Only one in three children swims safely; the pediatrician's proposal for a 'life-saving sport' at school.

Drowning cases, pediatrician Italo Farnetani reminds us, mostly concern children from disadvantaged social backgrounds, "it's prevention, the public must take responsibility."

Only one in three children knows how to swim safely in an emergency. Yet knowing how to do so can save lives. "School is the ideal place to learn," according to pediatrician Italo Farnetani, who, through Adnkronos Salute, is launching a proposal: "agreements with local swimming pools to bring students to swimming lessons." He also emphasizes that "those most at risk are the most economically and socially disadvantaged. And public administrations should take responsibility for this form of prevention." Every year in Italy, approximately 330 people die from drowning, and one in eight of these victims are children and adolescents.

"Yesterday," Farnetani says, "we celebrated the World Health Organization's International Day for the Prevention of Drowning. As I've said several times, including in the context of the 'Green Flag' research—which 'certifies' child-friendly beaches chosen by pediatricians—a key aspect of water safety is knowing how to swim well; it's not enough to float and 'get by' a little." In Italy, "according to the research I've conducted over the years," he emphasizes, "only one in three children or adolescents—30%—can swim safely enough to overcome any difficulties. The remaining 70% are not confident in the water: another 30% can only float, another 30% can move forward, while 10% can stay afloat, but only in a swimming pool. These are alarming figures because they indicate that several million adolescent children are at risk of drowning."

Analyzing drowning death data, "it is noted that the highest number of victims among adolescent children are from families with social vulnerability, especially those with foreign parents. However, the courses, where children can learn to swim effectively and gain confidence in the water, are generally run by private associations or at least charge a fee, and some families are forced to forgo enrolling their children. These little ones are the most vulnerable to drowning. This is a situation that public administration must address. Schools are best placed to address this need." To do this, "at the beginning of the school year—this is my proposal—schools could establish agreements with public and private swimming pools and—in an organized manner and with all safety regulations—provide swimming lessons, perhaps even led by the physical education teachers themselves. Considering that swimming is one of the most popular sports, children would also have a more positive attitude toward school, and this would also promote integration."