Earn Swimming Badges with Steiner Swimming School
From Penguin to All-Round Swimmer!
Why Swimming Badges Make Sense
With us, children not only learn to swim – they also earn official swimming badges according to ÖWR standards.
These badges serve as reliable proof of safe swimming competence under real conditions – far more than just one pool length without a break.
While the early swimmer badge (Penguin) is taught in many courses, our advanced badges are the right choice for safe beach holidays and responsible programs.
Early Swimmer (From Age 5) – The First Step Into Safe Water
The early swimmer – often called “Penguin” – is the entry-level badge for young water enthusiasts.
This is about reinforcing initial swimming movements, building confidence in the water, and playfully learning the basics.
Children who earn the early swimmer badge can keep themselves afloat independently over a short distance and know how to behave safely in and around water. For many, this marks the starting point of a long swimming career.
Exam Requirements:
- 25 m swimming in any stroke
- Jump into the water from the pool edge
- Knowledge of the 5 bathing rules (taught in a child-friendly way)
- Minimum age: Completed 5th year of life
The early swimmer is not a competition but a heartfelt milestone: It rewards courage, initial endurance, and the joy of moving in the water.
Book Exam Appointment
Freestyle Swimmer (From Age 7) – The First Major Milestone
The freestyle swimmer badge is, for many children, the moment when they can feel truly proud of their swimming achievement for the first time. This badge shows: “I can move safely in the water – completely without aids.”
This is not just about endurance, but also about proper behavior in and around water. Children learn how to assess themselves, be considerate of others, and swim with joy and perseverance.
Exam Requirements:
- 15 minutes of continuous swimming in any style – consistent pace and endurance count
- Jump from 1 meter height into the water – start safely and confidently
- Knowledge of the 10 bathing rules – safety comes first
- Minimum age: completed 7th year of life
Anyone who earns the freestyle swimmer badge has laid the foundation for a lifetime of safe swimming – and can confidently take on new challenges.
Book Exam Appointment
Endurance Swimmer (From Age 9) – The Badge for True Water Experts in Training
The endurance swimmer badge is the next step after the freestyle swimmer – and it comes with a solid dose of challenge. Here, it’s not just about stamina but also technical skills underwater and the ability to move in a variety of ways.
With this badge, a child demonstrates that they can not only swim but also dive, jump, and perform under realistic conditions. For many, it’s the entry point to more challenging swimming goals – or later even a requirement for certain professions (e.g., education, police, or rescue organizations).
Exam Requirements:
- 15 minutes of continuous swimming in any style
- 10 m underwater distance diving – calm and powerful
- Deep diving (~2 m) with retrieval of a 2.5 kg object – targeted and controlled
- 50 m backstroke without arm movement – only leg work counts
- Dive: headfirst dive from 1 meter height or any dive from 3 meter height – courage and technique combined
- Knowledge of the 10 swimming safety rules
- Minimum age: completed 9th year of life
The advanced swimmer badge is a true performance test – and the perfect intermediate step on the way to becoming an all-round swimmer.
Book Exam AppointmentAll-Round Swimmer (From 11 Years) – The Big Goal for Young Water Sports Enthusiasts
The all-round swimmer is like the “black belt” among swimming badges for children – it shows that you are truly confident and powerful in all strokes. This is no longer just about basic safety, but about endurance, versatility, and rescue skills.
Children who earn this badge can move confidently in different swimming strokes, work purposefully underwater, and even transport a person safely. This builds self-confidence – and gives parents the assurance that their child is well prepared in the water.
Exam Requirements:
- 200 m in two swimming strokes (100 m breaststroke + 100 m backstroke) – technique and endurance combined
- 100 m any style in max. 2:30 minutes – for speed and strength
- 10 m underwater distance diving – efficient and purposeful
- Deep diving (~2 m) with retrieval of a 2.5 kg object – real water work
- 25 m transport of a person of equal weight – foundation for future rescue techniques
- Self-rescue exercises – knowing how to act correctly in emergency situations
- Knowledge of the 10 swimming safety rules
- Minimum age: completed 11th year of life
The all-round swimmer is not just a badge, but a true quality seal: anyone who has it is ready for more demanding water sports, lifeguard training, and plenty of fun in and around the water.
Book Exam Appointment
What Makes Us Special – Learning to Swim with the Steiner Factor
With us, it’s not just about swimming laps – we want children to develop safety, technique, and joy in the water. Our concept combines decades of experience with modern, child-friendly methods. The result: motivated little swimmers who are proud of their achievements.
That Makes the Difference:
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Small Groups – Big Progress
A maximum of 6–8 children per course ensures that each child receives individual attention. This allows us to focus on strengths and reduce insecurities. -
Fixed Goals & Real Exams
Each badge is officially tested according to the standards of the Austrian Water Rescue – ensuring success remains measurable and motivating. -
Child-Friendly Learning
Playful exercises, clear explanations, and positive reinforcement help overcome fears and keep swimming fun. -
Faster Learning Success Through Intensive Courses
Holiday and compact courses offer the opportunity to make great progress in a short time. -
From the First Strokes to Professional Level
Whether early swimmer, freestyle swimmer, or all-round swimmer – we guide each child step by step. -
Quality with Seal of Approval
Recognized by ARGE ÖWRW and conducted by highly trained instructors who teach not only techniques but also a love for water.