School swimming at Tromsøbadet
Svøm Tromsø is a partnership between Tromsø municipality and Tromsøbadet KF, providing consistent, high-quality swimming education for primary and lower-secondary school pupils in Tromsø.
Mobile phones at Tromsøbadet
Mobile phones and cameras are not permitted inside Tromsøbadet, including the changing rooms.
About the lessons
How school swimming is organised in Tromsø
Tromsøbadet and the schools work together to deliver swimming lessons, with physical education teachers supported by trained swimming instructors. Through Svøm Tromsø, Tromsøbadet has a lead instructor for Grades 2, 6 and 8 and a lead instructor for Grades 3 and 4. They work on behalf of Tromsø municipality, supported by assistant instructors at Tromsøbadet.
School swimming rules and routines
Pupils share the pools with other schools and visitors during lessons, so everyone must follow the school swimming rules.
Outdoor swimming
Grades 7 and 9 practise cold-water self-rescue
Cold-water self-rescue became part of school swimming in August 2024.
“This is the best protection against drowning,” said Dennis Baumbach, head of swimming education at Tromsøbadet. (Translated from Norwegian.)
Why school swimming?
In 2017, the Norwegian government introduced a six-part initiative to improve swimming education in schools. One measure supported cooperation between schools or municipalities and voluntary swimming-education organisations. Tromsø municipality subsequently launched Svøm Tromsø to standardise swimming education for its pupils.
About Svøm Tromsø
- The programme is based on an agreement signed with Tromsø municipality in early 2020. Lessons began that autumn following delays caused by COVID-19.
- All pupils receive consistent instruction, regardless of their teacher or school.
- Lessons are grouped by skill level rather than class.
- The school owner and schools retain overall educational and safety responsibility. Tromsøbadet KF provides swimming expertise and teaching support.
- The programme provides for adapted instruction.
Lifesaving assessments for teachers and assistants
All teachers and assistants taking part in lessons in the swimming facilities must hold an approved lifesaving assessment. Contact your school to register.
Short courses for teachers
Tromsøbadet offers short courses for teachers and assistants involved in swimming lessons, covering the activities and swimming techniques taught to pupils. Contact your school to register.