their friends (theme: help your friend).  Swimming instructors of affiliated  organisations meet at exams, appraisals and exchange information in order to maintain and warrant the quality of swimming education in the Netherlands.

ZON has put together a program comprising 3 phases, which at certain swimming pools start at the deep end of the pool.

Phase A: Acquisition of swim strokes

Phase B:  Basic swimming skills

Phase C:  Complete program

A child is only truly swimming safe when all phases have been completed successfully.