As an incentive based swimming skills scheme - The STA International Learn to Swim Programme (ILSP), Water Lilies Swimming School and millions of children worldwide have learned to swim using this system.
The STARFISH Awards are suitable for introducing babies and toddlers from as young as two months up to two years to swimming in a safe and supportive environment.
The series is undertaken in shallow water with the guardian in the water holding and supporting the baby.
The STAnley - First Steps Series offers a progressive aquatic awareness programme for young children from 2 years to 5 years by combining a flexible mix of lessons, activities and incentives building on the foundations of the Starfish Series.
This series is designed for those who start to learn to swim at primary school, i.e. the rising 5's to 8 years old group.
Pupils progress through four levels - Octopus, Goldfish, Angelfish and Shark and within each of these levels there are three awards.
At Level 5 pupils have the choice of two ladders taking them towards a Gold Award or they may join a specialist swimming club.
Alternatively, they may wish to progress up both ladders at the same time. The two ladders are:
The Advanced Swimmer Series consisting of three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold; each award has a badge and certificate. This series develops swimming technique, speed, stamina and water polo or synchronised swimming skills.
The Water Safety Skills Series also comprising three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold; with badges and certificates. This series develops survival and rescue skills.
Pupils who have achieved both Level 7 Awards - Gold Advanced Swimmer and Gold Water Safety Skills may progress to the Ultimate STA Award, the Platinum Award.
Level 8 - the Platinum Award is the pinnacle of the ILSP scheme combining survival and rescue skills with advanced swimming skills and the option of either water polo or synchronised swimming.