(Canadian health) minister calls for swim lessons in school

[UrbScotty]

Swimming lessons should be made part of every Canadian child's education, the federal minister responsible for public health said in the wake of several drownings this summer.

Carolyn Bennett told the Toronto Star that she wants the lessons to be part of the school curriculum and said the federal government should help fund the initiative.

"We've made such strides in this country, from seat belts and car seats to bicycle helmet legislation in many provinces," Bennett told the newspaper. "It's time we looked at swimming safety."

"I think every kid should know what to do when they fall into water."

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/07/18/swimming-lessons050718.html?ref=rss

My school district (Kentwood, MI) required all students to know how to swim. I didn't like swimming before, but since I took that swim class, I've liked it.

[Julius Civitatus]

1. Yes! Bravo. Great idea.

I was surprised at how man ypeople in the US can not swim. I think it shoudl be mandatory here as well.

[UrbScotty]

11. Yeah - another way to fight obesity.

I'm sick of hearing about Americans being so fat, etc.

[mcscajun]

2. I totally agree...all students everywhere should have to learn how

to swim.

All kids (and all adults) should acquire this important survival skill. You're never too old to learn, and even fearful adults can be eased into the water with the right class/instructor.

I didn't learn as a child, and it took me the last two years to manage it. :) I gave it much thought after 9/11 when I was traveling every day on a ferryboat in busy (and DEEP) New York Harbor. Lifejackets are all well and good, but some of 'em didn't look all that sound, and what if...? I'd rather be able to hold my own, at least treading water.

I can swim now! It's great exercise, and fun!

[MissMarple]

3. My children had to take swim before they could graduate from high school.

It's a good idea. :)

[darkism]

4. Great idea. This is something every kid should be able to do.

In addition to being able to read competently and ride a bike. It's part of being a kid.

[K-W]

5. As a former lifeguard and swim instructor, thats great. EOM

[Danmel]

6. It is a very good idea

Every year you hear these tragic stories of kids who drown and others who drown trying to save them. Everyone should know how to swim- just one question= where would inner city kids learn? Many of their communities don't have pools and certainly not in the schools themselves.

[IA_Seth]

7. This is already a mandatory class in Iowa

I am not sure if it is a local school board requirement or a state requirement, but to graduate high school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa all students must take one term of swimming.

I think you CAN get out of it for those afraid of water, but it isn't easy.

[Brooklyn Michael]

8. sigh....Oh, Canada...

While our northern brethren are making good moves like this, US schools are actually CUTTING Phys Ed. classes....

Save a kid's life - don't let him/her grow up to be a little porker.

[barb162]

9. there are surprising numbers of people who can't swim

(though I don't know the percentages, just anecdotally)

[LisaM]

10. I agree - it's essential to know how to swim

It's a great idea.

[donco6]

12. What if your district doesn't have a pool?

Most in Colorado do not. Some districts out on the plains don't even have one within 50 miles.

??

[Lisa]

13. I'm also in favour of a "what to do if you're lost outdoors" class

It seems that every weekend one hears about a child who's wandered off and (if it's a lucky day) is later found cold, hungry, and dehydrated. There are also grownups who depart for a day-long hike on Grouse Mountain, for example, without taking any water or raingear, expecting that all they have to do is pull out a cellphone and call for help. The rescue squad is fed up with this! A lesson in how to keep warm and how to signal for help (plus how to avoid getting into that situation in the first place) might be useful.

My mom has taught an outdoor education class for a couple of decades, and she notes the increasing number of kids attending who are squeamish about walking in mud, have no idea of what kind of clothing to wear for an extended time outside, or downright scared about going into the woods. And this is Canada, where the natural world supposedly is a large part of our national identity (according to Atwood, Frye, etc.).

I hated taking the Red Cross sponsored swimming lessons, but after learning that I'd be allowed to do fun stuff like canoeing, sailing, and scuba diving afterwards, I came around.

As far as funding goes -- if governments can afford to pony up massive amounts of money to pay for big sports stadiums and bailing out professional sports franchises which spend millions of dollars on player salaries -- surely money can be found for this. Canada's been whining for years about how we haven't got Olympic swimming champions like in earlier times. My guess is that there are probably lots of poorer kids who've never had a chance to try out aquatic sports, and cutting back Phys Ed and Participaction-type programmes has contributed to this decline. Sports and fitness should be linked with health and education strategies, not made out to be something that only elites can afford.

[MissB]

14. Around here

(and in the neighboring state) the schools have what is called Outdoor School or 6th Grade Camp. The 6th graders head out for a four day trip in the woods (usually at an established camp) and learn basic skills.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. I agree, as long as they

have teachers who know how to deal with those who are afraid in a positive manner.

[UrbScotty]

16. I was VERY afraid.

But they had a couple student-assistants help me and a few others in the class.