Greece expands compulsory school swimming lessons to fourth grade

More than 52,000 pupils took part in the compulsory swimming programme in the 2025‑2026 school year, exceeding the ministry’s target of 50,000. Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki said the figure confirms broad community support for the policy and announced that, from the 2026‑2027 year, the lesson will also be mandatory for students in the fourth grade of primary school.

The expansion is backed by a new legal framework (Article 119 of Law 4224/2025) that formalises the organisation of the subject, appoints a Swimming Coordinator in every primary‑school directorate and sets a teacher‑to‑student ratio of one PE teacher per ten learners. About 270 physical‑education teachers with specialised training will deliver the lessons, and from September they will receive additional training on water‑rescue and safety in partnership with the Hellenic Red Cross.

The programme is supported by collaborations with Safe Water Sports and a donation of 5,000 swimming‑set kits from Arena Greece. The ministry’s five‑year plan aims for universal swimming proficiency and basic lifesaving skills for all children over eight years old, positioning the initiative as a public‑health and safety priority across Greece.