Only Half of Estonian Schoolchildren Achieve Required Swimming Skills

Swimming is a compulsory subject in Estonian schools, yet only around half of pupils acquire the necessary skills. According to the Estonian Swimming Association, results are significantly affected by distance to the nearest pool, leaving rural schools at a clear disadvantage. The association wants swimming lessons to continue in upper grades.

Swimming is compulsory in Estonian primary schools, yet only approximately half of pupils achieve the required skill level. According to the Ministry of Education and Research and the Estonian Swimming Association, one of the main reasons is the distance between schools and pools.

Location determines the result

Kirsti Mäesepp, a representative of the Estonian Swimming Association, explained that schools without pools are in significantly worse condition. "When a pool is very far away, organising lessons becomes quite expensive for the school, since a large part of the money goes to transport. Meanwhile, there are schools where the pool is right in the school building, and they certainly have a big advantage. I can see that in such educational institutions, very good results are achieved in swimming," said Mäesepp.

A representative of the Ministry of Education and Research, Jana Adari, acknowledged that opportunities depend largely on local conditions. "Currently, the situation is such that the local authority itself decides how much of the allocated funds are used and how much children can swim. Conditions are certainly difficult in schools in rural areas," noted Adari.

Only halfway to the goal

The Swimming Association has set a target that 90% of first-cycle pupils should be able to swim. Currently, this figure is half that. "We are halfway there, and based on surveys, it seems that children's physical abilities simply do not allow them to complete the 200-metre complex test," noted Mäesepp.

The problem is not limited to children alone; many adults also lack proper swimming skills because swimming lessons did not take place during their school years. "There is currently very high demand for adult swimming courses," said Mäesepp.

Association wants to expand swimming lessons

The Swimming Association's greatest wish is for swimming lessons to continue throughout the entire primary school. "For example, if a pupil took a swimming test in third grade, they should have the opportunity to repeat it in sixth and ninth grade," added Mäesepp. Such an approach would ensure that acquired skills are not forgotten and more children reach adulthood with swimming ability.