OCTOPUS SERIES
The Octopus series is an exciting series of 3 progressive awards specifically designed for child aged between 5 to 8 years old.
This enables older children to access the Learn to Swim pathway and develop their confidence, knowledge and skills. We believe the best way to achieve this is to create safe environments in which children can be introduced to the water whilst having fun and by providing a progressive learn to swim programme that is both challenging and rewarding.
On completion of the Octopus series, learners can progress through the Learn to Swim journey and move on to the Goldfish, Angelfish and Shark series. A child’s first learn to swim experience is one of the most important in terms of capturing and retaining their interest.


LEVEL 1
Learning Outcomes
Answer 2 water safety questions
Enter the pool safely, steps, ramp, swivel
Move through the water confidently in different ways – walk, hop, jump, skip, gallop, march
Use a woggle to swim front paddle and back paddle for 5 metres
Push and glide on the front and back
Attempt a simultaneous circle action with legs while on the back for 2 metres, using a woggle or floats
Travel under a woggle waterfall, experiencing water over the head
Return to standing from a star float on the back
Perform a treading water action with legs using a woggle (sea horses), or floats
Exit the pool safely and unassisted

LEVEL 2
Learning Outcomes
Answer 2 water safety questions
Enter the pool safely with a step or jump
Swim 2 metres of front paddle, and 2 metres of back paddle, unaided
Use a woggle to kick across pool while blowing bubbles
Demonstrate front crawl arm action while standing
Demonstrate back crawl arm action while standing
Push and glide on the front with face in the water
Push and glide on the back arms by the side
Rotate from back float to front float, and return back to a back float, using a woggle
Submerge under water and retrieve an object

LEVEL 3
Learning Outcomes
Answer 2 water safety questions
Enter the water with a step or jump entry, turn around and swim back to poolside
Push and glide into either front crawl or breaststroke for 5 metres
Push and glide into back crawl, and swim for 5 metres
Perform a star float on the front or back, and hold for 3 seconds
Perform dolphin leg kick on the front or back for 2 metres
Scull head first, using a woggle
Attempt breaststroke – may use a woggle for support
Tread water for 10 seconds
Swim forward for 2 metres and then roll onto back, swim on the back for 2 metres and roll into a standing position (regaining feet)