Mandatory swim instruction for adolescents and adults has been of interest to me for quite some time. Many high schools and a few colleges require students to pass a swim test or take a swimming course in order to graduate. In the past, more colleges and universities has this requirement than at present, but most have dropped it, but a few still do, including several Ivy League schools.
It is always said that such a requirement is good because it helps to insure that more people become safe in the water. I wonder about the effectiveness of this. Do such swim tests/courses really work--do they really do the job they're supposed to do? Do they really get people to swim with ease or be safe in deep water? And what about fearful students, those with no aquatic experience and who are often studious or unathetic? Please go to the following websites and post your comments:
MIT Department of Athletics, Physical Education
Time to Swim or Graduate--Boston Globe
Welcome MIT Department of Athletics, Physical Education (watch video)
YouTube video: Adult Learn to Swim
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Maybe we should make swimming instruction voluntary, at least for older teenagers or adults--that way those who choose it would at least be strongly motivated. But, then, if not compelled ,some people would undoubtedly not learn to swim and then never be safe around water...
You keep coming back to this concept (first mandatory, now voluntary) of instructing teens and adults. I cannot see how anyone would disagree that this would be wonderful. There are a few issues that need to be overcome:
Facilities - Whether pools or open bodies of water, one must be able to locate facilities appropriate to the purpose. Zero barrier entry is best for beginners and handicapped students, although some facilities overcome this through ladders, steps or lifts.
Location/Scheduling - Relatively close access and availability (scheduling time) for facilities to people who may not have ready access to transportation and must rely on public transit schedules or shared transport.
Trained, Capable Instructors - Just having lifeguards will not cut it! These folks will need excellent personal skills, tremendous patience, and appropriate training in adult swim techniques and psychology. Also, teaching/guarding skills vary between open bodies of water and pools.
Funding - Many of the people who may want to learn, do not have the means to afford it. If we are relying on social programming dollars, get in line!
Desire - Whether voluntary or mandatory, it's up to the individual to have the desire to learn to swim. No matter how good the instructor, or how bad the circumstance, desire is key.
Just a few random thoughts on challenges, regardless of the scope/size of the program.
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Maybe we should make swimming instruction voluntary, at least for older teenagers or adults--that way those who choose it would at least be strongly motivated. But, then, if not compelled ,some people would undoubtedly not learn to swim and then never be safe around water...
You keep coming back to this concept (first mandatory, now voluntary) of instructing teens and adults. I cannot see how anyone would disagree that this would be wonderful. There are a few issues that need to be overcome:
Facilities - Whether pools or open bodies of water, one must be able to locate facilities appropriate to the purpose. Zero barrier entry is best for beginners and handicapped students, although some facilities overcome this through ladders, steps or lifts.
Location/Scheduling - Relatively close access and availability (scheduling time) for facilities to people who may not have ready access to transportation and must rely on public transit schedules or shared transport.
Trained, Capable Instructors - Just having lifeguards will not cut it! These folks will need excellent personal skills, tremendous patience, and appropriate training in adult swim techniques and psychology. Also, teaching/guarding skills vary between open bodies of water and pools.
Funding - Many of the people who may want to learn, do not have the means to afford it. If we are relying on social programming dollars, get in line!
Desire - Whether voluntary or mandatory, it's up to the individual to have the desire to learn to swim. No matter how good the instructor, or how bad the circumstance, desire is key.
Just a few random thoughts on challenges, regardless of the scope/size of the program.
