Kerala’s ‘Aquafit’ Programme to Train 14,000 Students in Swimming Skills During First Phase

The Kerala government has launched the ‘Aquafit’ swimming training programme to provide swimming lessons to school students across the state, with 14,000 students set to receive training in the first phase.

Launching the state-level programme at the Jimmy George Aquatic Complex in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, General Education Minister N Samsudheen said the initiative was part of the government’s 100-day action plan aimed at equipping students with essential swimming skills.

The minister highlighted that swimming is not only a competitive sport but also an important life-saving skill, particularly in Kerala, which has a large network of rivers, canals and other water bodies. The programme is designed to improve water safety awareness and help reduce incidents of drowning.

Under the first phase, 1,000 students from each of Kerala’s 14 districts will be trained. Students selected from schools will receive coaching at suitable swimming pools located within a five-kilometre radius of their schools, ensuring easier access to training facilities.

The programme will be implemented with the support of local self-government institutions and other concerned departments. Besides promoting swimming skills, the initiative also aims to identify and encourage students with the potential to excel in the sport.

Samsudheen said swimming is an effective form of exercise that contributes to overall physical fitness and helps prevent lifestyle-related diseases. He added that trained students would be encouraged to spread awareness about water safety and share their skills within their communities.

The launch event was presided over by State Health and Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan, while Sports and Youth Affairs Minister O J Janish attended as the chief guest.

Through ‘Aquafit’, Kerala aims to create a generation of students who are not only physically fit but also better prepared to handle water-related emergencies while contributing to the growth of swimming talent in the state.