Swimming & the zwemdiploma (very Dutch!)

🏊 How the Zwem-ABC works

• Most Dutch children earn the Zwem-ABC: three national diplomas from the Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid — A (aanleren / learning), B (beter maken / improving) and C (compleet maken / complete). After C, your child meets the national swimming-safety norm.
• The famous twist: at the exam (afzwemmen) children swim in their clothes and shoes! Diploma A is in summer clothing; higher diplomas add long sleeves and trousers. It sounds funny, but it prepares children for a real, unexpected fall into cold water — very relevant in a city of canals. 🤿
• Diplomas open doors at the pool: without one, a child needs armbands and an adult (often just one no-diploma child per grown-up). You usually need at least diploma A to swim on your own, B for pools with slides and waves (attractiebad), and C is the recommended minimum for the sea, a lake or holidays.
• It's a journey — on average 18–28 months for all three — and lessons can have waiting lists, so sign up in good time. School swimming is no longer standard, so most families arrange lessons themselves.