Are Proficient Swimmers Truly Safe in Natural Water Environments?

Swimming skills learned mainly in indoor pools do not necessarily translate to safety in outdoor water settings. Although Norway emphasizes swimming training within controlled, heated pools, most water-related accidents happen outdoors in lakes, rivers, and the sea—where environmental conditions are unpredictable and often more hazardous.

Experts from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, including assistant professor Jon Sundan and professor Monika Haga, highlight that current instructional practices focus on basic swimming on stable surfaces, such as floating, diving, and simple rescue skills. While these are essential, they do not prepare children for the complexities of natural aquatic environments, which involve colder temperatures, currents, waves, and limited visibility.

Research comparing swimming proficiency in pools versus lakes revealed a significant gap: about 80% of children were considered competent swimmers in pools, but only about 30% could demonstrate similar skills outdoors. Using the Norwegian standard for swimming proficiency, the study underscores the importance of outdoor practice and more realistic training conditions to enhance safety.

The researchers advocate for incorporating outdoor swimming sessions into the physical education curriculum and improving teaching competencies to better prepare children for real-world water challenges. Recognizing that water safety depends more than just swimming ability, they emphasize education about water behavior, risks, and resilience to environmental unpredictability.

Overall, developing true water safety requires a comprehensive approach that combines indoor skills with outdoor experience and knowledge, ensuring children are better equipped to handle the dangers of natural water environments.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-proficient-swimmer-safe.html