Mulier Instituut sows confusion with one-sided figures on swimming safety

Today the Mulier Instituut published a report claiming that the number of people in the Netherlands who swim regularly has dropped from 70% in 2019 to 54% in 2024. The report also makes the controversial assertion that only 14% of respondents consider a C swimming diploma essential for swimming safety, while the Nationale Norm Zwemveiligheid (NNZ) sets this diploma as a requirement. Although the figures may look alarming at first glance, this research raises more questions than it answers.

1. A one-sided focus on the Nationale Norm Zwemveiligheid

The Mulier Instituut bases its position on the NNZ, a standard that is directly governed by the Nationale Raad Zwemveiligheid (NRZ), a commercial provider of swimming diplomas. This raises the question of how independent the research really is, given that other diploma providers such as the Nederlandse Stichting Water- & Zwemveiligheid (NSWZ), ENVOZ, EasySwim and Zon are left out of the discussion altogether. It would have been fitting for the institute to take a broader perspective that does justice to the diversity of swimming teaching methods and diploma providers in the Netherlands.

2. Poor representation of respondents

The research is based on a sample of 1,506 people in the Netherlands aged 16 and over. Yet crucial demographic details such as ethnicity, education level, household composition and geographic spread are not mentioned. These factors are hugely important for properly interpreting trends in swimming behaviour and swimming safety. It is well known, for example, that families on lower incomes or with a migration background have less access to swimming lessons, which can skew the overall picture of swimming ability.

3. Swimming lessons as a cost burden

The report states that parents are primarily responsible for their children obtaining swimming diplomas, but it overlooks the financial reality faced by many families. Swimming lessons are expensive, and requiring a C swimming diploma can create an additional barrier. The Mulier Instituut seems to pay little attention to this economic obstacle, which partly explains why parents often settle for an A or B diploma.

4. Swimming lessons should be enjoyable, not just an obligation

Another point the report completely ignores is the quality and appeal of swimming lessons. If lessons are taught in a purely rigid, protocol-driven way, without any regard for a child's enjoyment and motivation, it is hardly surprising that parents drop out sooner. Swimming safety does not have to mean rigid diploma requirements; on the contrary, it should be challenging and inspiring for children to keep learning.

5. Needless unrest ahead of parliamentary debates

The timing of the publication – just before scheduled parliamentary debates on swimming safety – gives the impression that this report is more about exerting political pressure than offering objective research. The NSWZ points out that publications like this can add to needless unrest among parents and swimming providers. The lack of nuance and the one-sided focus on the NNZ undermine confidence in the wide range of swimming education available in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

The Mulier Instituut misses an important opportunity to provide genuine insight into the complex factors surrounding swimming behaviour and swimming safety. Rather than placing one-sided emphasis on the Nationale Norm Zwemveiligheid and elevating the C diploma to the norm, the institute would benefit from a broader perspective that includes all providers of swimming education. On top of that, more attention needs to be paid to the accessibility, affordability and quality of swimming lessons. Only in this way can we do justice to the real needs of children, parents and providers in the Netherlands.

Reference to the article published by the Mulier Instituut:

https://www.mulierinstituut.nl/nieuws/minder-nederlanders-gaan-wel-eens-zwemmen/