New: Swim is cool for primary schools!

Swimming is cool

“All children in the Netherlands must be able to cycle, ice skate and swim,” says the average Dutch person. These activities are simply in our DNA. In our water-rich country, it is essential that children learn to swim from a young age. Although most children have their swimming certificate by Year 5, unfortunately this does not mean that accidents no longer happen.

In Alkmaar, the municipality, in consultation with all primary schools, decided a few years ago to stop traditional school swimming. The weekly bus transport, changing and swimming lessons were too heavy a burden for the schools. In addition, many children already had their certificate, while others could not obtain it within six months.

To ensure that every child leaves primary school with at least an A certificate, the ‘broom class’ was introduced. However, to further stimulate and improve swimming ability, a new programme has now been developed for children in years 5, 6, 7 and 8: ‘Swim is cool’. Primary schools can choose from five different themes: Save Your Friend, The Sea, Swimming Sport, ASM (Athletic Skills Model) and Recreational Swimming+.

With ‘Swim is cool’, primary school children can further develop their swimming skills in a fun and educational way, so that they can always be safe and confident in and around the water. Join in and discover how cool swimming can be!

Five themes for primary schools

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, we are introducing a series of swimming proficiency training sessions that schools can take part in.

Practical information

Cost: €2 per pupil

For whomchildren in years 5, 6, 7 and 8

Log invia the form on the activity page

Questions: swimiscool@alkmaarsport.nl

Terms and conditionsall children must hold at least a basic swimming certificate (A-diploma). An exception is made for the theme ‘recreational swimming’, but only under the supervision of someone aged 18+.

Responsibility of school and operator

The school is and remains primarily responsible for the activities offered in a school context in the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool. The fact that the school uses the accommodation and expertise of third parties (the pool operator) for ‘Swim is cool’ does not detract from that responsibility of the school. However, the pool operator also has its own responsibility, partly on the basis of the Environment Act. This relates to both the hygiene and safety of the accommodation and the aids used. We expect teachers and supervisors to maintain an active attitude at all times.

Below are our Swim is cool activities

Save Your Boyfriend

Looking for a sporty and educational activity for your school? At the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool in Alkmaar, we offer various options for schools. For instance, we have the 'Save Your Friend' programme,...