"Increase in 'Children Who Can't Swim'—Understanding the 'Swimming Gap' and Japan's Challenges from a Global Perspective Due to the Reduction of School Pools"

"Increase in 'Children Who Can't Swim'—Understanding the 'Swimming Gap' and Japan's Challenges from a Global Perspective Due to the Reduction of School Pools"

2025年06月28日 18:30

Table of Contents

  1. What is Happening with School Swimming in Japan Now

  2. Reading the Shrinking "Places to Swim" through Data

  3. Parents' Outcry: The Reality of "2-Year Wait" at Swimming Schools

  4. Intergenerational Friction and Safety Management Blind Spots at Public Pools

  5. Swimming Education Abroad: Case Studies from Australia and Europe

  6. The Risks of Water Accidents and Health Disparities Brought by a "Non-Swimming Generation"

  7. Five Proposals to Reclaim Pool Education

  8. Conclusion: Connecting Water Safety to the Next Generation


1. What is Happening with School Swimming in Japan Now

In June 2025, Shueisha Online released a report titled "The Decline of School Pool Classes Leads to a Surge in 'Children Without Places to Swim.'" The report highlighted that due to aging facilities, extreme heat, and reforms in teachers' working styles, some municipalities are even abolishing practical swimming classes altogether.excite.co.jp


● Decrease in Class Frequency: Swimming classes, which used to be over 10 sessions annually, have been halved to 3-4 sessions.
● Privatization: Classes are conducted by bus transport to nearby schools or sports clubs with indoor pools, widening the gap in cost burdens.




2. Reading the Shrinking "Places to Swim" through Data

According to the Japan Sports Agency's "FY2021 Physical Education and Sports Facility Status Survey," the number of pool facilities in elementary and middle schools is 22,036, a decrease of about 6,000 since 1996. Additionally, the number of public pools decreased from 4,006 in 2010 to 3,426 in 2020, with about 580 disappearing.takasaki.keizai.biz



Trends Seen in Graphs

  • School Pools: 1996 28,000→2021 22,036

  • Public Pools: 2010 4,006→2020 3,426

Key Points: The main reasons are the soaring costs of maintenance and renovation. The increase in extremely hot days due to global warming has reduced the number of days outdoor pools can be used, further worsening cost performance.




3. Parents' Outcry: The Reality of "2-Year Wait" at Swimming Schools

In Tokyo swimming schools, children's courses in the evenings on weekdays are always full, with some classes reporting 30-70 people on the waiting list.excite.co.jp


  • Rising Fees: Monthly fees average between 9,000 to 12,000 yen.

  • Families Unable to Attend: Lower-income households have less access to private lessons, solidifying the swimming gap.




4. Intergenerational Friction and Safety Management Blind Spots at Public Pools

Parent A says, "I was clicked at by an elderly person occupying the beginner lane."excite.co.jp

  • Elderly people prioritize **"walking lanes"** for rehabilitation purposes.

  • Children lack swimming skills and are at risk of collisions as they cannot swim straight.

  • There are many cases where trouble response is delayed due to a shortage of supervisors.




5. Swimming Education Abroad: Case Studies from Australia and Europe

Australia

Even in Australia, once called a swimming powerhouse, the reduction of school swimming and reliance on private sectors is progressing. The drowning of 104 people (summer 2024-25) has become a social issue.theguardian.com



France

In Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, the number of pools is below the national average, and children's lack of swimming skills is severe. The newly established Centre Aquatique Olympique, as an Olympic legacy, has begun offering free lessons for schoolchildren.cntraveler.com



European Comparison

According to an OECD report, while many countries such as Sweden, Germany, and Austria require 25m swimming proficiency in primary education, countries like the UK show disparities due to municipal finances.one.oecd.org




6. The Risks of Water Accidents and Health Disparities Brought by a "Non-Swimming Generation"

  • Accident Statistics: 70% of drowning accidents in Japan involving children under 10 are due to "unfamiliarity with water" (Japan Lifesaving Association).

  • Health Aspects: Swimming is effective as a low-impact exercise for addressing obesity and declining physical fitness. It is also reported to improve mental health, especially in children with a sense of confinement.




7. Five Proposals to Reclaim Pool Education

  1. Nationwide Expansion of the "Joint Pool Model"

    • Realize year-round classes centered on indoor pools jointly operated by nearby schools and municipalities.

  2. Public Contracts with Private Schools (Voucher System)

    • Distribute lesson vouchers for a certain number of times per month to low-income households.

  3. Clarification of Senior Priority Time × Kids Priority Time

    • Time slots for public pool use are divided, and dedicated lanes are permanently established.

  4. Hybrid Classes of Digital Materials + Pool Practice

    • Learn theory through audiovisual materials and acquire swimming techniques in the shortest time through practical training.

  5. Development of Regional Lifesavers and Expansion of Volunteers

    • Support for qualification acquisition targeting high school and university students to supplement the shortage of personnel.




8. Conclusion: Connecting Water Safety to the Next Generation

The reduction of school pools is complex, involving finances, climate, and labor environments, but the decline in children's swimming skills poses a risk to society as a whole. Now, when similar issues are becoming apparent overseas, it is time to reconstruct with the idea that **"learning places are public infrastructure."** To prevent the interruption of Japan's water accident prevention education, a sustainable pool education model through public-private collaboration is needed.



List of Reference Articles

  • Shueisha Online "The Decline of School Pool Classes Leads to a Surge in 'Children Without Places to Swim...'" June 28, 2025excite.co.jp

  • Japan Sports Agency "FY2021 Physical Education and Sports Facility Status Survey" Updated April 2023mext.go.jp

  • Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Data (Trends in the Number of Public Pools)takasaki.keizai.biz

  • The Guardian "How a nation of strong swimmers is losing its way" March 30, 2025theguardian.com

  • Condé Nast Traveler "In This Paris Suburb, Most Kids Can't Swim" July 13, 2024cntraveler.com

  • OECD "Swimming skills around the world" 2022 Reportone.oecd.org

  • AquaMobile "Swimming Lessons in Curriculum Across the World" November 2015aquamobileswim.com

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