Aschersleben. “Being able to swim is vital for children. If this campaign helps even one more child get into the water safely and minimises the risks, it will have been worth the effort,” argues District Administrator Markus Bauer. Speaking about the upcoming weekend, he says: “I’m delighted that the ‘Seepferdchen Sundays’ are continuing and are now coming to Aschersleben too. That was precisely the idea: that more and more clubs and organisations would get involved.”
On 16 August at the local outdoor swimming pool in Aschersleben, during the next ‘Seepferdchen Sunday’ in the Salzlandkreis, children and young people will have the chance to demonstrate any new swimming skills they may have learnt over the summer holidays and prove that they are good enough to earn a badge. The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) Salzland will be organising the event in collaboration with the Ballhaus Aschersleben. “I would like to thank them for organising the event and the Salzlandsparkasse for their support,” adds the district administrator.
Taking part is free – at least for the young swimmers. The idea and initiative come from the District Administrator and the district administration, in collaboration with the Salzlandsparkasse. The Salzland district launched the ‘Seepferdchen Sundays’ to support both swimming clubs and young people in learning to swim. The aim is to spark enthusiasm for swimming, improve safety and, in the long term, recruit new talent for the lifesaving service. At the launch event in Alsleben, 34 children and young people took up the offer.
At the ASB, the focus is on practical benefits. “The summer holidays are coming to an end and school is starting again. So now’s the perfect time to quickly earn a swimming badge,” says Cindy Elle from the ASB in Aschersleben. For the children, a badge like this is something special. “Learning to swim is a lifesaver. And for the children, it’s a thrilling feeling to hold their badge and certificate in their hands. At the same time, it’s good proof that this child really can swim.”
Who would know this better than an Olympic swimming champion? Lukas Märtens from Magdeburg has been appointed as an ambassador for the ‘Seepferdchen Sundays’ in the Salzlandkreis. He is currently competing for medals at the European Championships in Paris and has sent a video message to Aschersleben. “I hope you all have lots of fun at Seepferdchen Sunday. Many thanks again to ASB Salzland for organising the event. As always, it’s simply brilliant. I’ll continue to support you,” said Märtens. “Have a lovely day – and hopefully we’ll see you next time.”
The campaign continues. Swimming clubs, lifeguard organisations and swimming facilities can organise a ‘Seepferdchen Sunday’ at any time with the support of the Salzlandsparkasse. To get started, simply send a brief email to:
The organisation and running of the event remain in the hands of the clubs.
Date: Sunday 16 August, 10 am to 5 pm, Aschersleben outdoor swimming pool. Entry is free