06/05/2026
50% Of Filipinos Still Canβt Swim Despite Living In An Archipelago
Around 50% of Filipinos grow up without learning how to swim, even though the country is surrounded by water. According to the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development, poverty and limited access make swimming lessons unaffordable, while most public schools do not include them in their programs.
Urbanization also keeps many communities away from natural water sources, and cities often lack safe and affordable facilities. Cultural factors play a role as well, with fear of water and lack of skills being passed down in families. As a result, swimming is seen as a luxury instead of a basic survival skill, even as the Philippines records around 10 drowning deaths daily.