The subject of swimming is implemented within the framework of the Physical Education course for students in the 3rd and 4th grades attending public Primary Schools of General and Special Education. It is incorporated into the official school timetable and is addressed to all students of the above grades, in areas where swimming facilities are available within a distance of up to 25 kilometers from the school units (Government Gazette Β΄ 2051/5-4-2024).

The implementation of swimming as a subject constitutes an innovation in the Greek educational system, aiming to improve students’ physical, mental, and cognitive well-being.

More specifically, the following learning outcomes are expected from the implementation of the course:

• Familiarization with the aquatic environment
• Development of skills for safe movement in water

Based on the above, and in accordance with the guidelines of the Institute of Educational Policy (IEP) of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, up to ten (10) lessons per school year are provided, delivered in double teaching periods. Upon completion of the program, all students receive a certificate of successful attendance.

In accordance with the provisions of Article 119 of Law 5224/2025 (Government Gazette A΄142), the School Swimming Program is staffed by Physical Education teachers (PE-11), either permanent or substitute, appointed by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, who hold a specialization or professional license as swimming coaches, or possess relevant knowledge and experience in the subject.

The appointed teachers, following the teaching methodology of swimming, conduct lessons both in and out of the swimming pools, depending on the needs of the lesson.

Teaching hours for swimming form part of teachers’ official teaching workload and are not treated separately for the purpose of completing their required hours, as they are included in the planning of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports and within the framework for calculating staffing needs (functional vacancies) in Physical Education, since swimming as a subject is part of the Physical Education curriculum.

The implementation of swimming instruction requires the cooperation and involvement of the relevant authorities (including the provision of free transportation—as stipulated—through the Region of Corinth, as well as the provision of swimming pools and related equipment through their respected Municipalities and the General Secretariat of Sports).

In order to ensure the best possible organization, coordination, and implementation of the swimming Program—taking into account the complex process involved—the position of Program Coordinator has been established. A Physical Education teacher (PE-11) may be appointed as Swimming Coordinator upon application, and may serve for more than one neighboring Directorate of Primary Education within the respective Regional Directorate of Education.

The necessary requirements for students’ participation are a valid Student Health Certificate stating “participation without restrictions,” as well as a signed Parent/Guardian Declaration permitting the student’s transportation to the swimming facility.

The Physical Education teacher of the school unit primarily accompanies the classes to the swimming facility. By decision of the Teachers’ Association, a teacher of another specialty, as well as Special Education Support teachers, may also accompany the students.

The accompanying teachers remain within the swimming facility (changing rooms and poolside areas), supervise students during the lesson, and cooperate with the Physical Education teachers of the School Swimming Program to meet students’ needs.

At the same time, care is taken to ensure that supervision in the changing rooms is carried out by teachers of the same gender, and it is clearly stated that the entry of unauthorized persons into these areas is prohibited throughout the duration of the lessons.