The Seahorse swimming badge: The first step to swimming

Seepferdchen Swimming Badge

The Seepferdchen swimming badge (early swimmer's badge) is the first step towards safe swimming and an important milestone in swimming education for every child. By acquiring this badge, early swimmers document their progress, which includes proof of swimming 25m, a head-first dive from the edge of the pool, and retrieving an object with their hands from shoulder-deep water. Children thus gain initial knowledge of pool rules and self-rescue behavior before moving on to the German swimming badges Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Introduction to the Seepferdchen

• Seepferdchen makes swimming fun for children and promotes water safety.

• Requirements for the Seepferdchen test: 25m in front or back position, a head-first dive from the edge of the pool, and retrieving an object.

• Upon passing the test, they receive the early swimmer's badge certificate and badge.

In addition, certificates are issued as recognition for passing the test, which increases children's motivation to achieve further swimming badges.

Through this step, young swimmers lay the foundation – in swimming lessons and at home – for all further tests up to the German Gold swimming badge.

The different swimming badges

In the German system, there are a total of four official swimming badges:

1. Seepferdchen swimming badge

   

2. German Bronze swimming badge

   

3. German Silver swimming badge

   

4. German Gold swimming badge

   

In addition, there are special forms and motif badges such as youth swimming badges, pirate swimming badges, hour swimmer badges, skull – 1½ hour badges or Trixi swimming badges – we cover these and more in special articles and product lists on our Pimpertz Website.

Brief overview of the four levels

In the world of swimming badges, it all starts with the Seepferdchen. Here, beginner swimmers must swim 25 meters, retrieve an object from shoulder-deep water, and know the pool rules. It is the first major success on the way to becoming a safe and competent swimmer.

The Bronze badge requires swimming 200 meters in 15 minutes, retrieving an object from a depth of 2 meters, and mastering the pool rules.

For the Silver badge, 400 meters must be swum in a maximum of 25 minutes, and two objects must be retrieved from the deep.

Gold swimming badge: For the Gold badge, the requirements are the highest; in addition to mastering the distance, it also demands technical skills that make the test taker a true water safety icon.

These levels form the basis of the training – from water familiarization to rescue capability.

Remember: Note all test achievements in the swimming pass and mark each progress.

The importance of swimming badges

Swimming badges play a central role in swimming education in Germany. They are not only visible proof of learned swimming skills but also mark important developmental steps on the way to becoming a safe swimmer. Each badge – from Seepferdchen to Bronze, Silver, and Gold – stands for specific requirements and conveys knowledge that significantly increases water safety. For children, the swimming badges are a motivating incentive to constantly improve and master new challenges. Adults also benefit from acquiring swimming badges, as they can refresh and expand their swimming knowledge. The structured setup of swimming education with the levels Bronze, Silver & Gold ensures that all age groups can develop their skills and learn safe behavior in the water. Thus, swimming badges contribute significantly to reducing the risk of bathing accidents and strengthening confidence in one's own abilities.

Requirements for the Seepferdchen, Bronze, Silver, and Gold swimming badges

Before children can obtain the Seepferdchen in their swimming course, they must meet certain requirements. These requirements serve to ensure safety in the water and the progressive acquisition of knowledge and skills.

• Head-first jump from the edge of the pool to test courage and technique.

• 25m swimming in front or back position (rough form).

• Retrieving an object with hands from shoulder-deep water.

• Knowledge of pool rules and self-rescue behavior.

Upon passing the Seepferdchen, they receive the early swimmer's badge and proof in the form of a certificate. Afterwards, the child can move on to the German Bronze badge.

German Bronze Swimming Badge

The German Bronze Badge requires the following test performances:

• 200m swimming, including twice approx. 2m long-distance diving

• Deep diving (approx. 2 m) with retrieval of an object

• Knowledge of bathing rules and knowledge of bathing, boat, and ice accidents

• Pushing off from the edge of the pool

• A head-first jump from the edge of the pool with a rough front or back position

After fulfilling these test requirements, the child receives the Bronze certificate and an entry in the swimming pass. Adults can also take this test.

Bronze Swimming Badge

As an entry into the expert level, the Bronze Badge symbolizes the transition from beginner level to rule-compliant swimming. The combination of 200m swimming, pushing off from the edge of the pool, and long-distance diving promotes endurance and technique.

German Silver Swimming Badge

For the German Silver Badge, these requirements are provided:

• 400m swimming in different styles

• 50m long-distance diving (three times approx. 2m)

• Body position change between front and back position (at least three changes)

• Knowledge of bathing rules and behavior for self-rescue

• A jump from the edge of the pool and various jumps from 1m height or two different jumps from the 1m board

The test performances document endurance and safe handling underwater. After passing, one receives a certificate and badge for the swimming pass.

Silver Swimming Badge

Silver builds on Bronze and tests, in addition to endurance, coordinative skills such as changing body position, long-distance diving, and jumping.

German Gold Swimming Badge

The challenging German Gold Badge includes:

• 800m swimming of free choice

• Long-distance diving

• Rescuing a swimmer

• Pushing off from the edge of the pool and head-first jump from the edge of the pool

• Knowledge of pool rules and self-rescue behavior

Gold stands for the highest technical and physical achievements in training.

Gold Swimming Badge

The Gold Badge is the highest qualification in German swimming education. It confirms 800m endurance, rescue knowledge, and condition.

The path to the Seepferdchen badge

The path to the Seepferdchen badge starts with:

1. Water familiarization – developing the courage to jump from the edge of the pool.

2. Learning to swim 25m in front or back position.

3. Retrieving an object from shoulder-deep water.

4. Receiving the certificate and patch for the swimsuit.

The patch serves as a visible sign of success and motivates children to acquire further swimming badges.

These points form the foundation for participation in swimming lessons and the later acquisition of higher badges.

The advantages of swimming badges

Acquiring swimming badges offers numerous advantages – for children as well as for adults. They not only promote water safety but also help to specifically improve one's swimming skills. With each new badge, self-confidence grows, as test-takers receive official confirmation of their achievement. Especially for children, achieving a swimming badge is a great success that motivates them to continue working on their swimming. Adults can refresh their knowledge and set new goals through swimming badges. Furthermore, swimming badges often serve as a prerequisite for advanced swimming courses or special qualifications, such as lifeguard training. Overall, swimming badges make an important contribution to water safety and make the path to becoming a safe swimmer understandable and tangible for all age groups.

The different levels of swimming badges

In swimming education, there are four levels to choose from:

• Seepferdchen (Beginner)

• Bronze (Intermediate)

• Silver (Ambitious)

• Gold (Professionals)

  

Through increasing expectations and test achievements, test-takers gain endurance and rescue competence, which further increases the fun of swimming.

The Future of Swimming Badges

The future of badges looks innovative: digital proofs, extended programs for adults, and special early swimmer badges for the very youngest. Thanks to modern swimming education, every child and adult can work towards the next level in Bronze, Silver, and Gold – with fun and motivation.

With the acquisition of swimming badges, children, early swimmers, youth swimming badge participants, and adults embark on an exciting journey in the water that guides them safely through their swimming education.

Conveniently buy swimming badges online

On our website pimpertz.de, you will find a large selection of high-quality swimming badges for all levels – from Seepferdchen to the German Gold Swimming Badge. Order easily and securely online and equip your child with the appropriate badges that visualize progress in swimming. Take the next step on the path to becoming a safe swimmer and motivate them to continue with our attractive patches, stickers, iron-ons, and certificates!

A few facts on the side

The Seepferdchen is not proof of safe swimming.

The Seepferdchen is not proof of safe jumping from a height of 3 m.

After acquiring the Seepferdchen, children must still be closely supervised.

Since January 1, 2020, there is no longer a distinction between youth swimming badges and swimming badges.

The German Life Saving Society (DLRG) emphasizes that the Seepferdchen alone does not indicate a safe swimmer.

It is a common misconception that children who have the Seepferdchen can already swim safely.

With the Seepferdchen, children can move in the water unsupervised, but under supervision.

With the Seepferdchen, one is not considered a safe swimmer; the Bronze badge is required for that.

The cost of taking a swimming badge test usually ranges from 3 to 8 euros, depending on the swimming pool.

The requirements for individual swimming badges have increased since January 1, 2020.

After acquiring the Gold badge, there is no further swimming badge in the German swimming pass.

From the age of 10, children can also learn the Junior Lifeguard in addition to the Gold badge.

The DLRG and many swimming clubs or public pools offer swimming courses.

Regular practice increases swimming safety and promotes health and self-confidence.

Families can work with swimming instructors to encourage their children's athletic ambition.

When learning to swim, it is important that fun is prioritized.

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