School Swimming Lessons Under Pressure: "Level is Dropping, Soon Only the Elite Will Be Able to Swim"

Swimming proficiency among primary school students in Flanders is declining, raising concerns that essential water safety skills are becoming inaccessible to many.

Educational standards mandate that students should be able to swim by the end of primary school. However, schools report increasing difficulties in meeting this requirement due to a combination of factors.

"There is less swimming water than before, and swimming is becoming increasingly expensive," stated Tine Sleurs, a physical education lecturer at UCLL University College. This scarcity of facilities and rising costs are major barriers.

Schools are also pressured by the "maximum invoice" policy, which limits the amount schools can charge parents for activities. With the cost per swimming lesson averaging around 5 euros, providing the recommended 15-17 lessons per year quickly exceeds the parental contribution limit, forcing schools to absorb much of the cost.

Furthermore, the number of swimming pools in Flanders has decreased significantly over the past 25 years. This forces schools to travel further for lessons, increasing transportation costs and overall expenses. The lack of a uniform approach among schools regarding when and how often swimming lessons are offered also contributes to the problem.

Experts warn that this trend could lead to a situation where only the elite can afford swimming lessons, jeopardizing a fundamental life skill and water safety for a large portion of the population.