Dolphin level represents a key transition toward competitive swimming, where swimmers refine their technique, build endurance and develop race-ready skills. At this stage, swimmers work towards confidently swimming 50m of both freestyle and backstroke with consistent technique, strong kick and efficient body position. They also begin combining their strokes with basic competitive elements such as proper underwater push-offs, finishes and block dives.
Swimmers are introduced to the full breaststroke with correct timing, mastering the sequence of pull, breathe, kick and glide. Focus is placed on efficiency, rhythm and minimising resistance in the water. In addition, swimmers become comfortable diving from the blocks, maintaining a tight streamline on entry and gliding with control to the flags.
Participation in Club Race Days is encouraged at this level to build confidence, experience and a sense of achievement. It is a great opportunity for swimmers to apply their skills in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
To graduate this level, swimmers must demonstrate the following skills:
- Dive from Blocks: Perform a standing dive from the blocks with a streamlined entry, gliding to the flags with body alignment and control.
- Freestyle (50m): Begin with an underwater push-off in a tight streamline, followed by a strong underwater freestyle kick to the flags. Continue swimming with a consistent flutter kick, long controlled overarm strokes and breathing with the ear on the shoulder.
- Backstroke (50m): Swim with straight, continuous arm action, pinky-first entry with no splash, chest elevated, and a strong kick from the hips.
- Breaststroke (35m): Demonstrate correct pull-breathe-kick-glide timing with small sculling arms, a quick breath and no wide or dropped arms beneath the body.