MISI (Masters In Swimming Instruction) is the training institute for the international swimming industry, developed to improve and support the sector with a clear focus on a better future.

Who are we

We are all fully certified swimming instructors with many years of experience in the three major renowned swimming organizations in the Netherlands: ENVOZ, NPZ-NRZ, and KNZB.

Through our role as examiners and our extensive experience as swimming instructors, we have gained a strong insight into the skill levels across the Netherlands. We are therefore convinced that our teaching method is the only correct one.

For whom

MISI is for organizations with experienced swimming instructors who want to further develop and prioritize providing high-quality swimming lessons.

Swimming instructors with extensive experience often have their own vision, which we highly value. By allowing professionals to share their knowledge and expertise in a think tank, both in our knowledge center and in theory, MISI works towards the continuous improvement of swimming education.

Diploma tracks MISI

Dolphin premium line

The dolphin symbolizes the swimming diplomas A, B, and C at MISI. Dolphins belong to the group of toothed whales. They have highly adapted to life in the sea, possessing many characteristics that set them apart from other animals.

Beluga line

The beluga symbolizes the snorkeling diploma at MISI.
The world’s most beautiful dolphin, the beluga. And let’s be honest, wouldn’t it be like a fairytale to encounter one in the wild?

Competition line

In the MISI competitive swimming program, children learn the basic technique of the four swimming strokes, starts, and turns. Speed is not the primary goal; the focus is explicitly on technique.

The dolphin symbolizes the swimming diplomas A, B, and C at MISI. Dolphins belong to the group of toothed whales. They have highly adapted to life in the sea, possessing many characteristics that set them apart from other animals.

The beluga symbolizes the snorkeling diploma at MISI.
The world’s most beautiful dolphin, the beluga. And let’s be honest, wouldn’t it be like a fairytale to encounter one in the wild?

In the MISI competitive swimming program, children learn the basic technique of the four swimming strokes, starts, and turns. Speed is not the primary goal; the focus is explicitly on technique.

MISI Certification

There are three providers of swimming lessons in the Netherlands: swimming pools, swimming schools, and swimming clubs. At MISI, all parties are welcome as long as they meet the following criteria:

✓ Must be a fully certified swimming instructor and be able to provide copies of qualifications.
✓ Have several years of experience.
✓ The entire organization must have a Certificate of Good Conduct (V.O.G.).
✓ Must be able to provide valid first aid (E.H.B.O.) certificates.
✓ Have a digital student tracking system (swimming score).
✓ Agree to the code of conduct.
✓ Possess a solid lesson plan.
✓ Comply with safety regulations and related protocols.

FAQ

Swimming diplomas, real? Fake?

Swimming diplomas in the Netherlands are issued by various organizations. The size or reputation of an organization says nothing about the quality and expertise. MISI is a swimming organization that focuses solely on swimming institutions that meet high-quality standards. By professionals, for professionals.

Diplomas represent a set of requirements that must be properly assessed. When this assessment is conducted and the diploma is signed by a qualified swimming instructor, the diploma is legally valid.

Can I stop after A or B?

Yes, you can, but it is advisable to complete the full program: A, B, and C. The swimming program is based on the requirements of the C diploma, with two small intermediate steps, A and B. Those who obtain their A, B, and C diplomas can consider themselves water-safe.

How do I know if a swimming institution is good?

A swimming institution certified by MISI has been assessed as a high-quality institution. To qualify, it must provide a solid lesson plan, vision, diplomas, and adhere to a code of conduct. After evaluation, the swimming institution is tested at a random moment.

Non-MISI-certified institutions can also be good swimming institutions. Always ask about the swimming school’s vision and lesson plan. What do children learn in each level, and what skills must they master to progress? Structure in methodology is a key factor in swimming education.

Why a MISI diploma?

Swimming lessons are a typical Dutch tradition and a crucial part of our culture. Dutch swimming lessons are highly regarded worldwide. This can be explained by our water-rich landscape, full of canals, rivers, lakes, and the unpredictable North Sea, Biesbosch, and Wadden regions. We place great importance on high standards and provide only top-quality swimming lessons, taking our responsibilities seriously. If your child does not make the expected progress, we offer free extra lessons. Water safety is our passion and highest priority.

There may currently be some uncertainty about the recognition and value of the MISI swimming diploma.
The swimming diploma should ensure safety, confidence, self-reliance, and enjoyment in and around the water, both now and in the future. We understand that, as a parent, you want to be well-informed about what a swimming diploma actually entails. MISI is a professional swimming organization with a diploma system exclusively taught by professionals selected and certified by MISI.

In the Netherlands, several institutions issue swimming diplomas. The largest and most well-known are:

NRZ – Swim ABC
KNZB – Superspetters
ENVOZ – Otter – Beaver – Seal
MISI – ABC Bronze – Silver – Gold

MISI takes it a step further

MISI offers a swimming diploma program that goes beyond where other organizations stop. MISI takes responsibility, not only for parents but especially for the children learning to swim. Obtaining a diploma as quickly as possible? Or ensuring a truly water-safe child?

MISI was founded by a group of professionals. It is a collaboration of professionals, for professionals, and most importantly, for children. We do not claim that other organizations are inadequate. However, after years of working under the BREZ system (Bepalingen Richtlijnen Examen Zwemdiploma’s – Regulations and Guidelines for Swimming Diploma Exams) and teaching across the Netherlands, we repeatedly concluded that BREZ standards were simply too minimal for us.

In the Netherlands, swimming lessons are often provided by inexperienced volunteers, in groups that are too large to maximize profit, or by swimming schools employing professional instructors. Since teaching swimming is a specialized profession, and given the current decline in the quality of swimming education, we wish to distance ourselves from this downward trend.

Professional instructors

MISI-certified swimming organizations take responsibility for safety and quality by adhering to MISI’s strict requirements. The organizations we certify consist exclusively of professional instructors capable of making precise assessments, solving problems effectively, and tailoring swimming lessons to individual needs. This makes us not only faster but also more efficient—and therefore better.

Methodology

Reviewing swimming education in the Netherlands took a full five years and was a critical process. The pilot programs that emerged led to several improvements. To implement these changes, a new methodology was developed in collaboration with international specialists, particularly to align more closely with competitive swimming. MISI stands for Masters in Swimming Improvement.

Different specialists, one team. Because good can always be better.

MISI diploma structure:

Red (A) – Bronze
White (B) – Silver
Blue (C) – Gold