Swimming ability by Swim is Cool
Published on: 22 April 2025In September 2024, the Swim is Cool programme was offered to primary schools in Alkmaar. Swim is Cool is a programme that ensures pupils in Years 3 to 6 maintain their swimming proficiency. There are 5 programmes for the schools to choose from. The programme started in September 2024 and 580 Alkmaar primary school pupils have now made use of it.
Maintaining swimming proficiency
Children learn to swim at a young age. This is good for being able to quickly look after themselves independently in a water-rich environment. As children grow older, the body develops. It is then important to maintain swimming proficiency. To this end, five different swimming proficiency training courses have been developed. On the menu are the training courses Rescue your friend, The sea, Swimming sport, Athletic Skills Model (ASM) and Recreational swimming. Schools can make their own choice as to what suits their pupils.
Operating since September 2024
From September 2024, twelve primary schools in Alkmaar have taken part in Swim is Cool. Together with the swimming pool, the menu is being further developed so that as many primary schools in Alkmaar as possible can go swimming with their pupils to maintain swimming proficiency. The coming school year will see an evaluation of how many schools and pupils take part in Swim is Cool. Alderman Jasper Nieuwenhuizen:
In our water-rich environment, it is important that children can swim, but also continue to practise this. The range of programmes offered by Swim is Cool provides for this. This year, we are investigating how many schools use the programme and which schools do not use the programme. With these insights, the Swim is Cool offering can then be continuously improved.
Enjoyment in swimming
On 9 April, Alderman Jasper Nieuwenhuizen was welcomed by swimming ambassador Max Delissen at the De Hoornse Vaart swimming pool. Together they visited primary school De Kring, which was taking part in the Athletic Skills Model (ASM) programme provided by Swim is Cool. Walking on water across a mat, water basketball, doing a forward roll into the water, or jumping off the diving board; the children were very enthusiastic. They moved along step by step to take on new challenges. A little further on in the 50-metre pool, a demonstration of 'Save Your Friend' (Red je Vriendje) was given by children who entered the water fully clothed to learn how to rescue their friend. The alderman was also given an explanation of the 'The Sea' (De Zee) programme, where children learn about both the dangers and the enjoyable aspects of the sea. Swimming ambassador Max Delissen:
The most important thing about Swim is Cool is that children enjoy swimming and keep that enjoyment. To experience that fun, all children need to be able to swim. Every year, all schools let us know how many children in years 5 to 8 cannot swim, which still amounts to around 30 per year. We support them in a separate class so that they can also achieve their first certificate.
