Swimming in Singapore

The time it takes to learn how to swim varies greatly depending on several factors, including individual abilities, comfort in the water, previous experience, and the level of proficiency one aims to achieve. Here are some general considerations:

1. **Comfort in the Water**: Some individuals may feel comfortable in the water from the start, while others may have fear or anxiety about being in the water. Overcoming fear and becoming comfortable in the water is an essential first step in learning to swim.

2. **Age**: Age can play a role in learning to swim. Children often learn more quickly due to their adaptability and lack of fear, whereas adults may take longer to overcome any apprehensions and develop new skills.

3. **Frequency and Consistency**: Regular practice is key to learning any new skill, including swimming. Consistent practice, preferably with qualified instructors, can help reinforce proper techniques and build confidence in the water.

4. **Instruction**: The quality of instruction can significantly impact learning time. Working with experienced swimming instructors who provide personalized feedback and guidance can accelerate the learning process.

5. **Goals**: The time it takes to learn to swim can vary depending on one's goals. For example, someone who wants to learn basic water safety and survival skills may achieve proficiency more quickly than someone training for competitive swimming or advanced strokes.

6. **Physical Fitness and Coordination**: Physical fitness and coordination can affect how quickly someone learns to swim. Stronger swimmers with good coordination may progress more rapidly than those who need to develop these skills.

Generally, individuals can expect to learn basic swimming skills, such as floating, kicking, and basic strokes (e.g., freestyle, backstroke) within several weeks to a few months with consistent practice and instruction. However, achieving advanced swimming skills or mastering specific strokes may take longer, potentially several months to years of dedicated practice.

Singapore has several swimming complexes located across the island. These complexes offer various facilities such as lap pools, training pools, leisure pools, and water play areas. The cost is also quite affordable at $1.30 for an adult and $0.60 for a children during the weekend. Here is a list of some of the swimming complexes in Singapore and their locations:

1. **Singapore Sports Hub**: 1 Stadium Drive, Singapore 397629

2. **Jurong West Swimming Complex**: 20 Jurong West Street 93, Singapore 648965

3. **Jurong East Swimming Complex**: 21 Jurong East Street 31, Singapore 609517

4. **Yishun Swimming Complex**: 351 Yishun Avenue 3, Singapore 769675

5. **Woodlands Swimming Complex**: 3 Woodlands Street 13, Singapore 738600

6. **Bukit Batok Swimming Complex**: 2 Bukit Batok Street 22, Singapore 659581

7. **Bukit Panjang Swimming Complex**: 1 Jelebu Road, Singapore 677740

8. **Queenstown Swimming Complex**: 473 Stirling Road, Singapore 148949

9. **Toa Payoh Swimming Complex**: 297 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319389

10. **Serangoon Swimming Complex**: 35 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545552

11. **Sengkang Swimming Complex**: 57 Anchorvale Road, Singapore 544964

12. **Choa Chu Kang Swimming Complex**: 1 Choa Chu Kang Street 53, Singapore 689236

13. **Kallang Basin Swimming Complex**: 7 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397696

14. **Tampines Swimming Complex**: 1 Tampines Avenue 4, Singapore 529684

15. **Pasir Ris Swimming Complex**: 120 Pasir Ris Central, Singapore 519640

16. **Hougang Swimming Complex**: 95 Hougang Avenue 4, Singapore 538830

17. **Delta Swimming Complex**: 900 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 158790

It's important to approach learning to swim with patience, perseverance, and a focus on gradual improvement. Additionally, always prioritize safety in and around the water, and consider seeking guidance from certified swimming instructors or programs to ensure a positive and effective learning experience.

In Singapore, several schools are known for their emphasis on competitive swimming and have established strong swimming programs to develop talented swimmers. These schools often have dedicated swimming facilities, experienced coaches, and structured training programs to support their swimmers' development. Some of the schools that are renowned for cultivating competitive swimming in Singapore include:

1. **Singapore Sports School**: Singapore Sports School is a specialized independent school that focuses on developing athletes in various sports, including swimming. It offers a comprehensive sports training program alongside academics and has produced many top swimmers who have represented Singapore in international competitions.

2. **Raffles Institution (RI)**: Raffles Institution has a strong tradition of excellence in swimming and is known for its competitive swimming program. The school has produced numerous national-level swimmers who have achieved success in local and international competitions.

3. **Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)**: Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) has a reputable swimming program and has produced several outstanding swimmers who have represented Singapore in major competitions. The school provides structured training and opportunities for swimmers to excel both academically and athletically.

4. **Hwa Chong Institution (HCI)**: Hwa Chong Institution has a competitive swimming program that focuses on developing swimmers' skills and abilities to compete at the highest level. The school has produced national-level swimmers who have made significant contributions to Singapore's swimming scene.

5. **Nanyang Girls' High School (NYGH)**: Nanyang Girls' High School has a strong swimming program and has produced talented swimmers who have represented Singapore in various competitions. The school provides opportunities for swimmers to train and compete while maintaining academic excellence.

6. **Singapore American School (SAS)**: Singapore American School offers a comprehensive swimming program that caters to students of all levels, from beginners to competitive swimmers. The school has excellent facilities and experienced coaches who help students develop their swimming skills and achieve their goals.

7. **Chinese Swimming Club (CSC)**: While not a school, the Chinese Swimming Club is a renowned institution in Singapore for competitive swimming development. It offers extensive swimming programs, coaching, and facilities to support swimmers of all ages and abilities in achieving their competitive swimming goals.

These schools and institutions play a crucial role in nurturing young swimming talents in Singapore and have contributed significantly to the country's success in competitive swimming on the national and international stages.

What are the 2nd hand shops online in Singapore?

In Singapore, there are several online platforms where you can find second-hand items for sale. Some popular ones include:

1. Carousell: Carousell is a popular online marketplace where individuals and businesses can buy and sell a wide range of items, including second-hand goods. You can find everything from clothing and accessories to electronics, furniture, and more. Carousell Singapore | Buy & Sell Goods, Cars, Services and Property I personally have used it over the years. I manage to sell some stuff here an there and also purchas of stuff.

2. Shopee: While Shopee primarily focuses on new products, it also has a section for preloved items where users can buy and sell second-hand goods. You can find various categories such as fashion, electronics, home appliances, and more.Shopee Singapore | Buy Everything On Shopee

3. Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is another platform where users in Singapore can buy and sell second-hand items locally. It's integrated into the Facebook platform, making it easy to browse listings and communicate with sellers. Facebook Marketplace | Facebook

4. Reebonz: Reebonz is a luxury consignment platform where you can buy and sell preloved designer goods. While it primarily focuses on luxury fashion items, you can also find accessories, watches, and other luxury goods.Live Shopping Entertaiment (reebonz.com)

5. Refash: Refash is an online marketplace for second-hand clothing and accessories in Singapore. It specializes in women's fashion and offers a curated selection of preloved items from various brands.Singapore's Largest Secondhand Fashion Destination | REFASH

These are just a few examples of online platforms where you can find second-hand shops in Singapore. It's always a good idea to research and compare different platforms to find the best deals and selection for your needs. Additionally, be sure to exercise caution when buying second-hand items online and verify the authenticity and condition of the products before making a purchase.

50 activities or skills to pick up for a preschool child in Singapore

Engaging preschool children in a variety of activities and skills is important for their overall development. Here's a list of 50 activities or skills suitable for preschoolers in Singapore:

1. Learning basic phonics

2. Recognizing and writing letters of the alphabet

3. Counting and recognizing numbers

4. Sorting and classifying objects by color, shape, or size

5. Puzzles (jigsaw puzzles, shape puzzles)

6. Singing nursery rhymes and songs

7. Storytelling and reading picture books

8. Drawing and coloring

9. Painting with different materials (finger paints, watercolors)

10. Playing with clay or playdough

11. Building with blocks or Legos

12. Learning basic math concepts through play (counting games, sorting by size)

13. Playing dress-up or pretend play

14. Learning to share and take turns through group activities

15. Dancing and moving to music

16. Outdoor play (playing in the sandpit, riding tricycles)

17. Gardening and learning about plants and nature

18. Simple cooking or baking activities (decorating cookies, making sandwiches)

19. Learning basic hygiene habits (washing hands, brushing teeth)

20. Learning about different cultures and traditions through crafts and activities

21. Learning simple science concepts through experiments (sink or float, color mixing)

22. Playing with musical instruments (drums, xylophones)

23. Going on nature walks and scavenger hunts

24. Learning basic computer skills through educational apps or games

25. Doing simple yoga or stretching exercises

26. Learning basic safety rules (road safety, fire safety)

27. Exploring sensory bins (filling bins with materials like rice, beans, or water for sensory play)

28. Learning about emotions and feelings through storytelling or role-playing

29. Building fine motor skills through activities like threading beads or using tweezers

30. Creating simple crafts with recycled materials

31. Learning basic manners and etiquette

32. Experimenting with simple musical concepts like high and low sounds

33. Playing with puppets and putting on puppet shows

34. Making simple science observations (watching clouds, exploring shadows)

35. Exploring different textures through touch and feel activities

36. Learning basic first aid skills (how to apply a bandage, whom to call in an emergency)

37. Exploring basic concepts of time (morning, afternoon, evening)

38. Learning basic shapes and colors through games and activities

39. Engaging in dramatic play (playing house, pretending to be animals)

40. Learning about the environment and sustainability through activities like recycling

41. Developing gross motor skills through activities like jumping, hopping, and skipping

42. Learning about animals and their habitats through books and videos

43. Exploring different art techniques (collage, printmaking)

44. Learning basic self-help skills (putting on shoes, zipping up jackets)

45. Playing with building toys like magnetic tiles or gears

46. Learning about different modes of transportation through toys or pictures

47. Experimenting with cause and effect through simple science experiments

48. Learning about different occupations through role-playing

49. Engaging in water play activities (playing with water tables, splashing in puddles)

50. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques through breathing exercises and simple meditation.

These activities cater to various aspects of a preschooler's development, including cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative skills. It's important to offer a balance of structured and unstructured activities and to tailor them to the child's interests and abilities.