It is not compulsory for your child to be taking the Swimsafer test if you are not intending to let your child enrol any aquatic sports in their schools. Swimsafer certification is necessary when the school offer aquatic activities such as canoeing, wind surfing, diving or dragon boating. It is necessary to have at least a Stage 4 (Bronze) and above to ascertain the child's swim proficiency and skills ability.