Seine-Saint-Denis launches swimming initiative for children

The Seine-Saint-Denis department has launched a major initiative titled ‘Savoir-nager en Seine-Saint-Denis’ to ensure every child in the region learns to swim. The program aims to address significant disparities in swimming proficiency, as local success rates for school swimming certificates remain well below national averages.

Supported by a mutual commitment charter between the department and the State, the five-year plan (2024-2028) is estimated to cost 10 million euros. The strategy focuses on seven priority areas, including infrastructure development, instructor training, and support for disadvantaged populations. An initial 465,000 euros has been allocated for 2025, partially utilizing surplus funds from the Olympic Games.

Ongoing efforts include the ‘1, 2, 3, Nagez!’ program, which offers free summer lessons in mobile pools within priority neighborhoods, and intensive training sessions in Montreuil.