Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid

What Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid does

Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid (NRZ) is a Dutch nonprofit foundation (Stichting) founded in 1984 when the Dutch government transferred responsibility for national swimming safety standards to it. Designated as the sole national authority for swimming education, NRZ sets and maintains the Nationale Norm Zwemveiligheid, licenses swimming lesson providers (zwembaden, zwemscholen, zwemverenigingen, scholen) through the Licentie Nationale Zwemdiploma's quality system, and authorizes the issuance of National Swimming Diplomas including Zwem-ABC (A, B, C), Zwemvaardigheid (1, 2, 3), Snorkelen, and Survival. In January 2026 it absorbed the Keurmerk Veilig & Schoon from Stichting Zwembadkeur, extending its scope into pool safety and hygiene certification. Its customers are SMB swimming providers, municipal pool operators, primary schools, swimming instructors, examiners, and indirectly Dutch parents and seniors; its end beneficiaries are the general public, given the drowning-prevention mission (132 accidental drownings recorded by CBS in 2025).

NRZ's core technology is not software but a layered standards and certification framework: the Licentie Nationale Zwemdiploma's quality management system, the Handboek (license handbook, Parts A and B), the Examenregeling Nationale Zwemdiploma's examination regulations, the Keurmerk Veilig & Schoon certification framework, and standardized professional education curricula (Allround Zwembadmedewerker with units Ce1-Ce4, Zwembadtechniek with levels TD1-TD4). Operational delivery uses the Mijn NRZ portal (license administration, webshop, self-evaluations), the Zwemleslocator on allesoverzwemles.nl (parent-facing provider directory), and a website supporting licensing, training, events, and awareness campaigns. The Examenraad provides independent governance over examination quality.

The business model is a hybrid of recurring licensing and transactional fees. Licensees pay annual subscription fees structured in three tariff classes (Class 1: open-air pools, swim clubs, schools and care institutions; Class 2: indoor pools under 250 m² and private swim schools; Class 3: combined indoor pools and indoor pools from 250 m²), which grant the right to award National Diplomas and access the diploma webshop. Examiner certification generates per-person digital test fees (€33.75) and in-company testing fees (€457.50 per hour for up to 20 persons), with four-year validity. Events such as the Dag van het Zwemonderwijs (€325-350), Themadag 60+ (€179-189), and normeringssessies (€10) generate incremental transactional revenue. The Zwemvaardigheid license component is free to existing licensees during the 2026 transition period, with normal fees resuming in 2027. Distribution combines B2B licensing of providers (the primary revenue layer) with a B2C Zwemleslocator funnel that routes parent demand to licensed providers.

Name

Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid

Legal name

Stichting Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid

Website

https://nrz-nl.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid is the Dutch national standards body for swimming safety, operating as a nonprofit foundation since 1984. It licenses swimming lesson providers, issues National Swimming Diplomas, certifies pool safety, and delivers professional education across the Netherlands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Swimming Safety Certification

akta.pro primary industry

Lifeguard, Water Rescue & Aquatic Safety Training (EDAOAMAJ)

Keywords

• Swimming safety certification
• National swim diplomas
• Pool quality assurance
• Swim instructor training
• Water safety standards

Headquarters

HQ city

Veenendaal

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Licentie Nationale Zwemdiploma's fees: Swimming lesson providers pay license fees structured across three tariff classes: Class 1 for open-air pools, swim clubs, and educational/care institutions; Class 2 for indoor pools under 250 m2 and private swim schools; Class 3 for combined indoor pools and indoor pools from 250 m2. The license grants the right to award National Swimming Diplomas and includes access to the webshop for diploma materials.
2. Examinator certification testing: Fees charged for the digital Examinator Nationale Zwemdiploma's test (€33.75 per person) and in-company testing (€457.50 per hour for groups up to 20 persons). Certificates are valid for 4 years.
3. Event and training fees: Revenue from paid events such as the Dag van het Zwemonderwijs (€325 for license holders, €350 for others), Themadag 60+ (€179-189 per person), and normeringssessies for snorkeling and survival (€10 per person).
4. Licentie Zwemvaardigheid transition period: During the transition period (Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2026), existing license holders can obtain the Zwemvaardigheid license component for free; normal fees apply thereafter from 2027.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid (NRZ) is the Dutch national standards body for swimming safety, founded in 1984. It licenses swimming lesson providers to issue nationally recognized swimming diplomas (Zwem-ABC, Zwemvaardigheid, Survival, Snorkelen), manages the Keurmerk Veilig & Schoon quality certification for swimming pools, and delivers professional education programs for the swimming industry.

Product overview

Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid (NRZ) is the Dutch National Council for Swimming Safety, operating as a quality standards organization for the swimming industry. The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio centered on the Licentie Nationale Zwemdiploma's as the primary quality standard, under which it issues National Swimming Diplomas including Zwem-ABC (A, B, C), Zwemvaardigheid (1, 2, 3), Snorkelen, and Survival. NRZ also manages the Keurmerk Veilig & Schoon for pool safety and hygiene. The organization provides two professional education programs: Beroepsopleiding Allround Zwembadmedewerker (with certifying units Ce1-Ce4) and Beroepsopleiding Zwembadtechniek (with levels TD1-TD4). Additional offerings include Normeringsessies for examiner certification, various themed events (Dag van het Zwemonderwijs, Themadagen), programs like Next Generation Lifeguards and Nationale ZwemChallenge, online portals (Mijn NRZ, Zwemleslocator), and public awareness campaigns. NRZ also oversees the Examenraad for quality supervision of exams and training institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Keurmerk Veilig & Schoon: Quality certification for swimming pools covering safety and hygiene standards, transferred from Stichting Zwembadkeur to NRZ in 2026.
• Licentie Nationale Zwemdiploma's
• Next Generation Lifeguards

Products and services

• Licentie Nationale Zwemdiploma's Quality standard and license for swimming lesson providers (zwembaden, zwemscholen, zwemverenigingen) in the Netherlands. Licensed providers are independently audited and may award National Swimming Diplomas. Tariffs are tiered across three classes by pool type and size.
• Keurmerk Veilig & Schoon Branch quality mark for swimming pools covering safety and hygiene. Pool operators obtain the mark through audits and renew annually. NRZ took over ownership and administration from Stichting Zwembadkeur in January 2026.
• Nationale Zwemdiploma's (Zwem-ABC) The three national swimming diplomas (A, B, C) establishing the National Swimming Standard. Diploma C meets the National Swimming Safety Standard. Awarded by licensed swimming lesson providers in the Netherlands.
• Nationale Diploma's Zwemvaardigheid 1, 2 en 3 Advanced swimming proficiency diplomas (levels 1, 2, and 3) as a logical continuation after the Zwem-ABC. Includes elements of synchronized swimming, diving, competition strokes, water polo, and competitive swimming techniques.
• Nationale Snorkeldiploma's Snorkeling diplomas issued under the national diploma framework, available through licensed providers as continuing education after the Zwem-ABC.
• Nationale Survivaldiploma's Survival swimming diplomas issued under the national diploma framework, available through licensed providers as continuing education after the Zwem-ABC.
• Beroepsopleiding Allround Zwembadmedewerker Professional education program for pool employees consisting of three certifying units: Ce1 Lifeguard zwembad, Ce2 Begeleider recreatieve zwemactiviteiten, Ce3 Lesgever Zwem-ABC, plus optional Ce4 Leidinggevende in het zwembad. Delivered through licensed educational institutes.
• Beroepsopleiding Zwembadtechniek Professional education program for pool technical staff with four levels: TD1 Onderhoudsmedewerker, TD2 Medewerker technische dienst, TD3 Senior medewerker technische dienst, TD4 Hoofd technische dienst.
• Lesgever Zwem-ABC Opleiding Training program to become a certified swimming instructor for children and adults, focusing on learning to swim, swimming safety, swimming pleasure, and meeting the National Swimming Safety Standard.
• Dag van het Zwemonderwijs Annual flagship knowledge event for swimming instructors and heads of swimming affairs featuring lectures, workshops, and masterclasses. Priced at €325 for license holders and €350 for others.
• Themadag zwemmen voor verenigingen Themed day for swimming and diving associations and rescue brigades, organized in collaboration with KNZB, NCS, Reddingsbrigade Nederland and NOB. A study day for board and staff of associations.
• Themadag 60+ Blijf in beweging, blijf boven water Themed day for instructors and coordinators working with or wanting to work with people aged 60 and older. Focuses on movement and swimming safety for seniors. Priced at €179 per person for license holders and €189 for non-license holders.
• Next Generation Lifeguards Training program for young people aged 14-27 as a social service (MDT - maatschappelijke diensttijd) initiative by NRZ and Reddingsbrigade Nederland to develop new lifeguards.
• Nationale ZwemChallenge Challenge program where participants test their swimming safety by completing a course in the pool, receiving a certificate with personal advice on improving swimming skills.

Quantifiable outcome

• 132 accidental drownings occurred in the Netherlands in 2025 (CBS data), highlighting the ongoing need for NRZ's swimming safety mission
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stichting ZwembadkeurcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Effective January 1, 2026, Stichting Zwembadkeur transferred the Keurmerk Veilig & Schoon to NRZ. The quality mark for swimming pool safety and hygiene, which had been managed by NRZ operationally for years, is now formally under NRZ's ownership. This allows NRZ to connect pool safety/hygiene (Keurmerk) with swimming education quality (Licentie) under one organization.
• KNZB (Koninklijke Nederlandse Zwembond)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKNZB is a key partner in organizing the annual Themadag zwemmen for swim and dive clubs and the Dag van het Zwemonderwijs. Collaboration extends to research on unbonden swimmers (45+) and youth sports vision. KNZB representatives (e.g., Emma van de KNZB) participate in NRZ knowledge events.
• Reddingsbrigade NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReddingsbrigade Nederland co-organizes the annual Themadag zwemmen with NRZ and KNZB, NOB, and NCS. Reddingsbrigade representatives (Fred Paalvast) sit on the NRZ Examenraad.
• NCS (Nationale Culturele Sportbond)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNCS co-organizes the Themadag zwemmen and sits on the NRZ Examenraad (representative Erik Ran). NCS is also a recognized provider for certain specializations within the Allround Zwembadmedewerker training.
• NOB (Nederlandse Onderwatersport Bond)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOB co-organizes the Themadag zwemmen alongside NRZ, KNZB, Reddingsbrigade Nederland, and NCS, serving the Dutch underwater sports community.
• Next Generation Lifeguards (NGL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNGL is a joint project of NRZ and Reddingsbrigade Nederland, providing maatschappelijke diensttijd (MDT - civic service) programs for young people aged 14-27 to become lifeguards. The project is managed by an NRZ project leader.
• VeiligheidNLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeiligheidNL collaborates with NRZ on public awareness campaigns including 'Kopje onder gaat geluidloos en snel' targeting parents of young children on drowning prevention, and the 'Wie checkt jou?' open water safety campaign.
• NBZ (Nationale Beroepsopleiding Zwemonderwijs)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNBZ is a licensed private training institute (particulier opleidingsinstituut) that offers certifiable units Ce1, Ce2, and Ce3 of the Allround Zwembadmedewerker. NBZ also provides several specializations including Zwemmen met baby's en peuters, Zwemmen met medische indicatie, and others.
• SOZONminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSOZON is a licensed private training institute offering certifiable units Ce1 through Ce4 of the Allround Zwembadmedewerker, and multiple specializations including baby/child swimming, swimming for seniors, aquafitness, and survival swimming.
• VSG (Vereniging Sport en Gemeenten)minorOthersVSG represents municipal swimming pool operators within the NRZ ecosystem. Representative Kees van Zanten sits on the NRZ Examenraad.
• WiZZ (Branchevereniging Zwembaden)minorOthersWiZZ is the trade association for swimming pool operators. Representative Erik Nijholt sits on the NRZ Examenraad.
• VTZ (Verenigde Technici in de Zwembadbranche)minorOthersVTZ represents pool technicians. Representative Toon Loots sits on the NRZ Examenraad, contributing to quality standards for the Zwembadtechniek professional education program.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• American Red Cross — Aquatics, Lifeguard & Water Safety: Larger US organization offering lifeguard, swim instructor, and water safety certifications as part of a broader humanitarian portfolio. Comparable certification scope but operates at significantly greater scale and geographic breadth.
• YMCA of the USA — Aquatic Safety & Swim Programs: Major US nonprofit operating swim instruction and aquatic safety programs through a national branch network. Comparable in mission (community water safety) but functions primarily as a provider rather than a standards-setter.

Others

• International Life Saving Federation (ILS): Global umbrella organization uniting national life-saving federations including DLRG, RLSS, and SLSA. Comparable in mission and standards development, and a natural institutional peer for NRZ's international engagement.
• Koninklijke Nederlandse Zwembond (KNZB): Royal Dutch Swimming Federation governing competitive swimming, diving, and water polo. Direct NRZ partner with overlapping industry ecosystem; comparable as a Dutch sports federation but focused on competitive sport rather than safety standards.
• Stichting Reddingsbrigade Nederland: Dutch volunteer lifeguard and water rescue organization that co-runs programs with NRZ (including Next Generation Lifeguards). Comparable mission in drowning prevention and lifeguard training; ecosystem partner rather than competitor.

Direct peers

• DLRG (Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft): Germany's largest voluntary water rescue organization, operating swimming education, lifeguard certification, and drowning prevention programs at national scale. Closest geographic and structural analog to NRZ's national standards and training mission.
• Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK): UK charity dedicated to drowning prevention and lifeguard training, issuing the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. Highly comparable as a national standards body that licenses instructors, audits providers, and runs public water-safety campaigns.
• Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA): Australian nonprofit delivering national surf lifeguard and swimming safety certification, including the iconic Bronze Medallion. Comparable as a national standards body with public-facing water safety campaigns and accredited training networks.
• Jeff Ellis & Associates (E&A): US-based aquatic safety consulting and lifeguard certification firm. Comparable in delivering auditable lifeguard and aquatic risk-management standards, though operating commercially rather than as a nonprofit foundation.

Regional players

• Fédération Française de Sauvetage et Secourisme (FFSS): French national federation for water rescue and lifeguard training. Similar in mission and standards-setting role but operates primarily in France, offering a cross-border comparison for European water-safety regulation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nrz_nl
• Facebookfacebook.com/nrznl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nationale-raad-zwemveiligheid
• Instagraminstagram.com/nationale_raad_zwemveiligheid

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid