*By Andria Papadopoulou

Who said swimming is just for adults? New swimming techniques and modern teaching methods are turning children and infants into “stars” of the aquatic world. Infants as young as one month old, up to five-year-olds, are learning to take their first dips at the “Thousand Days Project” Infant Wellness Center, under the guidance of specialized instructors.

The Alpha News program and journalist Olga Konstantinou visited the Center and captured not only the sweetest moments, but also the secrets of infant swimming, which is more than just a fun activity.

Behind every game lies a goal: to gently familiarize the infant with water and promote their physical development.

According to instructor Athanasia Poyatzis, infant swimming builds the infant’s confidence in the water and raises their awareness of their own safety. At the same time, it enhances sensory development and improves motor skills through individual lessons specially tailored to each child’s needs. As a result, the infant overcomes their fear of water and learns to respect it.

Beyond infant swimming, water is also used as a therapeutic tool through hydrotherapy programs, which are primarily aimed at younger infants. The specialist maintains that hydrotherapy is an ideal approach for treating infant colic and improving sleep quality,as it helps the infant relax and relieves them of excessive crying and restlessness.

A baby’s first encounter with water is often accompanied by parents’ worries and concerns. However, the Center’s goal is to provide each infant with a personalized program tailored to their individual characteristics.