The number of primary school children in Amsterdam with a swimming diploma in grade 8 has slightly increased to 93.9% in 2024. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this percentage dropped from 95% to 92.3%. The recovery in the past year is partly due to extra efforts, such as more swimming lessons.
Being able to swim is vital, especially in a water-rich city like Amsterdam. Therefore, we do everything we can to ensure that as many children as possible obtain their swimming diploma.
A Few Numbers
Of the children in grade 8, an average of 75.2% had a B diploma and 43.7% had a C diploma by the end of the previous school year. This represents a slight increase for the B diploma compared to the previous year, when an average of 71.4% of children left primary school with a B diploma in hand.
More Swimming Lessons and Financial Support
To help as many children as possible obtain a swimming diploma, we have expanded the number of swimming lessons in the 11 municipal swimming pools. Additionally, we have increased financial support from the Youth Fund Sports & Culture Amsterdam (JFSCA) for parents who have less to spend. Older children from grades 6 to 17 who have not yet obtained a swimming diploma through school swimming or other swimming lessons can take so-called ‘safety swimming lessons’. Through this supplementary program, they can still obtain their diploma.
School Swimming in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the few municipalities in the Netherlands that still offers weekly school swimming for children in grade 5 at the nearest pool. Additionally, we organize summer courses in North, Nieuw-West, and Southeast, as well as courses during the autumn and spring holidays.
Differences Between Districts
While the average percentage is improving, there are clear differences between districts, and certain areas lag behind. Especially in Southeast and Nieuw-West, the percentage is lower. 87.5% of children in Southeast and 89.8% of children in grade 8 in Nieuw-West have a diploma. In West and North, the percentages are also lower than average.
Extra Efforts Where Needed
There are various reasons why diploma ownership lags in these areas. Some parents do not have enough money, others do not have enough time, or do not realize how important it is to be able to swim. Therefore, we are making extra efforts to reach children in these areas. We are contacting schools that could benefit from the school swimming program.
Trial in Southeast
Last school year, we also started a trial at 4 primary schools in Southeast, where diploma ownership is the lowest. In this trial, we investigate how to best assist educational staff in organizing school swimming, including by organizing swimming lessons and supervision after school.