Swimming helpers save children's lives: successful program in the Rhön-Grabfeld!

Swimming helpers save children's lives: successful program in the Rhön-Grabfeld!

The new school year has begun in Bavaria and primary school students are ready to learn basic skills, including swimming. But worrying statistics show that one in three children of primary school age cannot swim or cannot swim properly. In order to counteract this development, the “Swim with us – get fit” program was launched in the Rhön-Grabfeld district in the summer of 2024. Radioprimaton reports that this initiative was launched by District Administrator Thomas Habermann and School District Director Karl-Heinz Deublein in order to improve children's swimming ability and avoid swimming accidents.

The positive thing about this program is the effect that can already be seen. A handful of swimming assistants – now more than a dozen – support the teachers in order to introduce the children to swimming. Patrizia Mönch, who found out about the swimming helpers at a parents' evening, is now one of these committed people who are helping to increase the safety of the little ones in the water. The swimming helper program not only includes support in lessons, but also comprehensive training for the helpers. These are responsible for numerous tasks, such as accompanying you to changing rooms and showers, supervising in the swimming pool and carrying out swimming training and technique exercises.

The need for action is great

In recent years the situation regarding children's swimming skills has changed significantly. Many people used to be able to swim before school, but this is now an increasing problem. There are often up to 28 children in the swimming lesson groups, which doesn't make teaching swimming techniques any easier. Rhönkanal highlights that swimming promotion has been active in the Rhön-Grabfeld district since 2019 and that around 1,200 children and young people have been able to learn to swim so far.

The swimming assistants play a crucial role in this process. They give the teachers the support they need to look after the children efficiently. Through the exchange and feedback they give to teachers, we continually work to improve the program. Anyone who wants to volunteer has the opportunity to train as a swimming assistant. This not only helps the children, but also strengthens the sense of community and the responsibility we have for the next generation.

Learning to swim in the digital age

In summary, it can be seen that intensive work is being done to improve swimming skills in the Rhön-Grabfeld district. The program is not only a measure to protect children, but also a step towards greater security and quality of life in the region. If you are looking for more information about swimming promotion and application forms, you will find everything you need on the district's homepage. Because the goal is clear: More safety in the water for every child!