Why are swimming skills lower in Seine-Saint-Denis than elsewhere in France?

Seine-Saint-Denis faces the challenge of swimming

\n\nAccording to a study carried out by the Union Sport & Cycle, the rate of people who know how to swim in Seine-Saint-Denis is significantly lower than the national average. But why are there fewer competent swimmers in this department than in the rest of France?\n\n

A structural deficit that affects the population

\n\nThe first reason for this deficit is structural. In fact, the Seine-Saint-Denis suffers from a lack of municipal swimming facilities. Swimming pools are rare, generally overheated and often crowded, which is not conducive to learning to swim. This also impacts the ability of schools to hold regular swimming lessons.\n\n

A sociocultural and economic problem

\n\nThe second factor explaining this reality is sociocultural and economic. On the one hand, swimming requires a financial investment which is not within the reach of all families in the department. We think, for example, of the cost of a session, swimming equipment, or even lessons to learn to swim. On the other hand, certain cultural or religious barriers can prevent access to swimming.\n\n

Solutions to overcome this gap

\n\nFaced with this observation, local initiatives are beginning to emerge to redress the situation. These mainly involve swimming awareness programs during after-school activities, partnerships with sports associations to promote accessibility to pools or even the construction of new aquatic facilities.\n\nUltimately, if we know less about swimming in Seine-Saint-Denis that in the rest of France, it is mainly because of a lack of equipment and financial and socio-cultural constraints. However, initiatives aimed at reducing this inequality are underway and are already allowing a growing number of young people in the department to become familiar with water. \n\n