Rising numbers of drownings in Germany are prompting calls for mandatory swimming lessons to be introduced in primary schools. A new action plan, set to be presented by the party’s leader, Jan van Aken and reported by Stern magazine, highlights growing concerns over water safety.
The plan states that children are increasingly lacking swimming proficiency, contributing to a concerning rise in accidents. Data shows a continuous increase in fatal drowning incidents in recent years, described as a “predictable catastrophe”. A core proposal within the plan advocates for “swimming lessons to become compulsory and accessible” emphasizing the need for sufficient pool time, qualified instructors and functional swimming facilities within reasonable proximity to residential areas.
Beyond mandatory lessons, the action plan proposes a substantial investment program, earmarking at least one billion euros annually over the coming years, specifically dedicated to upgrading and maintaining swimming pools. It also calls for increased staffing at these facilities and the introduction of a “swimming euro” – a subsidized entry fee – specifically for children and young people. The aim is to ensure swimming isn’t dependent on a family’s financial situation and to make public pool access affordable for all youth.
The German Life-Saving Society (DLRG) reported a total of 411 fatal drowning incidents in 2024, an increase of 31 compared to the previous year. The majority of these incidents occurred in unsupervised locations, such as lakes and rivers. The DLRG attributes the increased risk, in part, to the closure of numerous swimming pools, with an estimated 70 to 80 pools shutting down annually due to factors including municipal budget constraints and staffing shortages.
“When children can no longer learn to swim because the nearest pool has closed, something fundamentally wrong is happening in this country” stated Jan van Aken in an interview with Stern. “Swimming isn’t a hobby – it’s a matter of life and death. And a fundamental right”. He emphasized that providing and maintaining swimming facilities should be considered a mandatory responsibility of the state, rather than a voluntary undertaking.
