From School Swimming to Water Safety: A Guide for Parents on the Current Situation and How to Ensure Your Child is Safe in the Water

Teaching your child to swim is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. The Netherlands is a water-rich country, and water safety is essential. But what exactly is the situation with swimming lessons, school swimming, and their costs? What is the current state of affairs, and how do you ensure that your child is safe in the water? In this article, we guide you through the Dutch swimming lesson landscape and provide practical tips and insights so you can make an informed choice.

The Decline of School Swimming: A Worrying Trend

In the past, school swimming was a standard part of primary education. Unfortunately, it has disappeared in many municipalities [7]. In 2024, only 23% of municipalities offered or supported school swimming, a decrease compared to previous years [7]. This means that more and more parents are responsible for their children's swimming lessons.

The decline of school swimming is a worrying trend because it can make an important contribution to the water safety of children, especially in families with limited financial resources [8, 14]. In 2025, the government decided not to reintroduce compulsory school swimming, partly due to the high costs and time it would take [20].

What are the consequences of less school swimming?

Less school swimming means that the responsibility for water safety increasingly lies with the parents. This can lead to:

Greater inequality: Children from low-income families are less likely to have a swimming certificate [8, 14].
Lower water safety: A larger number of children without a swimming certificate means a greater risk of drowning [8, 14].
Social exclusion: Children without a swimming certificate may feel excluded during swimming parties or vacations [14].

The Costs of Swimming Lessons: A Significant Investment

The costs of swimming lessons can be considerable. On average, you pay between 50 and 80 euros per month for swimming lessons [10, 16, 17]. Achieving the A certificate quickly requires 60 lessons [14]. This means you will quickly spend a few thousand euros.

Hidden Costs of Swimming Lessons

In addition to the lesson fees, there are often other costs to consider, such as:

Registration fee: Many swimming schools charge a registration fee [15].
Learning materials: Think of a swimsuit, swimming goggles, and a swimming cap.
Swimming test fees: You often pay extra for the swimming test for a certificate [10].

Want to know more about the hidden costs of swimming lessons? Then read our article on the hidden costs of swimming lessons: a guide to avoid surprises.

The Importance of the C Certificate: The National Standard for Water Safety

Although the A certificate is often seen as a milestone, it is important to know that the C certificate is the national standard for water safety [2, 4, 9]. With a C certificate, your child masters the skills to swim safely in a swimming pool with attractions and in open water, such as recreational lakes and wider canals [9].

What do you learn with the C certificate?

With the C certificate, your child learns, among other things:

Swimming in open water with light currents and waves.
Swimming with clothes on.
Self-rescue in unexpected situations.

Do you want to know more about the differences between the swimming certificates? Then read our article on a to c: all about swimming certificates and your child's water safety.

Tips to Increase Your Child's Water Safety

Even if your child is taking swimming lessons, it is important to continue to increase water safety. Here are a few tips:

Keep practicing: Go swimming with your child regularly, even after obtaining the certificate.
Swim in open water: Teach your child to swim in open water and explain the dangers [12].
Supervise: Always supervise your child near water, even if they can swim [11, 13].
Be alert to the environment: Pay attention to current, depth, and other possible hazards [12].

What to do about fear of water?

Overcoming fear of water in children is essential for their water safety and enjoyment in the water. Start with a calm and patient approach, gradually letting your child get used to the water. For example, start by playing at the edge of the pool and gradually let them go deeper into the water step by step. Reward every small step forward with positive encouragement and avoid negative pressure. Consider professional help from an experienced swimming instructor who specializes in dealing with fear of water. A good instructor can work on overcoming fear in a safe and controlled manner, allowing your child to learn to swim with confidence. Read more about overcoming fear of water: your role as a parent in swimming lessons.

Choose the Right Swimming Lesson Method

There are several swimming lesson methods you can choose from. The best known are the Swimming ABC, Superspetters (KNZB) and EasySwim [19]. Each method has its own approach and benefits. It is important to choose a method that suits your child's personality and pace. Read more about Swimming ABC, Superspetters, EasySwim: Which Swimming Lesson Method Best Suits Your Child?

Swimming Lessons in Your City

Are you looking for swimming lessons in your city? ZwemlesWijzer is happy to help you find and compare swimming lesson providers. For example, you can find swimming lessons in:

Conclusion: Water Safety is a Shared Responsibility

Water safety is a shared responsibility of parents, schools, and the government. By being aware of the risks, teaching your child to swim well, and continuing to increase water safety, you can ensure that your child can enjoy the water safely and with pleasure. Use ZwemlesWijzer to find and compare the best swimming lesson provider in your city! Start comparing swimming lesson providers in your city today and give your child the chance to learn to swim safely and with pleasure.

From School Swimming to Water Safety: A Guide for Parents