The new framework, SwimSingapore presented by OCBC, aims to engage 500,000 participants across the segments over the next five years, build water confidence, promote water safety, and unlock sporting potential  among Singaporeans

Mr Toh Boon Yi (black shirt), Associate Professor Kenneth Goh (red shirt)  and Ms Koh Ching Ching (red top) at the launch of SwimSingapore presented by OCBC earlier today (Photo Credit: OCBC)

Singapore, 5 July 2025 – With six days to go before the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025 dives off the starting block, Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) today unveiled a new national swimming framework, with OCBC as the presenting sponsor. The S$1 million commitment by OCBC will help cover operational costs, such as assessors' fees, certification costs and outreach expenses over the next five years.

The new framework, named “SwimSingapore presented by OCBC”, introduces a comprehensive and structured approach to swimming  education, catering to individuals across all ages and skill levels. This  initiative builds upon SwimSafer, Sport Singapore (SportSG)’s national  water safety programme introduced in 2010 to teach essential swimming  and water survival skills nationwide. The new framework aims to enrol  half a million participants across the various segments over the next five years.

SwimSingapore presented by OCBC serves as a key pillar in SAQ’s vision to  establish Singapore as a world-class aquatics nation where every  Singaporean is a competent swimmer, and possesses fundamental skills  for the various aquatic disciplines – diving, artistic swimming and water  polo.

The launch of SwimSingapore presented by OCBC comes during a  landmark year for aquatics in Singapore. The nation will host major  aquatic events for the first time, including World Aquatics Championships  (11 July – 3 August), World Aquatics Masters Championships (26 July – 22  August) and World Para Swimming Championships (21 – 27 September).  In December, Team Singapore will compete at the 33rd SEA Games in  Thailand. These major events reflect Singapore’s growing presence on the  global aquatics stage and reinforce the importance of nurturing future  generations of aquatic talent.

SwimSingapore presented by OCBC introduces four new segments: SwimStart, SwimFun, SwimFurther, and SwimBetter. It also incorporates  two highly sought-after and existing segments: SwimSafer - a national  programme focused on swimming and water safety for children under 16,  and SwimFaster, a performance-focused coaching programme.

1. SwimStart^New (6 Stages): Build water confidence in infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4 years, while also developing the skills and confidence of parents to safely handle their children in the water.
2. SwimFun^New (3 Stages): Develop independent water confidence in children aged 4 to 6 years.
3. SwimSafer (6 Stages): Reinforce fundamental swimming and survival skills through Singapore's national water safety programme.
4. SwimFurther^New (11 Stages): Distance-based achievements without timing requirements, where it was designed for non-competitive recreational swimmers who wish to pursue their love for swimming.
5. SwimBetter^New (3 Stages): Promote the swimming proficiency of aspiring competitive swimmers with a structured programme focused on improving stroke mechanics and relevant skills that contribute to the demands of high-performance swimming.
6. SwimFaster: Introduce swimmers to the competitive environment through an adapted version of the former Singapore Swimming Proficiency Awards (SSPA), designed to benchmark performance and encourage continued progression.

Note: Details of the segments and their stages can be found in Annex A

The SwimSingapore presented by OCBC framework and its branding elements were unveiled by Mr Toh Boon Yi, SportSG’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Ms Koh Ching Ching, OCBC’s Head of Group Brand and Communications on 5 July 2025 at Heartbeat @ Bedok ActiveSG Swimming Complex.

The SwimSingapore presented by OCBC branding, including logo and mascots, adopts SAQ's typography and colours alongside World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025 elements across all programmes. Each programme features distinct visual elements, with the SwimSafer logo incorporating a wave-shield design symbolising water safety. The Championships’ mascots, Ollie the Otter and Dewey the Dugong, continue its aquatic journey in SwimSingapore, appearing in programme-specific gear such as goggles and safety jackets for SwimSafer, while embodying Singapore's aquatic spirit.

At the launch, members of the public participated in trial swimming classes, which gave them a taste of the SwimStart and SwimFun curriculum. For example, infants could join sessions on water confidence, and parents could learn how to better guide their children. There are also fun game stations that enable younger learners to develop an interest in swimming through play.

Different segments for different swimming proficiencies 

Modelled after international best practices in learn-to-swim and aquatic  development, SwimSingapore presented by OCBC comprises six distinct  segments that offer age-specific and ability-based pathways for learners  at every stage.

Under the new framework, learners begin their aquatic journey through  the participation pathway, progressing through SwimStart, SwimFun  and/or SwimSafer based on their age and competency level. Upon  completion, they can choose between two tracks: the recreational  pathway with SwimFurther, the swimming performance pathway, which  features SwimBetter and SwimFaster. They can also explore existing  development pathways in water polo, diving and artistic swimming.

The curricula for SwimStart and SwimFun were unveiled at the launch  event, while the curricula for SwimFurther, SwimBetter, and SwimFaster will be introduced progressively over the next 12 months. More details of the six segments can be found in Annex A.

This staggered approach enables SAQ to collaborate closely with coaches, clubs, and community partners for a smooth transition and consistent delivery across all levels.

Centralised Assessment Centres

With the launch of the new framework, centralised assessments will be implemented for the stages of SwimSafer. The centralised assessments will be conducted at five locations, four times a week. The locations are ActiveSG Bukit Batok Swimming Complex, Heartbeat @ Bedok ActiveSG Swimming Complex, ActiveSG Jalan Besar Swimming Complex, ActiveSG Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex and ActiveSG Yishun Swimming Complex.

The assessments will be carried out by accredited assessors who possess the necessary expertise and qualifications in aquatic education and safety. Adopting a centralised assessment approach ensures consistency and transparency in evaluating swimming competencies, which helps to foster greater trust and reliability in the assessment process.

For more information on SwimSingapore presented by OCBC, register for SwimSafer assessments, as well as find out more about development pathways in water polo, diving and artistic swimming, visit https://www.sgaquatics.org.sg.

This staggered approach enables SAQ to collaborate closely with coaches, clubs, and community partners for a smooth transition and consistent delivery across all levels.

Centralised Assessment Centres

With the launch of the new framework, centralised assessments will be implemented for the stages of SwimSafer. The centralised assessments will be conducted at five locations, four times a week. The locations are ActiveSG Bukit Batok Swimming Complex, Heartbeat @ Bedok ActiveSG Swimming Complex, ActiveSG Jalan Besar Swimming Complex, ActiveSG Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex and ActiveSG Yishun Swimming Complex.

The assessments will be carried out by accredited assessors who possess the necessary expertise and qualifications in aquatic education and safety. Adopting a centralised assessment approach ensures consistency and transparency in evaluating swimming competencies, which helps to foster greater trust and reliability in the assessment process.

For more information on SwimSingapore presented by OCBC, register for SwimSafer assessments, as well as find out more about development pathways in water polo, diving and artistic swimming, visit https://www.sgaquatics.org.sg.

Statement from Professor Kenneth Goh, President of Singapore Aquatics

“SwimSingapore presented by OCBC is a strategic investment in Singapore’s future, not just our talent pipeline, but in national swimming proficiency, public safety and well-being. We are going upstream to introduce water confidence earlier, reinforce quality standards across the board, and build a national swimming identity that is inclusive, aspirational, and lifelong.

The World Aquatics Championships in July will allow us to showcase the best in global aquatic sports right here on our shores. We hope that witnessing these world-class athletes will ignite a passion in our youth to dream big and pursue their own aquatic journeys. With SwimSingapore presented by OCBC, we are creating a framework that develops essential swimming skills and provides a pathway for aspiring athletes to achieve their dreams and represent Singapore on the international stage.”

Statement from Ms Helen Wong, Group CEO of OCBC

“The sponsorship of Singapore's inaugural national swimming framework is a natural extension of our support for the sport. We have long been associated with it through the OCBC Aquatic Centre at the Singapore Sports Hub. Swimming is an important life skill that everyone should learn – especially in a nation surrounded by water. Swimming transcends recreation; it embodies safety, confidence and community. We commend Singapore Aquatics for crafting an inclusive and comprehensive programme that empowers individuals of all ages to pursue their aspirations and unlock their potential in the water.”

Statement from Mr Toh Boon Yi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Sport Singapore

“SwimSingapore presented by OCBC represents a significant step forward in building an integrated national framework for aquatic skills pathway development. Through Sport Singapore’s support and partnership with Singapore Aquatics, the governing body for aquatic sports, we are creating more opportunities for Singaporeans to embrace swimming as a lifelong sporting pursuit. This initiative aligns participation, safety, and performance pathways – from foundational water confidence to lifelong engagement and competitive excellence – supporting swimmers across all levels and life stages. SwimSingapore presented by OCBC is also a fitting legacy arising from our hosting of the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, demonstrating SAQ and SportSG’s commitment to help Singaporeans Live Better Through Sport."