Please don't save money on the children again!

There are no simple solutions - even if some people like to propagate them. And I'm a little reluctant to simply stand there with a crude demand - without looking at the big picture. We have to save - as individuals, but also as a society. Everyone is aware of that. But as soon as it affects you, the anger is great.

I am fully aware of this, just as I realise that I have no alternative solution. Nevertheless, as an advocate for children, I would like to campaign for swimming lessons to remain possible for children despite the understandable austerity measures in many towns and municipalities.

Swimming is an absolute cultural technique - and people should learn to swim. It can almost be seen symbolically: Anyone who can swim has learnt to stay afloat. And we all know that children have already suffered many disadvantages as a result of the pandemic measures of the last two and a half years. Among other things, swimming lessons could not take place (regularly) during this time.

The closure of swimming pools means that many children are now once again being excluded from learning to swim. And primary school teachers are already reporting that a quarter to a third of the children in their classes cannot (yet) swim. These are alarming figures.

That's why I see it as my duty as a paediatrician to point out once again that it would have far-reaching consequences for our children if many swimming pools were to close. As a society, we should consider whether we shouldn't finally take a closer look at children and families. In other words, in this case, we should do everything we can to give children access to swimming lessons.

Even if it is quite clear that this means more savings and cuts have to be made in other areas. Which in turn will offend other interest groups. It's just not easy these days ...