German Swimming Passport: Information and Benefits for Swimmers

Item description: This article provides all information about the German Swimming Pass, how to order it, and the examination contents for the Bronze, Silver, and Gold swimming badges.

Introduction and Advantages

• The German Swimming Pass (DSP) is the official certificate for the three-level performance requirement in swimming: Bronze, Silver, Gold.

• It applies to children, adolescents, and adults and is based on the new German Examination Regulations (DPO) effective January 1, 2020.

• The German Swimming Pass supports standardized swimming training in Germany.

• It is ideal for clubs, swimming schools, and educational institutions for official confirmation and motivation of swimmers.

German Swimming Pass

The German Swimming Pass (DSP) is the official certificate for the three-level performance requirement in swimming: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The German Swimming Pass ensures a uniform description of the requirements and examinations in German swimming training. The German Swimming Pass is aimed at children, adolescents, and adults who are involved in club or school swimming. Clubs, swimming schools, and educational institutions benefit from the standardized certificate, as it offers reliable motivation to their swimmers. Through the German Swimming Pass, clubs also document that the examination regulations (DPO) are implemented from January 1, 2020, and that all parts of the German Examination Regulations are complied with.

The Swimming Pass contains typical fields with blank lines for important information such as the pass holder's name, place, date, number, examiner, and stamp. The results of the swimming examinations are documented there to officially confirm and make traceable the pass holder's achievements.

With the German Swimming Pass, children and adults alike receive official confirmation of their achievements. The examinations are conducted by certified examiners in swimming clubs or by lifeguards in public pools. After passing the examination, the certificate is entered into the Swimming Pass; it serves as proof and certification of the successful swimming badge examination. Parents and adolescents can order the German Swimming Pass from authorized manufacturers, while adults can contact the association shop directly by email. When ordering, the desired quantity can be specified; larger quantities are often available at special conditions. A valid item number and VAT information guarantee a smooth delivery time of a few days. Occasionally, a discount is offered for larger orders, which is particularly attractive for swimming schools and clubs.

Requirements and Validity

• The Swimming Pass includes the German swimming badges Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

• The German swimming badge Bronze confirms basic swimming skills and safe mastery of bathing rules.

• The German swimming badge Silver requires advanced swimming performance, diving skills, and knowledge of bathing rules.

• The German swimming badge Gold requires advanced swimming distances, diving skills, and rescue knowledge.

• The Swimming Pass is generally valid indefinitely.

• Sports teachers must renew swimming badges every 5 years, depending on the federal state.

• The examination regulations are issued by the Federal Association for the Promotion of Swimming Education (BFS).

Swimming Badges and Examinations

• The examinations for the swimming badges can be taken regardless of age.

• Bronze requires a jump from the edge of the pool, swimming 200 m in max. 7 minutes, and knowledge of bathing rules.

• Silver includes swimming 400 m in max. 12 minutes, deep diving with retrieving an object from the depth, 2 jumps (headfirst and feet first), and self-rescue knowledge, where candidates must demonstrate how to help themselves in an emergency.

• Gold requires swimming 1000 m, 100 m breaststroke and backstroke, deep diving, jumps from 3 m height, and assistance in bathing, boat, and ice accidents.

Bronze Swimming Badge

The Bronze swimming badge is the first level of the German swimming badges and is officially called "Deutsches Schwimmabzeichen Bronze" (German Swimming Badge Bronze). It forms the basis for further swimming training. To obtain Bronze, swimmers must perform a jump from the edge of the pool, swim at least 200 meters in a maximum of 7 minutes, and know the basic bathing rules. This badge is suitable for children, adolescents, and adults alike and serves as official proof of swimming ability. The Bronze badge is an important step to gain confidence in the water and strengthen trust in swimming.

Silver Swimming Badge

The Silver swimming badge builds on the requirements of Bronze and is officially called "Deutsches Schwimmabzeichen Silber" (German Swimming Badge Silver). It expands the swimmers' abilities. For the German Swimming Badge Silver, at least 400 meters must be swum in a maximum of 12 minutes. Additionally, two jumps from the edge of the pool are required, one headfirst and one feet first. Furthermore, candidates must dive approximately 2 meters deep twice and retrieve objects from the water surface, as well as swim 10 meters underwater. In addition, knowledge of self-rescue and bathing rules must be demonstrated. The Silver badge is an important level of achievement that prepares swimmers for more demanding swimming sports and situations.

Gold Swimming Badge

The Gold swimming badge demands a variety of skills: The German Swimming Badge Gold is the official designation for the highest swimming badge and includes swimming 1000 m, 100 m breaststroke and backstroke, deep diving, a headfirst jump from a 3 m board, as well as assistance in bathing, boat, and ice accidents. Upon achieving the Gold swimming badge, swimmers receive a special certificate, which serves as official proof of performance.

Uses of the Swimming Pass

The German Swimming Pass is far more than just a certificate – it is a versatile document that plays a central role in all training and swimming sports. For swimmers of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults, the Swimming Pass serves as official proof of obtaining the Bronze, Silver, and Gold swimming badges. It thus documents not only individual swimming achievements but also successful participation in the respective examinations.

In schools and swimming schools, the German Swimming Pass is used to systematically record the progress and successes of swimmers. Teachers and instructors can thus track the development of their students' swimming skills and promote them specifically. In clubs, too, the Swimming Pass is an important tool for certifying members' achievements and increasing motivation for further training.

For adolescents and adults who are professionally involved in swimming or training, the Swimming Pass is a recognized proof of their qualification. It can be presented during applications, as proof for employers, or when registering for advanced courses and training. Especially in the context of certifying swimming achievements, the Swimming Pass is an indispensable document that confirms compliance with the current examination regulations and the fulfillment of the required performance criteria.

Last but not least, the German Swimming Pass also offers valuable guidance for parents and guardians: They receive a transparent overview of their children's swimming abilities and can track their development in swimming. Thus, the Swimming Pass becomes an important companion on the way to more safety and skill in the water.

Thanks to the versatile uses of the German Swimming Pass, swimmers, schools, clubs, and professionals benefit equally. It stands for quality, transparency, and the official recognition of swimming achievements in Germany.

Acquiring and Ordering a Swimming Pass

• You can order the official German Swimming Pass from the BFS in our shop.

• Depending on the achievement level, the Swimming Pass has a specific color, such as green, which indicates the swimmer's progress.

• Swimming badges in Bronze, Silver, and Gold are taken at local swimming clubs or by lifeguards.

• Only after passing the examination do swimmers receive the swimming badge in the Swimming Pass or as a certificate.

• Schools, clubs, and public institutions can order the German Swimming Pass (DSP).

Further information and ordering options can be found on our website pimpertz.de. There we also offer a selection of other articles related to swimming and swimming training.