Page 100 - 聖方濟各英文小學（學校雜誌）

Hong Kong Primary Schools

Shouldn’t Teach Students Swim!

5C Ng Ho Wing Colton

In recent years, Hong Kong primary schools make swimming classes a part of school curriculum, but I
think Hong Kong primary schools should not teach swimming.

First, it is easy to spread viruses in swimming classes. We are unable to wear masks when swimming.
This may lead to a hygienic problem. Now we are under the threat of COVID-19, and the omicron variant has
struck Hong Kong. If a student gets infected, he will spread the virus to his classmates and everyone he meets.
It will raise the possibility of disease transmission in the city.

Besides, safety problem is a big concern as a lot of accidents may occur. There is only one coach teaching
a big group of students how to swim. If a student drowns, the coach may not be aware of that. Having only one
coach is definitely not enough in helping or taking care of every student.

Moreover, having swimming classes may affect students’ studies. For students, or perhaps, parents,
in Hong Kong, learning is no doubt more important than swimming. Students will be tired after having the
swimming class. It is very likely that some students might daydream or even sleep in other classes. These
students might not be able to keep up in class and end up having bad academic results.
Furthermore, swimming classes are costly. Parents are required to pay extra fee for the swimming
classes. Not every family can afford it. It will cause a burden to those not-so-privileged families.

All in all, I disagree that Hong Kong primary schools should teach students to swim. Although swimming is
a basic survival skill, Hong Kong primary schools cannot force students to learn swimming because there are a
lot of disadvantages as discussed above.

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