Israeli Coach Launches Free Swimming Lessons to Ensure No Child Misses Out Due to Cost

As summer approaches and pools and beaches become popular escapes from the heat in Israel, a persistent issue resurfaces annually: while most elementary school children know how to swim, some do not, not from lack of desire but due to financial constraints. Felix Rubinstein, a swimming coach, encountered this gap through one of his longtime students whose family faced economic hardship after the death of the boy's father. Moved by the situation, Rubinstein immediately enrolled the boy in swimming lessons at his own expense and extended the offer to the boy's sibling with special needs.

This experience inspired Rubinstein to establish a project providing free swimming lessons to children from low-income families. Collaborating with the Ramat Gan municipality and Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen, who partially funds the initiative, Rubinstein gained access to welfare lists identifying children in grades three to five who cannot swim. The project focuses on this age group because children are already spending time in water environments and need swimming skills for safety.

Rubinstein emphasizes that swimming is a life-saving skill, not merely a recreational activity, citing that Israel records around 200 child drowning incidents annually, with about 50 fatalities. The program ensures privacy and equal treatment for participants, providing equipment discreetly and maintaining confidentiality to avoid stigmatization.

Initially intended for a few dozen children in Ramat Gan, the project has expanded to several other cities including Kiryat Ono, Ra'anana, Hod Hasharon, Petah Tikva, Ganei Tikva, Ness Ziona, and Ashkelon. Over 150 children have benefited so far, culminating in a graduation ceremony awarding certificates like those given to paying students.

Rubinstein's commitment stems from his own childhood as an immigrant whose parents could not afford swimming lessons. He stresses that no child should be denied swimming education due to financial barriers and hopes other coaches and schools nationwide will adopt similar programs. Families in need can contact the club directly to enroll their children.