Switching swimming schools in Singapore: records checklist

Separate four different questions

A completed stage and a current class recommendation can both be valid. The certificate records an assessment result at a point in time; the new coach still needs to consider present water confidence, technique, health, communication needs and the actual class available.

Retrieve the official SwimSafer record

SportSG's current SwimSafer information uses different retrieval routes by assessment date:

• For assessments registered on CAMS after 30 June 2025, retrieve the certificate from the CAMS platform.
• For earlier SwimSafer 2.0 assessments, follow the applicable FileSG retrieval instructions on the official page.
• For SwimSafer 1.0 assessments before 25 April 2018, SportSG says a physical certificate was issued rather than a current e-certificate.

SportSG is progressively changing CAMS access to Singpass and says existing records and certificates remain intact during that transition. Follow the current official instructions rather than relying on an old screenshot or login guide. If the record cannot be found, use the support route listed on the official SwimSafer page.

Do not use a certificate as automatic class placement

SportSG says a participant with a swimming background may skip assessment stages after the service provider or instructor assesses capability and advises accordingly. This supports an individual assessment; it does not mean every provider must use the same internal class label or place a learner solely from an old certificate.

Tell the new coach which stage was last passed, when it was completed, what the learner has practised since, and any recent break, fear, injury or change in needs. Ask what the coach observed and why the proposed class, format or stage is suitable.

Bring useful handover information

• Official certificates or result records.
• The last class or stage being practised, clearly labelled as completed or still in progress.
• Recent skills the learner can perform comfortably and independently.
• Skills that still require support, prompting or a shallow area.
• Relevant health, sensory, mobility or communication information.
• The previous timetable, lesson duration and typical group size.
• Any progress notes you are entitled to receive from the outgoing provider.

Do not send account passwords, Singpass credentials or more personal data than the receiving provider needs. Ask how records will be stored, used and corrected.

Check CAMS before the next private assessment

SportSG says all private SwimSafer assessments are managed through CAMS. A registration made by a parent or participant must be validated by the recognised SwimSafer coach tagged to that participant. The official CAMS handbook also says the participant must be tagged to the coach before assessment registration and that only SwimSafer-certified instructors can access CAMS as coaches.

Ask the new provider who will handle the current tagging or validation step, what learner details are needed, and when registration closes. Do not share credentials with a coach or assume a lesson transfer automatically updates an assessment registration.

Resolve old commercial terms separately

An official result or CAMS record does not determine whether an unused lesson is refundable, transferable or expired. Read the outgoing provider's written terms for notice, withdrawal, package validity, missed lessons and credits. Request a written balance showing what has been used and what option, if any, remains.

Before paying the new provider, confirm the total commitment, lesson duration, group size, venue, start date, assessment charges, cancellation terms and whether a trial or placement session creates any package obligation. The lesson-cost comparison guide provides a like-for-like checklist.

Questions to ask the new provider

1. Which official record should I bring?
2. Will you assess current ability before confirming the class?
3. How do you distinguish a completed stage from a stage still in progress?
4. Who is the assigned coach, and how will previous notes be handed over?
5. If another private SwimSafer assessment is planned, who handles CAMS tagging and validation?
6. What are the exact class, package, cancellation and expiry terms?
7. How will you explain a placement that differs from the previous school's label?