Question:
I’m 21 years old and started taking swimming lessons this week for the first time.
I’m going to Israel right after the 9th of Av and would like to finish learning how to swim before I leave.
The swimming lesson is a 1 on 1. The lifeguard is there just for me. He’s always within a couple of feet of me in the pool.
Am I allowed to take swimming lessons during the 9 days?
Answer:
The issue with swimming during the nine days, is not because it is dangerous, but because we don’t bath ourselves during this period. Technically though it would be permitted, as it is not being done for pleasure purposes, rather to learn how to swim. However the poskim say it is the correct thing not to take swimming lessons during the nine days.
Sources:
Rav Poalim 4-29.
