Mandating mandatory swimming instruction in primary educational institutions advocated by progressives
In a bid to tackle the rising number of drowning incidents among children and young people, The Left Party has introduced an action plan advocating for mandatory swimming lessons in elementary schools and affordable access to swimming pools near me.
According to the action plan, obtained by Stern, the proposal aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn this vital skill. Party chairman, Jan van Aken, believes that swimming is not a hobby but a basic right and a necessary life skill.
The plan, to be presented by van Aken on Monday, also calls for entry to public swimming pools to be 'everywhere and permanently' affordable for children and young people. This is to be achieved through the introduction of a 'swimming pool euro' – a one-euro entrance fee, deemed affordable for most people.
However, the shortage of staff in maintaining swimming pools has become a pressing issue. The action plan acknowledges this and proposes an annual investment program of at least one billion euros for the coming years to address this issue and ensure sufficient teaching staff and functional pools within reach of every child's place of residence.
The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) reported a total of 411 fatal drowning incidents in 2024, which is 31 more than the previous year. The DLRG's report suggests that the closure of swimming pools increases the risk of drowning incidents, with most fatal incidents occurring outside of supervised bathing areas at lakes and rivers.
Van Aken has stated that the closure of swimming pools is a serious issue if it prevents children from learning to swim. He believes that the provision and maintenance of swimming pools should be a statutory duty, not a voluntary measure.
Despite no clear evidence indicating that German cities or municipalities have closed more than 70 swimming pools per year in recent years, the action plan emphasises the need for sufficient water time, teaching staff, and functional pools to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people.
The action plan comes in response to the rising number of fatal drowning incidents and is part of The Left Party's commitment to ensuring the safety and education of children in Germany.
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