Schools to be equipped with swimming pools

KOCHI: Swimming came to the rescue of the victims of the tragic school van mishaps on the Parvathy Puthanar in Thiruvananathapuram. This also brings to light the guideline issued by the government after the Thattekad boat tragedy in April 2007. Mohammed Hanish, the then Director of Public Instruction, directed the department to ask the school authorities to encourage students to learn swimming. But this is yet to become a reality.Only a few schools in the city are equipped with swimming pools although many students are interested. In Rajagiri Public School, students are encouraged to learn swimming. “Swimming is offered from LKG onwards but it is not made compulsory,” said father Painadath, Principal, Rajagiri Public School. Global Public School, Gregorian Public School, Assisi Vidyaniketan Public School, Nava Nirman Public school, to name a few,  have swimming pools.But there are many schools which have to build the pool. “We are planning to introduce swimming,” said Maya Mohan of Chinmaya Vidyalaya. Swimming is also a good exercise.  Choice School too offers swimming. “Swimming is offered to students from Class V onwards,” said Molly Cyril, Principal, Choice School. Students who are passionate about swimming and are not able to learn them at the school resort to courses offered at the Regional Sports Centre at various hotels and go for private tutorship.