One in five Swedish children can’t swim. A fear of water is one of the most common reasons.
Virtual reality is being used in Sweden to help take away this fear of water.
The campaign is aimed at young non-swimmers who need a little encouragement to take the plunge.
Using virtual reality, the children are introduced to three members of the Swedish swim team, who guide them into a swimming pool, helping them to overcome their fears by swimming virtually. Later, the children meet the same swimmers in a real swimming pool, where they are encouraged into the water and begin to learn to swim in real life.
The children’s response to the water has been completely changed by the VR experience, with some remarking, “I was in the water in a second,” “I think that’s what I want to do when I grow up,” and “It feels good to be under water now.”
Watch a group of children use the Virtual Reality headset and see them in the water afterwards in the video below:
Know children in Sweden who are nervous about swimming? Click here to order the VR goggles for free.
