Swimming lessons in shock: teacher in court after fatal accident

Swimming lessons in shock: teacher in court after fatal accident

Today, September 26, 2025, a tragic incident has been the focus of a trial in Hamburg for two years. Over two years ago, during a seahorse course in the Bondenwald swimming pool, a five-year-old girl drowned. The swimming instructor, 39 years old, is charged with negligent homicide. Loud World Prosecutors believe the girl's death could have been prevented with better supervision.

The girl was one of ten children in the beginners' course, where swimming aids were mandatory. During the lesson, the teacher took care of a crying child and lost track of things. At that moment the girl lost her buoyancy aid and went under. At least three minutes passed before the child could be pulled out of the water. Despite immediate resuscitation, the girl died in hospital the next day.

Emotional descriptions in the courtroom

In the courtroom, the defendant described the incident emotionally and showed remorse. The girl's father is present as a co-plaintiff, and during the trial several relatives of the family burst into tears, which even resulted in a rescue operation. The teacher, who has been teaching swimming lessons since 2011, has been unable to work since the incident. Loud World a critical situation has already been experienced in class.

On the day of the accident, only a few bathers and colleagues were present due to construction work in the indoor swimming pool. The responsible pool manager is not facing charges because proceedings against him were discontinued due to a lack of sufficient suspicion. The verdict in this case will be announced on October 9, 2023.

Safety issues in swimming lessons

But these incidents are not only an issue in Hamburg. In September 2023, a seven-year-old boy died during swimming lessons in Konstanz, which also led to legal proceedings. In the SWR It is reported that two teachers were convicted of negligent homicide. These teachers must, among other things, pay compensation for pain and suffering and received suspended sentences. The responsibility for the safety of children in such courses is enormous and it is criticized that there are often not enough staff available.

According to the GEW Baden-Württemberg, many teachers are concerned about the current situation. There are clear guidelines that state that swimming lessons may only be given by teachers who can prove they are capable of rescuing. Proof of rescue capability is not only required, but also mandatory. Teachers are responsible for ensuring the safety of students in the water and must report concerns in writing to the school administration if necessary.

The tragic incident in Hamburg and the other events clearly show that more attention needs to be paid to safety in swimming lessons. WT calls for more comprehensive measures and stricter controls to prevent such accidents in the future.