Laying the foundation for water safety, a healthy lifestyle, and a love of physical activity can begin as early as childhood. This is the goal of the Swimming Nation Program, launched by the Hungarian Swimming Federation, which has been welcoming the youngest children at the Eissmann Nyíregyháza Municipal Swimming Pool since the spring of 2022. 

Experience from recent years shows that the initiative not only provides tremendous assistance in learning to swim, but also contributes to the development of children’s self-confidence, perseverance, and physical fitness. 

When the program first launched, twenty institutions joined the initiative; today, however, 27 kindergartens and schools in Nyíregyháza and the surrounding area are participating. Nearly 1,600 children attend the sessions each week, which offer opportunities to learn the basics of swimming for everyone from older kindergarteners to second-grade elementary school students. 

One of the program’s greatest advantages is that it places virtually no additional burden on families. The Swimming Nation Program’s own buses pick up the children right in front of their schools, and all necessary equipment is provided at the pool. From swim caps and goggles to towels and swimsuits, the program provides everything. 

Only certified swimming instructors work with the children during the sessions. The instructors participate in regular continuing education, and their work is guided by a standardized professional methodology. Thanks to the small group sizes, one instructor works with a maximum of eight children at a time, ensuring that every participant receives personalized attention and support. 

The instruction takes place in a playful manner, as this has proven to be the most effective learning method at this age. The children work their way through a nine-level curriculum, and after completing each level, they receive a sticker. These small rewards often motivate them just as much as acquiring new skills. 

Progress becomes visible within a short time. Both professionals and parents observe that the children’s water safety, motor coordination, and self-confidence improve significantly, while they look forward to coming to the pool more and more. During open house events, families can see for themselves the progress their children have made in just a few months. 

“The most beautiful moments are when a child who was previously afraid of the water lets go of the pool edge for the first time, glides through the water on their own, or jumps into the deeper end with a smile. At such times, we see not only the success of learning to swim, but also how the child’s self-confidence and courage grow,” said Dr. Szilvia Borbély Urbinné, the program’s local coordinator. 

The goal of the Swimming Nation Program, however, goes beyond teaching swimming. Learning water safety can be a matter of life and death; moreover, swimming contributes to the development of a healthy lifestyle and improves concentration, self-discipline, and perseverance. The program strives to ensure that every child can develop at their own pace, regardless of whether they have had prior experience in a swimming pool environment. 

The initiative also plays an important role in youth development. After completing the ÚNP, children can participate in free swimming lessons twice a week for an additional year as part of the HÍD Program. For those interested in competitive sports, there is an opportunity to continue their training in the swimming division of the Nyíregyháza Sports Center. 

“For me, the greatest motivation comes from the smiling faces of the children, the stickers they’ve earned, and those moments when a child realizes they’re capable of something they previously thought impossible,” added Dr. Szilvia Urbinné Borbély. 

As one of the country’s largest sports development programs reaching children, the Swimming Nation Program now provides regular swimming instruction to tens of thousands of children. Its mission is simple yet extremely important: every child should have the opportunity to move safely in the water, regardless of where they live or their family background. This endeavor is supported by the program’s two ambassadors, Krisztina Egerszegi and Tamás Darnyi. Nyíregyháza can be justifiably proud to be part of this nationwide initiative.

Those interested in the program or seeking further information can contact the organizers at szilvia.borbely@musz.hu.