Time to sink or graduate - The Boston Globe

From digg.com: Time to sink or graduate - The Boston Globe

MIT and other college students are required to pass a swim test before graduating...

I really hope that this requirement is not dropped by colleges. Swimming 100 meters without stopping is physically challenging, but it is easily possible for any student. For those who know how to swim, it is simple. For those who don't, it is a great reason to learn.

I grew up in the water. Swim team when I was young. Surfing when I attended college near the beach. Swimming every day for exercise now. Am I biased toward swimming? you bet.

My mother was somewhat afraid of the water, so she made sure that her kids enjoyed the water and were not afraid. My brother and I are complete water rats and would rather be out in overhead surf than anywhere else.

This requirement should start in middle school and high school with all students required to show a basic swimming ability. We require physical education for these grades where we teach baseball and soccer, why not teach swimming before graduating middle school and high school? (hint: money)

Unfortunately, most public schools cannot afford the money and space to build a pool. This could be solved by use of local public pools where possible and a public/private partnership where private pools are available.

Requiring students to learn baseball and soccer will not save their lives (drunken late night arguments aside), but learning to swim 100 meters could be the difference between life and death.