Why you should take swimming lessons in the Netherlands

The Dutch didn’t choose to swim, they had to. In 1953 the Netherlands suffered a massive flood which killed almost 2.000 people. That’s one of the reasons why every Dutch person knows how to swim. Besides this, the Netherlands is the perfect country for swimming because half of the country is under sea level and because everywhere you look there are canals. Besides this, the Netherlands has promoted a healthier lifestyle and swimming brings many benefits.

New to this place

Is not a secret that every Dutch person knows how to swim, they learn it in school. Swimming is mandatory from a young age and is based mostly on surviving exercises rather than technique improvement. That’s because the Dutch learn to swim in case of flooding or in case they find themselves in one canal. The kids learn what to do in case they fall into a canal with clothes on, they learn how to rescue someone from drowning, and also how to stay away from danger while in the water. The swimming technique is worked on but is far less important and a good technique is not required to pass the swimming exam.

Since they all learn in school how to swim, many people continued swimming regularly at an older age. Swimming became part of their life.

Why do swimming lessons in the Netherlands?

Besides all the health benefits, all the people that grew up here learned how to swim to survive in case of disasters like rising sea levels. The sea level rises 1.8mm per year, studies say which is not a lot but keep in mind that regions like Flevoland are under the sea level. Besides this, the Dutch used a unique battle technique to flood their country in case of being invaded to repel or slow down the enemy forces. So if you live in the Netherlands in highly recommend learning to swim for your safety and also for the health benefits. Swimming is on of the best sports when it comes to all the health benefits.

Where to do swimming lessons?

If you moved to the Netherlands and you don’t know how to swim is like moving to the north pole without a jacket. Luckly for you there are many swimming schools in the Netherlands in every city that can teach you. At Win and Swim we train adults just like you to learn to how to swim. The lessons are in English so don’t worry if you don’t speak Dutch. Find us online in Amsterdam.

When to start?

Anytime you can start, we have heated swimming pools and lockers where you can dry and change for the weather outside after the lesson.