FLEMISH swimming targets for primary school children have been significantly watered down, prompting concerns among educators and swimming experts. The adjustments reduce expectations for students’ abilities, focusing more on safety than measurable swimming distance.
Earlier this year, a commission of experts proposed that by the end of primary school, children should be able to swim 50 metres using a learned stroke without aids. This plan aimed to ensure that all students acquire basic swimming competency.
In June, the Flemish government initially approved this ambitious standard. However, the final version adopted by the Flemish Parliament now only requires that students “feel safe in the water and can swim without aids.” The modification comes before 16 July but was only recently highlighted to schools.
Experts expressed disappointment at the changes. They argued that a measurable target, such as swimming 50 metres, provides a clear benchmark for safety and competence, whereas the current language is vague. Some fear children may finish primary school without mastering essential swimming skills.
Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) defended the revisions in the media, stating that minimum targets were adjusted after consultations with parliamentarians and the education sector. “What we expect is that children are self-reliant in deep water,” she said, stressing that safety remains the primary concern.
Reports indicate that practical and financial considerations influenced the revisions. Schools had expressed concerns about additional resources required to meet the original standards, including hiring more swimming instructors and extending pool time. These factors contributed to the decision to adopt more flexible goals.
Swimming experts, however, caution that softening targets may have long-term consequences. They argue that basic swimming skills are critical for children’s safety, and a lack of proficiency could increase the risk of drowning incidents. They also warn that ambiguous goals make it harder to evaluate schools’ effectiveness in swimming education.
Parents and educators are now calling for clearer guidance on what constitutes “safe” swimming. Some propose supplementary programs or after-school initiatives to ensure children gain sufficient practice and confidence in the water.
Despite the controversy, the Flemish government maintains that the revised targets balance safety with practical implementation. Minister Demir emphasized that schools are encouraged to provide structured swimming lessons but are not burdened with overly prescriptive requirements.
The debate highlights a broader discussion about education standards in Flanders, where safety, skill acquisition, and financial constraints must be carefully balanced. While the changes have drawn criticism, authorities maintain that children’s safety remains the priority.
In the coming months, monitoring of swimming programs will determine if the new targets meet both safety standards and competency expectations, with stakeholders closely watching the outcomes in classrooms and pools across Flanders.
