One swimmer, one instructor in the water
No group, no onlookers. The instructor stays in the water, within arm’s reach, throughout the lesson.
Fear of water • Geneva
Overcoming fear of water in Geneva
One-to-one support, in warm water, where nothing is forced: each step is taken when you are ready, with the instructor in the water beside you.
Bains de Cressy, Confignon — calm water at 34 °C, under the glass roof
A common fear, and a legitimate one
Fear of water often has a history: a fall into a pool, a mouthful of water swallowed as a child, a lesson where you felt forced.
It can show as breathing that locks up, refusing to put your face in the water, or anxiety as soon as your feet no longer touch the bottom. It is neither a lack of willpower nor a question of age.
Children, teenagers or adults: everyone progresses in one-to-one lessons at the Bains de Cressy in Confignon, with an instructor in the water and water at 34 °C. Over age 5, a lesson lasts 45 minutes, at CHF 90; up to and including age 5, it lasts 30 minutes. The same support can also take place in your private pool.
Our approach
Water at 34 °C
At the Bains de Cressy, the warm water prevents the tension that cold brings. The body relaxes more easily, which helps you breathe calmly and float.
Steps you choose to take
- 1Getting into the water
- 2Blowing at the surface
- 3Putting your face in
- 4Letting go of the edge
- 5Floating
- 6Moving towards deeper water
You move on to the next step only once the previous one feels comfortable. You can go back at any time.
For adults and children alike
Once the apprehension has eased, learning continues naturally: see the adult lessons.
Adults and children over 5
Private lesson — 45 min
The reference format to ease apprehension, then learn.
2½ up to and including age 5
Private lesson — 30 min
A short format, suited to young children. See the children’s lessons.
In your pool
At home — 30 min
To start in a familiar setting, whatever the age. See the home lessons.
Each “Request this lesson” prepares a WhatsApp message: it is a request, not a booking. We reply to agree on a time with you; the booking is only confirmed once paid or covered by a pack credit. Cancellation 24 hours or more before the lesson: credited back; within 24 hours or no-show: counted as used. Lessons and packs are non-refundable (terms).
Frequently asked questions
Another question? See our support page (in French).
Will I have to put my head under water in the first lesson?
No. The first lesson is for getting to know the water and the instructor, wherever you feel safe. Nothing is forced.
How long does it take to stop being afraid?
There is no typical duration: it depends on where the fear comes from, how intense it is and how regular the lessons are. We prefer not to promise any timeframe.
Does the lesson replace psychological support?
No. We are a swimming school, not a therapy practice. If the fear is very intense or comes with panic attacks, talk to a health professional as well; the two approaches can complement each other.
My child refuses to go to the pool. What can I do?
Describe the situation to us in a few words. A one-to-one lesson, in warm and calm water, often makes a fresh start possible, without the pressure of a group.
Why does water at 34 °C help?
Cold water makes you tense up and catch your breath, which reinforces apprehension. At the Bains de Cressy, the water is at 34 °C: the body relaxes more easily, which helps you breathe calmly and float. Temperature is not everything, but it removes an obstacle.
Taking the first step
Tell us what worries you. We reply personally, with no commitment.
See also: the Bains de Cressy · prices · home lessons · support (in French)