Infants, toddlers and parents from all over Attica can enjoy the unique experience of Baby & Mini Swim at the first-class facilities of CGS.
Infants (3 months to 3 years old) and toddlers (3 to 5 years old) can enjoy the experience of coming into contact with water and learning to swim in a chlorine-free (active oxygen-based) pool. The pool measures 4.50m x 6.50m x 0.90m and is regulated at a constant temperature of 30-32 degrees Celsius.
Half-hour lessons are run under the guidance of experienced and specialised instructors.
Classes are offered to infants, toddlers and parents from all over Attica.
Classes are run every weekday after 17:00 & on Saturday mornings.
Learn about Baby Swimming
What is baby swimming?
It is a recreational activity involving the family in which the baby, together with one or both parents, comes into contact with water under controlled conditions. This means that, always with an adult’s consent, the trained instructor instructs the parent to teach the child, but also to play with him/her a series of exercises adapted to the developmental stage of any age.
When can I start the baby swimming programme?
The medical limit is approximately 8 weeks, which is when the navel has healed, a baby weighs 4 kilos and has been seen to be gaining weight. It is important for each parent to start when he / she feels himself / herself ready and never before.
My child was born prematurely. Can it start baby swimming?
As is the case for all babies participating in baby swimming programmes, if it weighed less than 1500 grams when it was born, it should be over 8 months old in order to be allowed to swim by its doctor.
What should a baby wear when he does baby swimming?
A swim nappy together with an elasticated type of swimming costume protects against “accidents”, although the activation of the baby’s nervous system during the lesson often helps to prevent such problems.
Should my baby be allowed to dive?
No one should do anything that does not make him or her feel comfortable. At some point when both the parent and baby are ready, they will be able to practise holding their breath under the surface of the water.
How fast will my child learn to swim?
Each child develops at their own pace, but children who commence baby swimming programmes early can swim with their heads out of the water at the age of two to three years and can swim with their heads in the water even at the age of four to six months!
How long before the lesson must it have eaten?
Infants can be breastfeed even during the lesson if they are hungry or need to feel safe. A hungry baby will not be able to enjoy his time in the water.
How long should a baby swimming lesson last?
A child under the age of three can stay up to thirty minutes in the water; it should not stay longer, because it will get tired or may begin to shiver.
How can I be on time for the lesson and my baby be in a good frame of mind?
It is good to try to adjust the baby’s routine gradually to the time you have chosen. Always ensure that you are at the lesson 15 to 20 minutes earlier in order to allow yourself time to get ready.
What does that mean?
It is very important that we and our baby have the time to take a very good shower using soap before entering the water so that we can help in maintaining a clean swimming pool.
My child is too old for baby swimming, what do I do?
The CGS mini swimming programme was designed for this very reason. A step-by-step approach to water, effortless adaptation through organized play and exercises so that the child can explore water in his or her own time while acquiring self-confidence and knowledge of the basic principles of swimming.
Lessons are held twice a week for both programmes, while valid medical certificates are required from a paediatrician for the child, from a dermatologist and a GP for the father, while the mother requires valid medical certificates from both a dermatologist and a gynaecologist.
What you need to know before the first lesson:
- A valid medical certificate from a paediatrician that the child can participate in the programme.
- It is advisable for the child to be in the changing room 15 minutes before the lesson in order to be prepared in a calm manner with his / her escort.
- The last meal should be consumed three hours before the lesson, and, if necessary, some juice can be drunk or some fruit can be eaten 60 to 90 minutes beforehand.
- In a swimming bag, we should have a towel (a bathrobe is not necessary for our swimming pool), flip-flops, soap, bathing cap, swimming pool swimsuit, goggles (optional) and a warm hat for the lesson when it’s cold.
- It is very important to wash the child with soap both before it enters the pool and after the lesson. The child can simply be rinsed with water as swimming pool sanitation is done with active oxygen and not with chlorine.
- We use the toilet before the lesson (and before the shower) and we always ask for permission during the lesson when we need to use it.
- After the lesson, it is a good opportunity for the child to consume a healthy snack (some fruit or a sandwich in our bag is perfect).
- In this programme, we combine recreation with learning. Being in a good frame of mind, both before and after the lesson, is an essential ingredient of our “recipe” for healthy and cheerful children.
CGS Baby Swimming Timetable
| Times | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 17.30 – 18.00 | 12 – 24 months | 12 – 24 months | 12 – 24 months | 12 – 24 months | 3 – 12 months |
| 18.00 – 18.30 | 24 – 36 months | 3 – 5 years | 24 – 36 months | 3 – 5 years | 24 – 36 months |
| 18.30 – 19.10 | 3 – 5 years | 3 – 5 years | 3 – 12 months | 3 – 5 years | 3 – 5 years |
| Classes | 3 – 12 months | 2 TIMES / WEEK / 30′ |
| 12 – 24 months | 2 TIMES / WEEK / 30′ | |
| 24 – 36 months | 2 TIMES / WEEK / 30′ | |
| 3 – 5 years | 2 TIMES /WEEK / 40′ |
For any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact our instructors. Lasting and open communication with parents is very important to all of us, so we are all ears!
Baby Swim secretariat hours: Monday to Friday 09.00-19.00
Information : babyswimming@cgs.edu.gr, 210 6030411-17
