Lack of swimming lessons in Quebec: France, leader in aquatic security

Why Quebec must improve access to swimming lessons to prevent drowning

 

Quebec is faced with a real public security problem concerning access to swimming lessons.

With many bodies of water and rivers, not knowing how to swim represents a major danger. Unfortunately, Only one in ten children Access to swimming lessons in certain regions of Quebec, according to recent surveys. This figure is particularly alarming in a province where there are a lot of rivers and lakes, and where drownings represent a constant risk. Let us compare this to France, where access to swimming is facilitated and largely integrated into school curricula.

 

The infrastructure crisis in Quebec

Access to swimming lessons in Quebec is far from sufficient. For example, in Longueuil, alone 6 % of 37,000 children can register for lessons this year. In Saguenay, the situation is similar: barely 10 % of 18,000 young people of the region can hope for a place. This shortage is aggravated by the closure of many public swimming pools and a critical lack of Swimming monitors.

Sandra Bérubé, owner of the Aquatitude school, illustrates this crisis well: "We have 580 places, but 430 names are already on the waiting list". She stresses that the situation only gets worse over time, especially because of the lack of available pools.

 

Testimonials: the anxiety of Quebec parents

For several Quebec parents, obtaining a place for their child is a challenge. Anne-Marie Cadieux, owner of a private swimming school in Montreal, receives calls from desperate parents every day. “They are looking for a place for their children, but there are simply no offers available. This is a big problem, especially for children who have special needs, such as those with ASD. "

This generalized shortage has a direct impact on children's safety, as Raynald Hawkins, director of the Rescue company : "It is essential that all children have access to swimming lessons, or at least to the basics to survive in aquatic environment. »»

 

France: a widespread accessibility model

In France, learning swimming is considered a priority. From the primary, children benefit from regular courses thanks to a partnership between schools and municipal swimming pools. Almost 80 % of French students learn to swim before college. Unlike Quebec, where infrastructure is often insufficient, French schools play a crucial role in access to swimming lessons.

In addition, the compulsory school programs Allow each child to benefit from quality training, supervised by qualified professionals. This has a direct effect on the Reduction of drownings, with statistics much lower than in Quebec.

 

Why Quebec must act now

Pierre Lavoie, a promoter of physical activity, is categorical: "If a place must absolutely make swimming compulsory, it is Quebec. We have half a million lakes and rivers, and the children will inevitably be exposed to it ”. Lavoie pleads for a provincial plan which would guarantee each child access to swimming lessons, drawing inspiration from the French model.

It is essential that the Quebec government is investing in the renovation of existing infrastructure and the training of new monitors. Currently, several swimming pools built in the 1970s are in poor condition and require urgent renovations. Initiatives such as program Swim to survive, which teaches basic aquatic skills, are a good first step, but are not enough to meet the current demand.

 

Conclusion: a striking contrast between Quebec and France

While France ensures almost universal access to swimming, Quebec remains faced with a structural crisis which must be resolved quickly. With increasing drowning rates, it is urgent to set up lasting solutions to offer each Quebec child access to this vital learning. Not knowing how to swim should no longer be an option In a province where water is omnipresent.