The Beginning of Something Big
Do you remember your first swimming badge? For many, trust in the water begins with a tiny, golden seahorse stitched to their swimsuit. The Seepferdchen badge (or the Seahorse badge) isn’t just a cute patch – it’s a symbol of courage, progress, and the first big step into aquatic confidence.
Parents often ask: When is my child ready to learn to swim? What does it really take to feel safe in the water? And how can we, as a family, enjoy this learning journey together? That journey starts right here – with the Seepferdchen.
What Is the Seepferdchen Badge?
The Seepferdchen is Germany’s first official swimming badge for kids – and a trusted sign that a child has mastered essential skills in the water. It confirms basic swimming ability, comfort underwater, and an understanding of core safety rules.
Typically designed for children around five years old, what truly matters isn’t age – it’s water readiness. The Seepferdchen is the perfect foundation for more advanced swimming – and for a lifelong positive relationship with water.
How the Seepferdchen Works – Requirements & Test
Before your child can proudly earn their Seepferdchen badge, a few essential water skills need to be mastered. But don't worry – with a splash of joy and a spirit of adventure, your little swimmer will conquer the challenge with ease!
Readiness: What Your Child Should Bring
Confidence in the water starts with joyful exploration. If your child loves splashing, can tolerate getting their face wet, and shows some independence in shallow water – that’s a great sign they’re ready.
Being able to follow instructions, stay focused during lessons, and trust their swim instructor or caregiver are also key. The more comfortable they feel, the more fun learning becomes.
The Test: What’s Required
The official Seepferdchen test includes three simple but meaningful tasks:
1. Jump into the water from the edge, then swim 25 meters – front or back – without assistance.
2. Retrieve a small object (like a dive ring) from shoulder-deep water.
3. Name basic water safety rules, like not jumping in near others and always swimming under supervision.
No perfect technique required – it’s all about water awareness, endurance, and showing that your child can manage on their own in the water.
Tip: Many swim schools use story cards or roleplay games to teach the swimming rules in a playful, memorable way.
Why It Matters
The Seepferdchen badge is much more than a feel-good moment. It marks your child’s ability to move confidently and safely in the water – and opens the door to new freedoms and fun.
In many public pools, kids with the Seepferdchen can enter shallow areas without constant supervision. And it’s a strong motivator to pursue further badges – Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Given that only around 40% of children in Germany are considered confident swimmers, early milestones like Seepferdchen are crucial for building lifelong water safety.
Tips for Success: How to Prepare for Seepferdchen
Make Water Familiar – and Fun!
It all starts with joyful splashing, not structure. Regular trips to the pool, playing with floating toys, and exploring water together – that builds confidence without pressure.
Set Realistic Expectations
Not every child passes on the first try – and that’s perfectly okay. The goal is to feel safe, happy, and motivated. A relaxed mindset from parents encourages a relaxed swimmer.
Practice Regularly – Even Outside Swim Class
Even just once a week at the pool can make a difference. Short swims, diving games, floating like a starfish – these playful moments make the skills stick.
Teach Water Rules in a Kid-Friendly Way
Simple sentences work best: “Only swim when someone is watching,” “Don’t jump if someone’s in front of you.” Use picture books or roleplay for fun, effective learning.
Celebrate Every Small Win
The first jump, first few meters, or brave dive – each success is worth cheering. Encouragement goes much further than test pressure.
Checklist: Helping Your Child Earn the Seepferdchen
✓Enroll in a certified swim course
Look for experienced instructors and a child-friendly, playful teaching style. Small groups of max. 6 are ideal.
✓Let them explore the water beforehand
Visit the pool regularly before the course starts – jump, laugh, discover. Familiarity brings confidence.
✓Practice diving & floating
Diving helps control breathing. Floating builds body awareness and balance – key for swimming.
✓Start with short distances
Begin with 5 or 10 meters. Increase slowly. Let your child feel: “I can do this!” – that’s powerful motivation.
✓Go over water rules (with cards or books)
Make the rules tangible. Children learn best through repetition and stories. Roleplay works great too.
✓Plan the test – and celebrate progress!
Choose a test date without pressure. And remember: even if it doesn’t work out – celebrate the progress. That’s what really motivates.
How RESTUBE Helps You Stay Prepared
RESTUBE combines peace of mind with freedom. As a parent, you want to give your child space to grow – and RESTUBE ensures you're ready to support them when needed.
Worn around the waist, this compact safety buoy inflates instantly with a pull. In case of emergency, you can act quickly – without holding your child back from developing independence in the water.
Real-Life Support with RESTUBE
Many parents say RESTUBE helps them take a deep breath and relax. Whether at the beach, lake, or pool, you can let your child explore – knowing you're always ready if something happens. RESTUBE is discreet, comfortable to wear, and there when it counts – turning family time at the water into worry-free fun.
Confident Swimming Starts Here
The Seepferdchen badge is more than just a milestone – it’s the beginning of a lifelong love for water. It empowers kids, reassures parents, and builds the foundation for safety and independence.
With RESTUBE always by your side, you’re not just watching – you’re prepared. Let your child dive into this journey confidently, with you calmly right behind them.
Ready when it counts. Free to enjoy the moment.
Ready when it counts. Free to enjoy the moment.
