Swimming instruction has restarted in Gaza following three years of conflict, with volunteers constructing five temporary pools along the coast using sandbags and rubble. The initiative has drawn hundreds of children for lessons in basic swimming techniques, providing participants with a few hours of respite from the prevailing conditions in the territory.
The program was founded by Amjed Tantesh, who established Gaza’s first swimming academy more than two decades ago and mobilized dozens of volunteers to build the facilities this summer. Classes are held free of charge in the mornings for children who lost parents in strikes, with afternoon sessions open to all participants. According to organizers, approximately 700 children completed six weeks of classes, with hopes to expand enrollment further if funding becomes available for instructor compensation and operational costs.
Children interviewed for the report described the swimming lessons as meaningful escapes from their circumstances. Participants noted the psychological benefits of the activity, citing relief from anxiety, improved confidence, and the ability to engage in recreational play. Many described their living conditions in tent encampments and referenced losses of family members during the conflict.
Tantesh’s original academy was inspired by safety concerns and sporting aspirations. He noted that drowning deaths were common at Gaza’s beaches due to limited swimming ability among the population and absence of lifeguards. The earlier academy operated successfully for years before all facilities were destroyed in recent strikes, killing students and coaches. The current project represents an effort to rebuild swimming instruction while honoring his brother, a karate champion killed in an attack. Tantesh described the work as personally restorative, stating the children’s participation has aided his own recovery and sense of purpose.
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