Learning to swim in Finland : practices and experiences

Abstract

Aquatic skills have been defined as important life-saving skills in Finland, because of it’s thousands of lakes. Finnish national core curriculum includes objectives for pupils’ swimming skills and, therefore national survey is implemented regularly. The latest survey implemented in spring 2022 to measure 6th graders (n = 1798) and preschoolers (n = 222) perception of their swimming skills. The results revealed decline in 6th graders’ skills. There were approximately 55% of 6th graders reporting to be able to swim 200 m, including 50 m swimming on the back. Moreover, the survey revealed gender differences showing that 60% of boys, 51% of girls and 40% of non-binary genders achieved the 200 m criteria. These gender differences have not found earlier. In 2022 survey included preschoolers (6 yrs) first time. The results showed that preschoolers have positive attitude towards water, and they perceive their aquatic competence positively. This starting point should be utilized in swimming lessons by including swimming already as part of preschool curriculum. The Covid pandemic reduced the amount of swimming lessons. Therefore, it can be assumed that a new generation of pupils with poor swimming skills is now growing. There is need to ensure water safety by compensating the lack of swimming skills. Practically it could mean starting annual swimming lessons from preschool.