Germany faces declining swimming proficiency among children

A significant decline in swimming proficiency among German children has raised safety concerns. Data indicates that approximately one in five primary school children cannot swim at all, and nearly 60 percent of children leave fourth grade without being safe in the water. This represents a doubling of the number of non-swimming children in just five years.

Experts, including the German Swimming Association (DSV) and the DLRG, warn that parents often mistake the ‘Seepferdchen’ (Seahorse) badge for proof of swimming safety. In reality, true swimming proficiency is only recognized with the Bronze badge. Former swimming star Franziska van Almsick has also advocated for earlier water familiarity and emphasized that the Seahorse badge does not guarantee safety.

To address the shortage of traditional swimming courses and long waiting lists, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia, a new digital initiative is being launched. In partnership with the Finnish company Hydrohex, NEW-Bäder has introduced Germany’s first digital swimming school. Using an AI avatar, the program guides children aged 5 to 10 through exercises via a screen, supplemented by an app that provides tips for parents to assist in the pool.