Swimming crisis in Germany: Uckermark shows how it's done!

Swimming crisis in Germany: Uckermark shows how it's done!

In Germany only around 80% of children can swim, and this makes intensive swimming training more than necessary. However, in the Uckermark it is clear that this trend can be counteracted. The situation has changed significantly, especially in the Brüssow lido, as nordkurier.de reports. Lifeguard Jens Fischbach and his dedicated team from the DLRG quickly converted the lido into a swimming school. Despite the changeable weather, people swim and train diligently here.

In addition to regular swimming courses, this swimming school also offers school swimming and badge tests. There is great interest: nine schools are using the opportunities in Brüssow and Klockow to offer their students well-founded swimming training. In Brüssow, four schools with an average of 19 children are taking part, while in Klockow five schools have integrated around 24 young swimmers into their programs.

Successful projects and commitment

Particularly worth mentioning are the private swimming courses that are offered during the summer holidays. These are limited to a maximum of ten children per group, which enables individual care. This year, a proud 28 children were able to receive solid swimming training, supported by over 20 volunteer lifeguards who made their time and knowledge available. This not only teaches you how to swim, but also teaches you the importance of community and volunteer work.

Jens Fischbach also founded the DLRG youth local group in Brüssow. Here, young people are trained to become lifeguards, both on site and in indoor swimming pools in Schwedt and Poland. Another highlight is the training of teachers and supervisors who can take on additional responsibility for the safety of others as part of their lifeguard training. The German Red Cross in Templin and the DLRG Uckermark are also actively involved in swimming training in winter, showing how important continuous learning and practice in the water is.

The importance of water habituation

Getting used to water in early childhood is essential to prevent fear of water and to convey safety in the element of water. Playful forms such as swimming in a baby swimming course or with the family are recommended. According to dlrg.de, direct contact with water - be it in the bathtub or shower - should become a habit. Particular caution is required: using swimming aids without supervision can be dangerous as they are often more of a hindrance than a help.

The DLRG has a responsibility to promote water safety, not only through swimming training, but also through education and prevention. There is no doubt: children's swimming training is an issue that concerns us all. The projects implemented in Brüssow are a shining example of how, with good commitment and the right support, progress can be made despite the challenging developments in Germany to strengthen children's swimming ability.

In view of these successes and the challenges, it is to be hoped that further initiatives will follow in order to keep swimming popular again in other regions and to enable more children to benefit from solid swimming training.