What awards are available?

For many years we have operated an incentive-based swimming skills scheme – the STA International Learn to Swim Programme (ILSP) and millions of children worldwide have learned to swim using this system. As part of our commitment to improving the standards of swimming teaching and water safety worldwide we have, after consultation with our members and experts within the industry, developed ILSP, the comprehensive approach to teaching swimming.

International Learn to Swim Programme (ILSP)

The International Learn to Swim Programme aims to provide a complete progressive aquatic pathway for learners of all ages to progress from their first aquatic experiences through to becoming safe proficient swimmers.

The scheme aims to build on knowledge and skill development at each level and reward achievement through a range of exciting awards and certificates.

STARFISH Series

Baby Water Safety

An innovative series of six progressive awards designed to introduce babies to a water adventure where confidence and safety skills are introduced.

STAnley Series

First Steps

An exciting series of seven progressive awards designed to teach learners from 2 years basic swimming and water safety skills.

Octopus Series

An exciting series of 3 progressive awards specifically designed for children aged between 5 to 8 years old.

Goldfish Series

This programme is designed to be the next stage for swimmers who have progressed through either the STAnley First Steps Series or Octopus Series.

Angelfish Series

Prepares swimmers to swim 25m without aid, perform butterfly stroke as well as mastering sculling techniques and entries to the water.

Shark Series

This series educates swimmers in basic water rescue and survival techniques as well as starts and turns for each of the strokes.

Advanced Swimmer Series

Consisting of three levels, this series develops swimming technique, speed, stamina and water polo or synchronised swimming skills.

Platinum Award

The pinnacle of the ILSP, combining survival and rescue skills with advanced swimming skills, water polo and synchronised swimming.

Supporting Awards

STA offer a variety of supporting awards which link into the ILSP at different levels. There are supporting awards in lifesaving, personal survival, diving, and competitive starts and turns to complement a learner’s development through the scheme and provide additional motivation. In addition to the awards there are a vary of stickers which can be used to encourage and reward learners throughout their swimming pathway such as good strokes, well done and generic reward stickers.

Distance Series

A range of 20 awards that reward distance and stamina over distances from 5 metres to 5,000 metres.

Kingfisher Series

Awards that develop diving skills whilst leaners are working towards Goldfish, Angelfish or Shark awards.

Dolphin Series

The Dolphin Series comprises 2 awards covering personal survival skills, recommended for learners who have completed the Shark Series.

Advanced Water Safety Series

These awards provide an introduction to basic rescue and personal survival skills for learners working towards their Advanced Swimmer awards.

Incentive Awards

STA has a range of incentive awards for use within or outside of the International Learn to Swim Programme.

Additional Swimming Programmes

STA offer a variety of supporting awards which link into the ILSP at different levels. There are supporting awards in lifesaving, personal survival, diving, and competitive starts and turns to complement a learner’s development through the scheme and provide additional motivation. In addition to the awards there are a vary of stickers which can be used to encourage and reward learners throughout their swimming pathway such as good strokes, well done and generic reward stickers.

Rockhopper Series

STA recognises the important of swimming and water safety for people with disabilities with the Rockhopper Series.

Emperor Series

Complementing the Rockhopper disabilities awards, the Emperor Series of distance awards develop strength and stamina.

Pool Snorkelling

Introduces anyone from the age of 8 to the skills and techniques required for safe and enjoyable snorkelling in a pool environment.

Seascooter

Introduces skills and techniques required for safe and enjoyable use of the Seascooter range in a pool environment.

Adult Series

Covers basic to advanced water skills for the adult who is eager to learn to swim, improve technique or get fit.

Competitive Starts and Turns

Awards focusing on ensuring that the swimmer is conscious of the safety of performing both competitive starts & turns.

National Curriculum Award

A Key Stage 2 badge and certificate available for schools, with learning outcomes that vary by home county.

Aquatic Helper Certificate

The Aquatic Helper forms an initial steppingstone on to the aquatic pathway, allowing learners to gain insight into swimming teaching by becoming a helper within the swimming lesson environment.

Mermaid and Mono Fin

In total, there are six awards in the digital series, which support swimmers as they progress through the mermaid and mono fin swimming skills.