What is up with so many Czechs not knowing how to swim? I think I was born in the water, and never once met someone that couldn't swim until I arrived here. I feel bad for my friends that can't, they are already grown men and to learn now would be embaressing for them! I realize it is a landlocked country, but this is silly....
KJP, are you serious?? How many people did you ask? The ONLY person I've ever met who wouldn't know how to swim was my late grandma who weighed about 240lbs. I think the swimmers/non-swimmers ratio in the czech population is about the same as anywhere else. "landlocked country" - LMAO
All grammar schools I know make swimming lessons for pupils. In their third school year I think. It might even be part of the educational programme (I can inquire more details, if you are interested.) The "landlocked country" is no issue now - many Germans or French have to travel longer to reach a "swimmable" sea than we do.
I asked all in my office (ages from 25 -47 ) and they all agreed, that it is not so unusual for Czechs not to know how to swim. Struck me as odd...everyone I've met prior to this knew how to. I too would be a bit hesitant to learn if I was already an adult...
I can't believe it. I only met one Czech who couldn't swim and I know lots of Czechs. Everybody in our family swims, including grandma.
I guess you stay in Prague - well, Prazaci (Prague people) cannot be taken as a sample for evaluating swimmers/non-swimmers ratio in the whole country.
Maybe the people you've been asking are just modest in their assessment of their own skills? I would say I can swim, but it doesn't mean I'm especially good at racing long distances...
Hi, I live in Prague and all the Czech people I know here can swim. Actually swimming seems to be quite popular around here. Just take a trip outside Prague in the summer and you will see people swimming in any kind of "voda". By the way, what's so embarrassing in learning to swim as an adult? KJP, can I ask you which country you are from? Just curious
Dare I answer that :} I agree, the pools are packed, I bike to Slapy often and never met anyone that didn't swim... I am from the *** I think I would be a tad embarressed to learn now also, I imagine I would do this in private, for it is so common. Can you imagine going into your office and someone not knowing the COTS (common of the shelf) software?! Just struck me as strange that I know so many that can't swim, I mean, really strange, I grew up next to the ocean and had a bay on the other side, we swam more than we ate...
i would doubt even the statement that significant MINORITY of czech population cannot swim. as far i as remember from 80's, swimming lessons (something like 3 month series) were obligatory in second and fourth class of primary school (at approx. 8 and 10 years of age). it used to be a part of obligatory curriculum (school program) concerning the amount of people who spend there leisure time at the lakes / water reservoirs, or canooing (which is quite popular in czech rep.), i just have to grin ;-] and, personally, all my family back to my grand grand parents can / could swim... actually, the only person i know - i mean i personally know - who can't swim is not czech ;-]
