Because swimming courses in the usual form are not yet possible, the Finsing water rescue service has considered an alternative offer.
During the summer there are tips and tricks for learning to swim at the Finsinger Weiher.
Finsing - It's hot, the cool water beckons - but fewer and fewer children can swim.
This problem got worse in the corona pandemic, when baths were closed for months and courses were not possible.
As before, swimming lessons cannot be offered in the usual form.
The Finsing water rescue service has therefore considered an alternative that does not replace the swimming course, but is intended to help people help themselves.
During the summer there are tips and tricks for learning to swim at the Finsinger Weiher.
Even before Corona, the need for swimming courses could hardly be met, says Lydia Saalfrank.
Now, after more than a year of compulsory break, the demand is enormous, explains the chairwoman of the local water watch group Finsing and regrets: "Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer swimming courses in the usual way."
No swimming course possible for a year and a half - "you can tell"
Lessons would only be possible under strict conditions - only five children and their supervisor per course and sufficient distance between participants and trainers.
“It's generally difficult with children, and it is difficult when learning to swim, if you can't just take the child by the hand or correct the arm position,” says Saalfrank.
Under these conditions, a good course is not possible - this was the unanimous opinion of the water watch in the entire district.
“For around a year and a half, the children could no longer attend a swimming course.
You can tell, "says Saalfrank and explains:" The general tendency is that children learn to swim later, worse and less. "This is how the idea of offering an alternative came about.
For three weeks now there has been a free offer at Finsinger Weiher that has been well received.
If the weather is nice, the water watch will give you tips and tricks for learning to swim on the weekends.
They want to keep this throughout the summer season, as long as the security service allows it and enough volunteer trainers are available.
Parents should introduce their children to swimming in a playful way and show them the fun in the water
It started in mid-June with the topic of getting used to the water, followed by gliding, position in the water and, finally, leg movements.
The idea behind it: “We show the parents exercises so that they can imitate them with their children.
It should also be an impetus for parents to approach the topic themselves, ”says Saalfrank: Parents should introduce their offspring to swimming in a playful way and show them how much fun it can be in the water.
The water watch emphasizes that the offer is not a swimming course, but a kind of help for self-help.
Afterwards, it is important to stay tuned: If the parents then practice regularly and consistently with their children for two or three weeks, “then most of them will be able to swim,” Saalfrank is convinced.
In this way, it is hoped, at least a few girls and boys will reach their destination even without a course.
Because the rush for classes when it starts again will be great, predicts Saalfrank.
“Nevertheless, we really hope that we will be able to offer swimming courses in the usual way again by autumn at the latest.” The water rescue service will then make this known across the district.
Until then, Saalfrank asks to refrain from requests for swimming courses.
There would also be no waiting lists.
Lydia Saalfrank, chairwoman of the water rescue service: "We look forward to every visitor"
Saalfrank admits that the offer is certainly fraught with difficulties.
For example, the children would feel more unsafe in the murky pond water and without a pool edge than in the swimming pool.
Alone among other children and only with the trainers, children would often trust each other more.
Last but not least, their skills are very different, and the trainers are unable to cater to the needs of each individual.
The parents are nevertheless grateful for the offer and the impulses.
“It was still a bit cold on the first two days, but we already had three to eight pairs of children and parents who had participated.
A few more watched.
The parents are happy about the initiative, "says Saalfrank and adds:" We are happy about every visitor who takes something with them and simply has fun on the water.
That is the most important thing for the children. "
Tips and tricks for learning to swim
is available on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. at Finsinger Weiher when the weather is nice.
The meeting point is by the stairs at the guard hut.
Registration is not required, participation is free.
At www.facebook.com/WasserwachtFinsing, the Wasserwacht informs a few days in advance whether and on what topic the offer is taking place.
There are also short video tutorials on learning to swim at www.wasserwacht.bayern.
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