Only half of the schools learn to swim / Day

by times news cr

Around 100 ⁣people die from⁤ drowning in Latvia every year. ​Although they are mostly reckless ⁣adults who⁢ have underestimated their swimming abilities,⁢ they also include children as‌ young as 14 years old. Already five years ago, a concept was developed to reduce this black statistic. However, its implementation has remained⁣ on paper, as there is no state‌ support for the implementation of the swimming program in schools. It ⁢has ⁣zero funding next year​ as well. ​Therefore, learning to swim (at least for second-grade students) is fully dependent on the infrastructure and financial capabilities available to ⁤the municipality.

Educators⁢ must​ be trained

Like any subject, swimming lessons ‍must be learned according ​to a single system and basic principles.Sadly, this does⁣ not happen in reality, and in‍ each municipality and school it is⁢ ensured⁤ according to each individual’s own understanding,‍ therefore, in⁤ general, the expected results are not ⁣achieved, that is, ‍the statistics ‍of drowned people, including children, do not decrease.For days the associations do ‍not⁢ hide their critical attitude Swim safely manager Zane Gemze, adding that⁤ the situation will not improve without state‌ support. the state’s attitude definitely refers ​to statistics – if in Latvia with its 1.8 million inhabitants, more than 100 people drown a year, then in the Netherlands, where there are 18 million, 90 drown, and in Australia, where there are 26 million inhabitants, ⁤352. ‌

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what are the main causes of drowning incidents in Latvia, and how can swimming education help reduce them?

Interview: The ​drowning ⁢Crisis in Latvia and the Need for Swimming Education

Editor, ⁣Time.news: Today, we⁢ are joined by Zane Gemze, the manager of the initiative “Swim safely” to discuss the alarming statistics of drowning incidents in‌ Latvia and the pressing need for state-supported swimming education ⁣in schools. Thank you for joining us, Zane.

Q: Zane, latvia experiences around 100 drowning incidents annually, which is a staggering figure considering our population. What do you attribute this ⁤high number to,and how do‌ children fit into⁣ this statistic?

A: Thank you for having me. The‌ statistics ⁣are indeed ⁤concerning. Most drowning victims are​ adults who​ underestimate ⁢thier swimming abilities, but we ⁤cannot overlook that children as ‌young as 14 are also included in ‌these tragedies. A ‍lack of proper swimming ⁣education and awareness contributes significantly to this issue. Many municipalities lack the resources needed for effective swimming programs in⁣ schools.

Q: you mentioned that five years ago, a concept was developed to tackle this issue, but it has yet to be implemented. ​What does this concept ​entail, and⁢ why hasn’t it moved ⁢forward?

A: The concept involves a structured swimming education program designed to be introduced in schools, notably targeting second-grade students. ⁢Unluckily, implementation has​ stalled​ due ⁣to a lack of state funding and support.As‍ of⁢ now,there is ​zero funding ⁣allocated for this initiative next year,so the responsibility ⁣falls on local‍ municipalities,many of which⁤ simply do not have the budget to prioritize swimming education.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not having⁢ state-supported⁣ swimming programs in schools?

A: Without a‍ uniform swimming education system, we will continue to see high drowning rates. different municipalities have different approaches to swimming lessons, which leads to inconsistencies in skill acquisition among⁢ children. Consequently,these disparities‌ fail to reduce drowning statistics,reflecting a important ‌gap in our swimming education infrastructure.

Q:⁤ how does LatviaS ‍drowning rate compare with countries ⁤like the Netherlands and Australia that you‌ mentioned?

A: The contrast⁤ is stark. Latvia’s statistics are alarming; with our small population of 1.8 million, we average over 100 drownings a year. ⁤In comparison, the ​Netherlands, with a population of ⁣18 million, records only 90 drownings, and Australia, with⁣ nearly 26 million, has 352 drownings. this indicates that better swimming education and public awareness campaigns directly correlate with lower drowning rates.

Q: What practical advice would you provide to parents and communities ‌to mitigate this⁣ issue while awaiting state support?

A: Parents should actively seek community swimming lessons⁤ and programs, nonetheless of their availability in schools. Engaging with local swim clubs and organizations that ‍prioritize child safety in water can be immensely beneficial. ‌Moreover, ⁢advocating for local ⁢government‌ to recognize the importance of swimming education can also drive change. Encouraging children to learn swimming at a young age can equip them with essential survival skills.

Q: Lastly, what message do you want to convey⁢ to the government‍ regarding swimming education?

A: The government needs to recognize that investing in ⁣swimming education is an investment in public safety. Every child should have the chance to learn to swim,which will not only save lives but also foster a culture of⁤ safety around water. The‌ swimming program must‍ not remain just an idea on ⁣paper—action is⁢ crucial.

Editor,⁣ Time.news: Thank you,Zane,for highlighting these critical issues surrounding swimming education and drowning prevention in Latvia. It’s clear that immediate action is needed to ⁣change the current statistics and save lives.

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