Are you struggling to afford swimming lessons for your child? You're not alone. Many parents are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the rising costs of swimming lessons, while water safety remains crucial in a water-rich country like the Netherlands. Fortunately, various swimming lesson subsidies and schemes are available to help. In this article, we'll guide you through the maze of financial assistance, so your child can learn to swim safely too.
Why swimming lessons are so important
Did you know that thousands of children still leave primary school without a swimming diploma every year ? In a country surrounded by water, that's a worrying number. Swimming lessons are not only important for your child's safety but also for their social development . Children with a swimming diploma can participate in school trips, pool parties and other activities where swimming is central. It increases their self-confidence and sense of belonging.
But what if the cost of swimming lessons is a barrier? On average, a complete swimming lesson programme for the A diploma costs between €700 and €1250 . For many families, this is a significant expense, especially given the current rise in the cost of living. And while the A diploma is a first step, experts emphasise that the C diploma is the real standard for swimming safety . So this means even more costs.
The maze of swimming lesson subsidies
The options for financial support for swimming lessons are diverse but often unknown or difficult to find . As a result, many parents miss out on the help they are entitled to. Let's take a look at the main options:
Municipal schemes
Many municipalities have special schemes for families on low incomes . These schemes can cover (part of) the swimming lesson costs. The conditions and offer vary per municipality, so it's important to investigate this thoroughly. Consider:
- Children's Packages: Some municipalities offer a children's package, with vouchers for things like clothing and swimming lessons .
- Participation schemes: These schemes are designed to allow children from low-income families to participate in sports and cultural activities, including swimming lessons .
- Specific swimming lesson subsidies: Some municipalities have a special subsidy for swimming lessons, often in cooperation with local swimming schools .
Contact your municipality to ask about the possibilities and conditions. Sometimes there are also contact persons or social district teams that can help you with this.
Foundations and Funds
In addition to the municipal schemes, there are several foundations and funds that offer financial assistance for swimming lessons . Some well-known examples are:
- Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur (Youth Fund Sport & Culture): This fund pays (part of) the costs for sports and cultural activities for children and young people up to the age of 18, including swimming lessons . You can submit an application via kieseenclub.nl.
- Stichting Leergeld (Learning Money Foundation): Stichting Leergeld offers financial support to children from low-income families so they can participate in activities at school and in their spare time .
- Nationaal Fonds Kinderhulp (National Children's Aid Fund): Kinderhulp helps children in the Netherlands who grow up in poverty. Among other things, they offer financial assistance for swimming lessons .
- Samen voor alle kinderen (Together for all children): On samenvoorallekinderen.nl you will find an overview of various organisations that offer financial assistance to children. You can also submit an application directly here .
School swimming
Although school swimming has been abolished in many municipalities, some schools still offer it . Ask your child's school about the possibilities. School swimming is often a cheaper option than regular swimming lessons.
Tips for saving on swimming lessons
In addition to applying for subsidies, there are other ways to save on swimming lessons:
- Compare swimming lesson providers: The cost of swimming lessons can vary greatly per provider . Compare the prices and teaching methods of different swimming schools in your area via Vergelijk zwemlesaanbieders in jouw stad.
- Opt for a lesson package: Many swimming pools offer lesson packages, where you pay for the entire A programme in one go . This is often cheaper than individual lessons.
- Ask about discounts: Some swimming schools offer discounts for families with several children or for children with a U-pass .
- Practise at home: By practising with your child at home, they can learn the basic skills more quickly. This can reduce the number of lessons required. Check out the kennisbank voor ouders for tips and exercises.
Swimming safety first!
Don't let the cost of swimming lessons be a barrier to your child's swimming safety. There are several options for financial assistance, so do your research and ask for help if you can't figure it out yourself. Because every child deserves to be able to swim safely! Compare swimming lessons in, for example, Zwemles in Amsterdam, Zwemles in Rotterdam of Zwemles in Utrecht.
Curious about the possibilities in your city? Use our comparator and find the best swimming lesson provider that suits your budget and wishes! Vergelijk zwemlesaanbieders in jouw stad
