Drowning Prevention

Every child deserves to feel safe and confident around water. With recent reports of increased drowning incidents during the Pchum Ben festival, it’s a timely reminder of how important it is for children to learn to swim—not just for fun, but for safety.

At Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC), we believe swimming is more than a sport. It’s a life skill that empowers children to enjoy water safely, build resilience, and develop confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Why Swimming Matters

In Cambodia, children are often surrounded by water—whether it’s rivers, lakes, or pools. Learning to swim gives them the tools to stay safe, make smart decisions, and enjoy water responsibly. It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning and promote lifelong wellbeing.

A World-Class Swimming Programme at NISC

We’re proud to offer a state-of-the-art swimming facility and a team of expert teachers, coaches, and lifeguards who bring years of experience in water safety and learn-to-swim programmes. Our lessons are designed to be fun, engaging, and tailored to each child’s ability.

We encourage all families to make the most of this opportunity. Regular swimming lessons help children build strength, technique, and awareness—skills that are essential both in and out of the water.

Swimming in Cooler Weather? Absolutely!

As the weather cools, some parents may wonder if swimming could make their child sick. The good news is: it won’t. Illness isn’t caused by swimming itself. With a warm towel, dry clothes, and a jumper ready after the lesson, children can comfortably return to class and carry on with their day.

In fact, swimming year-round supports academic success. It boosts focus, memory, and concentration, helping children return to the classroom more alert and ready to learn.

Supporting Water Confidence at Home

To help families build water confidence beyond the pool, we’ve created a fun bath time resource that parents can use at home. It’s a simple way to help children feel more comfortable in water and prepare them for swimming lessons with ease.

Celebrating Student Progress

We’ve seen incredible progress in our students this year. Their growing confidence, enthusiasm, and determination in the pool have been truly inspiring. Every splash, stroke, and smile is a step toward stronger water safety and personal growth.

Let’s Keep Children Safe—Together

By working together—families, schools, and communities—we can reduce the risk of drowning and give every child the lifelong gift of swimming confidence and water safety.

If you have any questions about our swimming programme, we’re here to help. Please feel free to reach out to:

• Mr Gareth, Head of Primary PE: gareth.weinrich@nisc.edu.kh

• Ms Michelle, Swim Coordinator: michelle.dean@nisc.edu.kh