TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Despite Taiwan's inclusion of swimming lessons in the 12-year Basic Education curriculum (108課綱), only Taipei and New Taipei City achieved a 100% implementation rate in 2024, according to local government data. Taoyuan and Taichung, hampered by inadequate facilities, lag at 70% and 67%, respectively.
Taipei, the capital, boasts the most robust resources and facilities. Hsu Chiao-hua (許巧華), an official with the Taipei City Department of Education (台北市教育局), noted that since 2000, the department has focused on ensuring students acquire basic swimming skills. "Our goal is for students to swim 15 meters in elementary school, 25 meters in junior high, and 50 meters in high school," she explained.
However, maintaining a school swimming pool is costly, especially with the need for regular cleaning and keeping chlorine levels safe. The Sports Administration (體育署) advises schools lacking pools to arrange off-campus swimming lessons to compensate for this challenge.
Experts recommend starting swimming lessons early, but many schools face delays due to limited space. Chan Yi-cheng (詹益正), principal of Taipei Municipal Shipai Elementary School (石牌國小), explained: "Schools with more space might start in third grade, while others may not begin until fifth or sixth grade."
Some schools without facilities have turned to simulation-based methods for teaching swimming skills. Yet, considering Taiwan's island geography and the regular exposure to water, hands-on swimming experience remains vital for students.