Decision Proposal on Implementation of New Regulations by the Commission
FDP Proposes Nationwide Swimming Pool Funding for Children's Education
In a bid to ensure every child in Germany has the opportunity to learn to swim, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) has proposed permanent co-financing of swimming pools for school and club sports from federal funds. The focus of the FDP's proposal is on securing the infrastructure needed for children to learn to swim, regardless of their origin or residence.
According to Dr. Helmut Isringhaus, chairman of the FDP faction in the Saarbrücken city council, learning to swim is a matter of safety and educational justice. He emphasises the importance of every child in Germany learning to swim, warning of the rising non-swimmer rate and significant risks for children and young people without reliable assurance of swimming pool locations.
The FDP's proposal aims to provide comprehensive, local, and year-round opportunities for children to learn to swim. Many pools needed for swimming education are at risk of closure due to rising operating costs and a backlog of renovations. The FDP's plan includes a demand for a clear legal regulation to ensure the long-term operation of swimming pools necessary for learning to swim.
The implementation of this regulation would make an important contribution to public infrastructure provision. The FDP in Saarbrücken city council advocates for the permanent securing of swimming pools used for school and club sports. The maintenance of existing pools in cities and regions is threatened, and this proposal could help address these concerns.
As of August 2025, there is no publicly available, specific information indicating that the FDP has a current, active legislative proposal to legally establish and co-fund swimming pools nationwide specifically for school and club sports in Germany. However, the potential impact of such a policy would likely be positive for children's swimming education by increasing facility availability and reducing financial barriers.
For the most current official status, checking directly with FDP communications or the Bundestag legislative records might be necessary, as the publicly indexed sources do not cover this topic in detail. The proposed legal regulation would involve federal support and close coordination with local needs.
By emphasizing the importance of children's swimming education, the FDP's proposal extends beyond just safety measures to encompass aspects of personal growth and education-and-self-development. This initiative aims to facilitate learning opportunities, thereby promoting personal growth and ensuring equitable access to swimming education for all children in Germany, regardless of their origin or residence.
