Tsinghua University has made swimming a compulsory course for all students. Those who are not able to swim will not be permitted to graduate, according to a new regulation from the prestigious university.

Liu Bo, the university's director of Sports Science and Physical Education, explained that the regulation was first implemented 90 years ago, but was later stripped away due to the rising number of students and a lack of swimming pools.

The new regulation, starting this year, states that all students must pass a swim test, and those who fail must take a swimming course. Liu said that swimming is a necessary skill for survival, and it also carries long-term benefits. For instance, it cultivates endurance without causing too much damage to joints and muscles.

According to the university's Division of Sports Science and Physical Education, students can take the swimming course any time in the latter three years of their university experience. A

"pass" can be earned by covering 50 meters using breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle or backstroke.

Liu noted that 90 percent of students have been able to pass the test after taking the course in their sophomore year. Those who fail can receive free extra-curricular guidance from teachers.

In addition to Tsinghua University, many other universities, including Xiamen University and Peking University, have also instituted a swimming requirement.