In recent years, the emergence of effectively functioning community swimming pools has become a highlight in the journey to eradicate swimming illiteracy. Among them, Anh Vien Swim Club in Phuoc Long ward stands out because it aims to create a friendly and accessible swimming learning environment for beginners of all ages.
Sharing her vision, Nguyen Thi Anh Vien (former national swimmer) said that when launching Anh Vien Swim Club, the focus wasn't on training athletes. The most important thing was to help people overcome their fear of water and learn basic swimming skills to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
At Ánh Viên Swim Club, coaches focus on teaching children to swim in a way that doesn't put pressure on them to achieve results. Many parents come not with the expectation that their children will pursue a competitive career, but simply to learn how to swim properly. Parent Trần Thị Ngọc Lan (residing in Bình Trưng ward) shared: “After a course, my child is no longer afraid of water. She knows how to breathe, float, and handle dangerous situations. What I'm most satisfied with is that the instructors help my child develop a sense of safety, not just teach techniques.”
In the city center, the Nguyen Binh Khiem Sports Club in Saigon Ward is a popular choice for office workers, students, and young people. Its spacious and airy outdoor swimming pool, along with affordable entrance fees, caters to a diverse range of users. Ms. Ngo Viet Ha (a resident of Saigon Ward) said: “The entrance fee is only a few tens of thousands of dong per session, but the water quality and space are excellent. Many people can access a safe and clean swimming environment without worrying too much about the cost.”
Not only adults, but many children are also gradually overcoming their fear of water thanks to structured lessons. Eight-year-old Le Nhat Ha (residing in Tan Dinh ward) recounted: “At first, I was very scared, thinking I would drown. But the teachers taught me how to tread water and breathe underwater. Now I know how to swim breaststroke, so I'm no longer worried when I go into the lake, and I've even made many new friends.”
Not far from the Nguyen Binh Khiem Sports Club, the Ho Chi Minh City Aquatic Sports Center (also known as Yet Kieu Swimming Pool) is considered one of the exemplary locations in promoting swimming literacy in the community. The center boasts standard facilities, on-duty lifeguards, safety warning signs, and flexible operating hours from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM daily.
Furthermore, the tuition fees for the courses are affordable, with many programs even free, helping the center reach a large number of people. Ms. Le Thi Thu Ha (residing in Thanh My Tay ward) recounted: “Before, I was very afraid of water because I almost drowned when I was little. But seeing my child learning to swim properly here at a reasonable price, I immediately enrolled. Now that I know how to swim, I feel more confident when going on river trips with my family.”
According to Mr. Chung Tan Phong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Aquatic Sports Center, people's awareness has changed significantly. Previously, many parents only took their children to the swimming pool to play and cool off; now they are more interested in learning to swim seriously, safely, and with proper technique.
"Learning to swim isn't just about learning the movements; it's also about getting used to the water and building confidence step by step. With proper guidance and in a safe environment, anyone can overcome their fear," Mr. Phong said.
In the context of Ho Chi Minh City's expanding urban space connected to waterways, community swimming pools are quietly playing the role of "survival classes" in the heart of the city. From young children to adults, each more confident swim is a steady step forward in the journey of eradicating swimming illiteracy in the urban community.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/pho-cap-boi-loi-cho-nguoi-dan-do-thi-post842785.html
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