Summer instructional program in Seine-Saint-Denis, teaching children to swim in a bid to prevent drowning incidents.
In Montreuil, a suburb east of Paris, the territorial collectivity Est Ensemble has launched an initiative to improve swimming skills among children. The "I Learn to Swim" program, implemented since the summer of 2024, aims to address a concerning statistic: nearly three out of four children in the department couldn't swim when they started 6th grade, according to a 2021 study.
Benoît Garance, head of the pools department at the Sports Directorate, is leading the charge. The program is run by the Sports Directorate and takes place annually in eight pools across the territorial collectivity. Each summer, 480 children aged 4 to 12 are welcomed into these pools as part of the program.
The program's purpose is twofold: to improve children's swimming skills for safety and competence, and to enhance their knowledge of water safety practices. The initiative organises swimming lessons integrated with school activities or after-school programs, ensuring accessibility for children from diverse backgrounds.
Collaboration is key to the program's success. Local schools, swimming pools, trained instructors, and possibly community organisations work together to facilitate lessons and provide resources. The program is likely subsidised or fully funded by Est Ensemble to minimise financial barriers for families.
The Maurice-Thorez Swimming Stadium in Montreuil is the setting for this initiative. The pool, Olympic-sized, has a depth of 5 meters. A 12-year-old boy named David, present at the pool in a blue swimsuit and cap, is one of the many children benefiting from the program.
The "I Learn to Swim" program has shown promising outcomes. Children who participated have demonstrated increased ability to swim, contributing to greater safety around water. They have also gained knowledge on water safety practices. The program helps reduce inequalities linked to access to sports and recreational activities, promoting social cohesion.
By addressing a widespread issue, the program contributes to lowering drowning risk and improving health outcomes among youth. Its success may provide a replicable framework for other territorial collectivities facing similar challenges. The program's positive impact extends beyond Montreuil, offering a model for other regions to follow.
The "I Learn to Swim" program, beyond just teaching swimming skills, also focuses on education-and-self-development by equipping children with water safety knowledge. This initiative in Montreuil, France, is not just about fitness-and-exercise but also science, as it strives to enhance understanding of aquatic environments and safety practices.
