In my nearly 30 years as a swimming instructor and as chairman of the Nederlandse Stichting Water- & Zwemveiligheid (NSWZ), I see a group of children walk through our doors every week that is structurally overlooked in almost every policy document on swimming safety: children aged 10 and over who still don't have a swimming certificate.
These young people are out there — in large numbers. And they deserve our full attention.
No longer an exception, but a reality
Children aged 10 and over without a swimming certificate can be found in every layer of society. They are not an exception, but a silent group for whom the door to swimming safety often never really opened.
The reasons vary widely: – financial constraints within the family – long-term illness or physical disability – a migration background or language barriers – moving house, or the lack of a suitable place to learn at a young age – shame or trauma from earlier experiences
Sometimes it's simply a combination of circumstances. And sometimes it was just forgotten.
Swimming lessons in silence — and in shame
What I often see is shame. In the child itself, and in the parents. Children who don't dare admit they can't swim. Young people who stay quiet during school trips, because they can't take part.
The moment they start a suitable programme — one where they aren't placed among toddlers, but in a group with their own peers and given tailored lessons — you see their motivation and their ability to learn come rushing to the surface.
They want to learn. They can learn. But only if they are taken seriously.
What this group needs
As a swimming instructor and as an advocate within the sector, I see a clear task for all of us:
Provide ready-to-start programmes for children aged 10+ Not standard group lessons designed for young children, but programmes tailored to age, experience and pace.
Recognise this group in policy In most government plans, the focus is on young children. Rightly so, but not enough. Those over 10 without a certificate disappear into the average, when in fact it is right now that they feel the urgency.
Make funding possible through municipalities, funds or compulsory education Many parents can't, or no longer dare to, take that step. Make it accessible both financially and practically, including outside regular school hours.
Make sure shame is not a barrier This starts with awareness and provision, but also with language, approach and communication. Swimming instructors play a crucial role here.
Practical experience that cannot be ignored
At Zwemschool De Winter Sport, we see every week just how powerful swimming instruction can be for this group — provided it is well organised. Within a few weeks they make huge strides. Not only in technique, but above all in self-confidence.
Swimming safety doesn't stop at the age of 8. Swimming ability shouldn't come with a deadline. But if we keep skipping over these young people in our policies, we are — unintentionally — putting them in danger.
A call to the sector and to policymakers
Let this group be invisible no longer. Make space. Make policy. Free up resources.
At NSWZ, we remain committed to swimming safety for every child. But we can't do this alone. It's time for structural attention to this group — before it's too late.