Kokkola offers free swimming lessons after three boys drowned last summer

The city of Kokkola will provide free beginner swimming courses this summer, a decision influenced by last year’s drowning of three boys in nearby Kalajoki, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Registration for the courses opens on 4 May, with the city expecting high demand. Over 300 places are available—100 more than in previous years—including several dozen reserved specifically for children from immigrant backgrounds.

Jukka Luhtio, service manager at the Vesiveijari swimming centre, stated that the primary goal is to ensure all children can learn to swim regardless of their family’s financial situation. The initiative follows last summer’s tragic incident in Kalajoki, where three young Somali boys drowned at Hiekkasärkkä beach. All three had lived in a reception centre in Kokkola.

The free courses are funded by the Child, Youth, and Family Wellbeing Fund. While completing a beginner course does not guarantee full swimming proficiency, Luhtio emphasised that it provides a strong foundation. He encouraged parents to take children to supervised water activities, noting that playful familiarity with water is a key step toward learning to swim.

Finland’s national swimming and lifesaving association, along with municipalities, has since strengthened water safety measures, training, and beach supervision following last year’s elevated drowning statistics.