Inclusion in the Swimming Pool: Associations Offer "Seastar" - Germany's Little Starfish Badge Makes Swimming Lessons Inclusive for Kids
A new swimming badge for children with disabilities has launched in two German states. Called Little Starfish, the program aims to make swimming lessons more inclusive. It follows concerns that many children in Germany struggle with basic swimming skills.
The Little Starfish badge was introduced by swimming and disability sports associations in North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden. Unlike the traditional Seahorse badge, it focuses on small, achievable steps. Children can earn recognition for simple milestones like opening their eyes underwater or swimming 12.5 meters in shallow water.
The program has four levels, each marking gradual progress. Officials hope it will encourage more children with disabilities to take part in swimming. A 2022 Forsa survey had already revealed that one in five German children could not swim at all.
Idriss Gonschinska, head of the German Disability Sports Association, praised the initiative. She described it as a model for inclusion and expressed hope that other states would follow. Jan Pommer, CEO of the German Swimming Association, added that inclusive programs often lead to higher participation among all children.
The Little Starfish badge offers children with disabilities a structured way to build confidence in the water. By breaking down skills into smaller steps, organizers aim to improve access to swimming lessons. The initiative currently runs in two states, with potential for wider adoption across Germany.
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