Perplexed, Disoriented, and Befuddled: A Confused State of Mind
Get Kids Swimming: A Fun, Fitness-Filled Adventure with Health Perks and Safety Benefits
According to Sonja Oster, head of movement courses in the family education department of the German Red Cross (DRK) district association of Düsseldorf, swimming is a thrilling journey for children, boosting self-confidence, spreading joy, and even acting as a shield against perils. Other health benefits include enhancing muscle strength, elevating performance and endurance, and fostering coordination.
However, the movement guru also acknowledges the obstacles of teaching children swimming, particularly in today's era: "Unfortunately, we're witnessing an escalating ratio of non-swimmers, making drowning the foremost cause of death," she warns. A recent survey conducted by the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) indicates a doubling of non-swimmers in primary school age over the last five years. In 2022, approximately 20% of six- to ten-year-olds couldn't swim. In 2017, only 10% of these children were non-swimmers, with another 23% deemed insecure swimmers. Oster laments that "only 57% swim securely, which is virtually the same as five years ago."
To tackle this issue, the DRK district association teams up with the DRK Water Rescue in seven districts to provide parent-child or beginner swimming courses. Oster states, "From about the age of five, children are capable of learning to swim; a prior acquaintance with water aids the learning process."
Despite the efforts, the demand for competent swimming instructors surpasses the supply. "The COVID-19 pandemic has led many swimming instructors to change careers, making it difficult to find qualified personnel," confesses Oster. Credentials required for the role include a C trainer license, a silver lifeguard badge, and first aid training. Interested parties can reach out via the info-phone number 0211-22992166.
Keen Details
The exponential rise in non-swimmers among primary school age children in Germany is linked to various factors such as limited access to swimming facilities, economic constraints, competing priorities, and inadequate systematic swimming education. To combat this trend, potential solutions include public programs with reduced fees, integrating swimming into school curriculums, corporate sponsorships, non-profit collaborations, educational campaigns, online resources, and adaptive programs for children with disabilities or anxiety in water. These measures aim to increase swimming proficiency and water safety among children while tailoring solutions based on the local context and specific data.
- Embracing science and health-and-wellness benefits, swimming for children can improve self-confidence, boost muscle strength, enhance endurance, and elevate coordination.
- To confront the sharp rise in non-swimmers among primary school children, it's crucial to consider implementing comprehensive solutions such as public programs, school curriculums, corporate sponsorships, and online resources in fitness-and-exercise areas, with a focus on making swimming education accessible and affordable for all.
