Swim England Competitive Start Awards

Safety-focused awards for competitive swimmers

Overview

The Swim England Competitive Start Awards teach swimmers safe racing starts and dives, especially in shallow water (minimum 1.35 m deep), to help prevent serious injuries from improper entries. These awards are a progression from the Learn to Swim Framework (often Stages 8–10) and are mandatory for competitive swimmers under Swim England rules when racing from blocks or poolside in shallow pools.

Competitive Start Award — Advanced techniques, focusing on starts from blocks in shallow water.

Important: All assessments require strict safety protocols — including site risk assessments, correct water depths/freeboard, and qualified assessors (e.g., Swim England Coach with Competitive Starts CPD).

Official information: Swim England Competitive Start Awards

Focuses on shallow water starts from poolside and blocks.

Section 1 – Poolside

Min depth 1.35 m, max freeboard 0.38 m

  1. Track start + 5 m glide
  2. Backstroke start + dolphin leg kick to surface

Section 2 – Starting Block

Min depth 1.35 m; block recommended 0.5 m, max 0.75 m

  1. Shallow dive + 5 m glide
  2. Wind-up start + 5 m glide
  3. Grab start + 5 m glide
  4. Track start + 5 m glide
  5. Backstroke start (from block) + dolphin leg kick