Life Guards at DLRG Identify Young, Non-Swimming Children as Parental Responsibility - Life Guards Seek Family Responsibility for Unskilled Swimmers Among Youth
In a recent call to action, Michael Hohmann, President of DLRG Hessen, has emphasized the importance of swimming proficiency among children, particularly in the face of rising concerns over drownings in home pools and garden ponds.
Hohmann advocates for redefining swimming as a mandatory skill for everyone, not just delegating the responsibility to schools. He believes that swimming should be considered a necessary life skill, not an optional activity.
According to a 2022 Forsa survey, 20 percent of elementary school students cannot swim at all when transitioning to a secondary school, an increase from 10 percent in 2017. The survey also found that 60 percent of students are not safe swimmers.
Hohmann does not specify the number of children who drown in home pools or garden ponds, but implies it is a significant issue. He stresses the importance of parental supervision in preventing accidents in home pools or garden ponds, and criticizes the lack of parental attention, especially when preoccupied with phones during children's swimming.
The DLRG, Germany's national life-saving organisation, has historically highlighted a significant issue with swimming proficiency among children. Studies and surveys in recent years revealed that many children do not meet the basic swimming skills needed for water safety.
The DLRG emphasizes the critical role families play in children's swimming ability and water safety. Since swimming skills are often taught outside of school, parental involvement in enrolling children in swimming lessons and encouraging practice is vital.
The DLRG advocates for increased swimming education programs, especially to compensate for deficits made worse by interruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They promote partnerships between schools, swimming clubs, and families to improve overall swimming competency.
Hohmann warns of the danger of leaving children unattended in home pools or garden ponds. He sees families as responsible for children's swimming proficiency, including grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
It is less likely for staff or other bathers to notice if a child is in distress in private settings. Therefore, it is crucial for families to ensure their children can swim safely.
Without newer statistics directly from 2025 or specific DLRG statements in the search results, one can infer that swimming proficiency among children remains a concern in Germany, and families continue to play a pivotal role as emphasized by the DLRG in their ongoing campaigns to reduce drowning risks.
For the most current and detailed figures or statements, it is recommended to consult the latest DLRG reports or official German health and safety publications.
- To address the concerning rise in drownings, it is crucial for community policy to include mandatory swimming lessons for all individuals, not just those in schools, as advocated by Michael Hohmann, President of DLRG Hessen.
- In line with this, science and health-and-wellness initiatives should prioritize promoting swimming as a vital life skill, recognizing its importance in enhancing water safety and reducing accidents, particularly among children.
