The contents of these pages have been automatically translated into the selected language. Deviations from the contents of the original page are therefore possible.
Learn to swim
Swimming is (super)vital
20 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 10 cannot swim
The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) emphasizes that an alarming number of children of primary school age can no longer swim. Drowning is the second most common cause of death among children after traffic accidents. Swimming is therefore one of the most important (survival) life skills. Read how you can help your child learn to swim.
Why being able to swim is so important
Swimming is not that difficult and can be learned at any age. This is important for several reasons:
Those who can swim safely and with stamina are better protected against boating and swimming accidents and drowning.
Fear-free and safe time in the water promotes healthy exercise with a high fun component: swimming...
builds up the muscles in a way that is easy on the joints,
improves endurance,
strengthens the immune system,
promotes self-confidence,
is an enjoyable leisure activity.
Parents play an important role in learning to swim. It is important to go to the pool together regularly and get your child used to the water in a playful way. If you are not yet able to swim yourself: Then why not attend an adult course at the same time as your child's swimming course.
Swimming training is recommended from around the age of five. This is when children are skilled enough to coordinate the swimming movements of their arms and legs correctly due to their development. Before that, however, you can get your child used to being in the water without fear. This is also considered sensible by the DLRG.
The first thing your child should do is lose their fear of water.
The best way to do this
is to splash each other happily in the water
bubble into the water with their mouth
hold their head under water briefly
dare to open their eyes under water.
Then you can slowly introduce your child to swimming.
Swimming aids such as water wings, life jackets and buoyancy aids are helpful for getting used to the water. Swimming noodles or swimming boards are more suitable for learning to swim properly. They can be borrowed from almost all swimming pools for a small deposit. But be careful - none of these aids offer any safety.
You should therefore never leave your child unattended in the water, even in shallow water, until they can swim safely!
It is not always easy for parents to correctly assess their children's swimming abilities. The swimming badges are a rough guide.
As a general rule, a child can swim if it
swims in the water for at least fifteen minutes without stopping and holding on to the edge,
dives safely and retrieves an object from a depth of two meters,
jumps into the water from a height of one meter from the edge and swims on easily.
These are the skills that a child has when they achieve the "bronze badge". With the "Seepferdchen" as their first swimming badge, children are only "used to the water" but cannot yet swim safely, warns the DLRG. At this level, children still need to be supervised when swimming.
Many public swimming pools offer courses for the various swimming badges or water familiarization. The courses are usually run by specialist staff from the DLRG or the NRW Swimming Association.
Courses take place weekly during term time. In many cities, compact courses are also offered during the vacations.
The cost of swimming courses for children with basic and advanced training at the DLRG varies between 50.00 euros and 70.00 euros. Please enquire about the exact price on site.
Learning to swim should not be a question of money, however. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia promotes learning to swim with the state program "NRW can swim". The vacation swimming courses take place during the Easter, summer and autumn vacations and are aimed at pupils in years 1 - 6. The courses usually run for 10 days. A personal contribution of 10 euros can be charged. Ask at your local DLRG or at your child's school whether there is a corresponding offer in your area.
Parents who receive citizen's allowance, child supplement or housing benefit have the option of being reimbursed for the costs of the courses via the education and participation package. You can find detailed information on how to apply on the Familienportal.NRW.
Übung macht den Meister
Bis Ihr Kind sicher schwimmen kann, braucht es Zeit und elterliche Unterstützung beim regelmäßigen Üben. Der Schwimmunterricht in der Schule allein reicht in der Regel nicht aus, um sicher schwimmen zu lernen. Mit dem Besuch von Schwimmkursen können Sie Ihrem Kind das Schwimmen lernen erleichtern. Ein Schwimmkurs sollte mind. 10 Übungsstunden á 45 Minuten umfassen und regelmäßig, mindestens einmal pro Woche, stattfinden.
Ziel sollte das Erreichen des Bronzeabzeichens sein. Die Prüfung kann in jedem Schwimmbad durch eine Bademeisterin oder einen Bademeister vorgenommen werden. Ein vorangegangener Kurs ist dafür nicht zwingend Voraussetzung. Manchmal ist es allerdings leichter, wenn das Kind mit einer neutralen Lehrperson im Rahmen eines Schwimmkurses übt. Gerade Übungen, die noch angstbesetzt sind, lernen sich so häufig leichter.
Und auch danach gilt: Dranbleiben und gemeinsam weiter üben, um noch mehr Sicherheit zu gewinnen und den Spaß am Schwimmen zu entdecken.
Where can we find help and advice?
Information from the DLRG about swimming courses in your area can be foundon the DLRG internet portal. After entering your zip code, you will be shown the DLRG locations with course offers. If you click on the homepage of the local association, you will find the offers in your area.
Further informationLinks to read more
The state government wants to improve the swimming skills of children and young people with a comprehensive package of measures. You can read more about the "Learning to swim in North Rhine-Westphalia" action plan at
"Children must learn to swim": The North Rhine-Westphalia Swimming Association has published an information flyer for parents that can be downloaded free of charge.
