Free swimming class: Seniors in Ho Chi Minh City are excited to make friends with water

Free swimming classes organized by the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City, taught by 'Vietnam's swimming queen' Kieu Oanh, are bringing joy and health, helping the elderly who used to be afraid of water to now confidently stretch out on the lake's surface.

Mr. Loi joined the swimming class with two of his friends; all three already knew how to swim the breaststroke.

Photo: Cao Nhu Vinh

Free swimming lessons in Ho Chi Minh City

Every year, Vietnam is hit by a series of devastating storms and raging floods, leaving many areas submerged in water. The heartbreaking images from the flood-stricken areas in recent days once again highlight the importance of learning to swim.

Swimming is a vital survival skill for everyone. In Ho Chi Minh City, a special free swimming class for the elderly is quietly spreading this spirit: learn to be healthy, to be safe, and to ensure no one is left behind in the water.

Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with approximately 40 students of varying ages. The youngest is 10 years old, and the oldest is 66. The classes are led by two instructors, one male and one female.

Ms. Nguyen Kieu Oanh (in the blue shirt on the right) is helping people practice the breaststroke swimming technique.

Photo: Cao Nhu Vinh

Each lesson is a slow but exciting journey. Notably, the coach is Ms. Nguyen Kieu Oanh, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Aquatic Sports Center, a former national team member once dubbed "Vietnam's first swimming queen".

Among the group of students, Mr. Hoang Gia Loi (61 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) is one of the most enthusiastic. After wiping his face following the training session, he happily shared: "I learned about this class through newspapers and social media. Seeing people swim, I really liked it, but I've never had the opportunity to learn before. Now that the city is organizing a free class, I immediately signed up."

Mr. Loi recounted that in the beginning, he constantly swallowed water and panicked. But after just a few lessons, everything changed: "I'm on my sixth lesson now, and I can swim 5 meters. Most importantly, I'm no longer afraid of water like before. Being calmer in the water, knowing how to breathe, knowing how to react – that's the most valuable thing."

For him, the class was not just a place for physical training, but also a testament to the spirit of "it's never too late to start."

"Everyone should learn to swim."

Mr. Chung Tan Phong shared the reasons for opening the swimming class and his future plans.

Photo: Tall as Bay

Speaking to Thanh Nien Newspaper, Mr. Chung Tan Phong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Aquatic Sports Center, said: "The free swimming lessons are part of the city's plan, aiming for every citizen of Ho Chi Minh City to have the opportunity to practice at least one sport for free. With swimming, we are especially focusing on adults and the elderly, who have had fewer opportunities to learn to swim in the past."

According to Mr. Phong, while students are taught swimming at school, adults often neglect this skill. Organizing classes at lunchtime is to better suit the schedules of older adults, freelancers, and civil servants during their breaks.

"The goal of the class is to help people get acquainted with the water, master basic skills, especially breaststroke. We don't focus on achievements but rather on safety and health. In fact, many students can float and move after just a few sessions, which is very encouraging," he added.

A class with students of various ages.

Photo: Cao Nhu Vinh

Thanks to the program's widespread appeal, the number of participants is steadily increasing. Compared to last year, the number of students in the free class has doubled, reflecting the genuine need of city residents to learn to swim not only for exercise but also for self-protection.

In this special class, there are no age or skill level barriers. Each lesson is a small journey of joy – from a student learning to float for the first time, to the whole class applauding a friend who has just swum the first 5 meters.

From initial fears and trembling steps, they have now found confidence and enthusiasm. And in the midday Saigon sun, that small swimming pool is not just a place to learn to swim – it's a place that teaches people how to be brave in the face of water, and in the face of their own fears.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lop-boi-mien-phi-nguoi-cao-tuoi-tphcm-hao-hung-lam-ban-voi-nuoc-185251022132556669.htm