Free swimming courses in Heidelberg: 1,000 children learn swimming!
Free swimming courses in Heidelberg: 1,000 children learn swimming!
Heidelberg, Deutschland - in Heidelberg something bigger for the little ones: Over 1,000 children have learned swimming in a unique project since 2021. This initiative aims to bring every child in the city safely into the water, because swimming is not only one of the basic skills in life, but is also a decisive contribution to participation in our society. This recently confirmed a press conference in the Haseniliser indoor pool, which took place on June 11, 2025. It was organized by the Heidelberg sports district in close cooperation with the city, the municipal utility and the Institute for Sports and Sports Science Heidelberg (ISSW) and the Dietmar Hopp Foundation, which now supports the project financially. Previously, the Franziska van Almsick was the main bearer of this valuable initiative.
Background of these measures is an alarming DLRG survey from 2022, which shows that around 20 percent of primary school children cannot swim in Germany. This fact not only causes concern among parents, but also shows that there is a need for action. According to the DLRG, around 57 percent of the parents appreciate their children as safe swimmers, which means that about 58 percent of the children are at the end of primary school without a safe swimming badge.
comprehensive support for children
The free swimming courses during school holidays are designed especially for children from the age of eight and not only offer water habituation, but also the opportunity to learn basic swimming techniques. An experienced team of coaching introduces the children to the matter in 45-minute units. The aim is for the young participants to receive a certificate in the end and have the chance to achieve the coveted seahorse badge.
The aspect of equal opportunities that the Dietmar Hopp Foundation promotes is particularly impressive. Free swimming lessons are offered here for all children, regardless of social origin, disability or migration background. This is a step in the right direction to make swimming accessible as a vital ability for everyone.raising awareness of swimming ability
The DLRG also draws attention to the fact that many parents incorrectly believe that their child is safe in the water when it has received the seahorse badge. This "swimming license" only certifies the control of basic skills, but the swimming badge bronze (free swimmer) is necessary for safety in the water. The transition from playful use of water to real safety training is of immense importance for the young swimmers.
The data show a picture that is both encouraging and worrying: the proportion of uncertain swimmers has dropped from 31% to 23%, but there is still a large group of children who have not received any swimming lessons at all. The initiative in Heidelberg is therefore not only a good example, but also a necessary step to counteract this.
In summary, it can be said that the project in Heidelberg is a bright spot for many children and families. Access to swimming lessons is improved here through community commitment and targeted support, and this is not only important for the city's children, but could also serve as a model for other regions.For more information: dlrg , specialist portal pedagogy .
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ort | Heidelberg, Deutschland |
| Quellen | |