Naval heroes

Swimming in the sea is wonderful. Splashing through the waves, snorkelling and playing in the water. But the sea is also different from a swimming pool. What, for example, is a rip current? What do the flags on the beach mean? And what do you do if you get caught in a current?

Discover currents, rip currents and snorkelling

During Zeehelden, pupils from years 5, 6, 7 and 8 actively get to work with this. They discover how the sea works, practise with different materials and get introduced to snorkelling and water rescue. An educational and adventurous water theme by Swimming is cool, the swimming program of Alkmaar Sport for primary schools.

Smart and safe into the sea

Anyone who regularly goes to the beach will certainly recognise them: the coloured flags, waves and sometimes a strong current. But do children also know what they mean?

During Zeehelden (Sea Heroes), pupils learn through play what they need to watch out for when swimming in the sea. Among other things, they learn what a rip current is, how currents work, and what various beach flags mean. In this way, children not only gain more knowledge about open water, but they also learn to be more mindful when interacting with the sea.

Snorkelling, rescue boards and underwater adventures

At Zeehelden, of course, it doesn't stop at explanations. The pupils mainly get into the water themselves. In this way, Zeehelden combines water safety, new skills and, above all, a great deal of swimming fun. They are introduced to various activities and skills:

• Discover currents and rip currentshow water moves and what happens if you get caught in a current. Pupils discover what they need to watch out for when swimming in open water.

• Get to know the beach flags: red, yellow or purple: every flag has a meaning. Children learn how they can tell from the flags what is happening in the sea at that moment.

• Dive underwater with a snorkelusing the basic techniques of snorkelling, pupils learn how to breathe, look and move calmly underwater.

• Head out with a rescue boardHow do you propel yourself on a rescue board? And how can you use such a board to help someone in the water?

• Play both above and below waterfun is also a part of Zeehelden. With games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Connect Four on the bottom, children practice swimming underwater, orientation and staying underwater longer without even realising it.

Part of Swim is cool

Zeehelden is one of the five water themes of Swimming is cool, the versatile swimming program of Alkmaar Sport for primary schools. Is this your class theme this school year? Then come back next year for a new challenge! This way, pupils can experience a different part of Swim is cool throughout their primary school years and discover just how versatile swimming and being active in the water can be.

Days and times

Practical information

• Cost: €2 per pupil
• For whomchildren in years 5, 6, 7 and 8
• Location: Hoornse Vaart swimming pool in Alkmaar
• Log invia the form on the page of the chosen theme
• Questions: swimiscool@alkmaarsport.nl
• Terms and conditionsall children must hold at least a swimming certificate A.

Even more physical activity with school?

Alkmaar Sport offers a total of three different exercise programmes for primary schools. Besides Swimming is cool at swimming pool Hoornse Vaart, schools can also take part in the ICE Games at ice rink De Meent and FietsFratsen at Sportpaleis Alkmaar. This allows pupils to be introduced to swimming, ice skating and cycling in various ways.