Educational inequalities also exist in the swimming pool

By Christian Block, Lex Kleren Switch to German for original article

Swimming promotes exercise and health - and once learned, it can save lives. However, more and more children are no longer able to swim. Certified swimming instructors could make a difference, especially for children at a young age, but in many places they are left out. And there is also a lack of swimming pools.

It's a Wednesday morning at the inter-municipal swimming pool in Mondercange-Dippach (Pimodi). A swimming instructors is standing at the edge of the pool, working with the class teacher on the technique of primary school pupils.

This constellation probably also exists in other municipalities. However, a different principle has actually applied for around 15 years. Since a legal change in 2009, the class teacher (or their substitute) has been primarily responsible for swimming lessons. A lifeguard must be present to ensure general supervision of the pool. The fact that co-operation is possible is merely due to an opening in the law (see info box).

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