In summer, many public elementary schools in Japan have swimming lessons as part of their physical education classes.

These lessons usually start in June or July and continue for about one month, depending on the school. Students use the school pool and swim during class time, usually once or twice a week.

🧢 What Do Children Need?

Your child will need:

• Swimsuit (simple design; no frills or long sleeves)
• Swimming cap (with their name on it)
• Towel
• Plastic bag for wet items
• Swimming card (すいえいカード / suiei kādo)　←Distributed by the school.

---

📇 What Is a Swimming Card?

The swimming card is a small paper or booklet used to record your child’s health and condition before each swimming lesson.

Before every swimming day, parents must:

1. Check your child’s health (any fever, cough, or skin problems)
2. Write down your check results on the card
3. Sign or stamp the card (with your personal seal or initials)

If your child is not feeling well, write a note and tell the school they cannot swim that day.

---

🖊️ How to Fill Out the Swimming Card (Video)

Here is a short video to help you understand how to fill out the swimming card step by step.

🎥 Watch this video:

💡 Tip: If you’re not sure how to fill out the card, ask the school or another parent. Most teachers will be happy to help!

---

🚫 When Your Child Cannot Swim

If your child has a cold, cough, rash, fever, or other health problems, they should not join the swimming lesson. Write a note on the swimming card or in the communication notebook (れんらくちょう / renrakuchō).

---

🏫 Why Swimming Lessons Are Important in Japan

Swimming is not just for fun – in Japan, it is also a life skill. Because Japan is surrounded by the sea, and many children go to rivers or beaches during summer, swimming lessons are considered important for safety and health.

---

If you want to stay updated on school life in Japan or parenting tips for foreign families, subscribe to our blog or follow us on social media!