DUCKLING AWARDS

All 6 components must be passed and may be accumulated over a number of sessions. Buoyancy aids and/or adult support and assistance may be used for awards 1-4.

Grade 1:

• Make a supervised safe entry with adult support

• Kick 2 metres on the back with adult support

• Float on the back with adult support behind the head

• Blow bubbles at the water surface

• Wet the head without submersion

• Travel without assistance 2 metres to a floating object

Grade 2:

• Make a sitting entry with adult support

• Blow an object for a distance of 2 metres

• Using a baby seat or other buoyancy aid, rotate through 180 degrees without assistance

• Move 5 metres along the rail or wall without assistance

• Travel 3 metres using arms and/or legs without assistance

• Submerge the face with confidence

Grade 3:

• Make a supervised jump to an adult with or without support

• Kick 5 metres on the front holding a float (the adult may hold the other end of the float)

• Blow bubbles with the mouth underwater

• Float on front OR back without adult support

• Travel 5 metres on the front to the side of the pool

• Show a torpedo shape on front or back when pushed to a partner

Grade 4:

• Jump unaided, but supervised, into the water

• Submerge completely

• Rotate through 360 degrees either horizontally or vertically

• Show a mushroom OR a star float

• Travel without assistance 10 metres on the front OR back

• Climb out of the water with assistance if required

Grade 5:

• This grade must be achieved without the use of buoyancy aids or adult support and assistance.

• Show the sequence to jump in the water, turn around, swim back to the point of entry and hold the rail or side

• Submerge completely and blow bubbles under the water

• Push and glide achieving a distance of 2 metres on the front or back

• Float on the front or back and regain standing/vertical position

• Swim 5 metres on the front or back using an over water arm recovery

• Exit safely showing correct use of the ladder (or steps if no ladder is available)

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