As many as 14,000 students will be trained in swimming in the first phase of the General Education department’s Aquafit swimming training programme, Minister for General Education N. Samsudheen has said.

He was speaking after performing the State-level inauguration of Aquafit, as part of the department’s 100-day action plan, at Jimmy George Aquatic Complex in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

The Minister said since Kerala was a land of rivers and waterbodies, learning to swim was not only about sporting ability but also a life-saving skill. It was an excellent exercise that kept lifestyle diseases at bay and ensured comprehensive physical health.

Goal of programme

The goal of Aquafit, he said, was to provide 14,000 students across the 14 districts – 1,000 students in each district - training in swimming. Students selected from schools will be given training in swimming pools located within 5 km. The support of local self-government institutions and other departments concerned would be ensured.

The Minister said Aquafit would help reduce drowning-related accidents and discovery and nurture of future swimming talents. When those who are trained in swimming teach others, awareness in society of water safety would increase, he pointed out.

Minister for Health K. Muraleedharan presided over the function. Minister for Sports O.J. Janeesh was the chief guest. Olympian P.R. Sreejesh spoke.

Published - August 05, 2026 07:57 pm IST