In Bremen, one in five children aged six to ten cannot swim due to limited availability of swimming lessons. Parents face long waiting lists, with some waiting over a year for courses. Despite claims of sufficient supply, families struggle with registration logistics and facility limitations. Many children leave primary school without essential swimming skills, prompting the DLRG to suggest parents engage their kids in water activities at home. Flexibility is key, as securing a spot remains a challenge.
The Swimming Lesson Dilemma in Bremen
One in five children between the ages of six and ten are unable to swim, a situation exacerbated by the lack of swimming lessons available in primary schools. In Bremen, parents are facing additional challenges as they try to secure spots for their children in swimming courses.
At the Bremen Südbad, the scene is a familiar one: parents arrive as early as 7:15 AM to reserve a place for their children. Benjamin Arslan is among them, having made several attempts to enroll his daughter in a course. The high demand for these lessons means that latecomers risk missing out entirely.
Mismatch Between Supply and Demand
The issue of long waiting lists for beginner swimming courses is not unique to Bremen. According to Martin Holzhause from the German Lifesaving Society (DLRG), many regions across the country are experiencing similar problems. In some areas, families can expect to wait over a year for their children to receive swimming instruction.
As the cash register opening hour approaches, the queue at the Südbad grows longer. A display board indicates that 55 spots are still available for courses today, but parents continue to arrive even after registration begins. Clara Taylor, another parent, expresses her frustration after waiting for an hour only to find that spots are limited. She ultimately leaves without securing a place for her five-year-old son.
Contrary to this demand, Susanne Klose, spokesperson for the Bremen pools, argues that the supply exceeds the demand, citing a cancellation of 26 courses in 2024 due to insufficient participants.
For many families, the logistics of navigating the current system pose a significant challenge. While some parents, like Benjamin Arslan, are willing to travel to different pools, the reliance on in-person registration creates barriers for working families. Online booking options are not expected until 2025.
Furthermore, limited swimming times and facilities have made it difficult to accommodate everyone. Schools that operate all day restrict availability, and the overall number of public pools has declined over the last two decades. The DLRG emphasizes that competition for water space comes not only from swimming lessons but also from recreational and competitive sports.
As the need for swimming lessons grows, a staggering number of children leave primary school without basic swimming skills. Holzhause notes that over half of schoolchildren do not achieve the bronze swimming badge, which should be a standard milestone by the end of primary education.
While the DLRG advocates for professional swimming instruction, parents are encouraged to introduce water activities at home. Simple exercises like bubbling underwater or getting comfortable with the water can be beneficial. Holzhause stresses that these activities should be engaging and fun for children.
Despite the challenges, Benjamin Arslan managed to secure a spot for his daughter, albeit not in the course he initially wanted. He acknowledges the need for flexibility in this situation. Although not all families have the same luck, Klose assures parents that they can seek advice from pool staff if they wish to teach their children swimming skills themselves.