JUMP Swim School Fyshwick, one of Canberra’s most recommended schools for swimming lessons. Photo: JUMP Swim School.
As Canberrans, our love of the great outdoors is sure to produce two things. First, the need for sunscreen, and second, an encounter with water. Be it a dam on a farm, a lakeside park, or down on the coast, there are plenty of opportunities to get wet.
With the ability to swim being essential for every Australian, acquiring the skills is key. And while most of us can muster a paddle unaided, proper technique and skilled manoeuvring can only be gained by instruction.
Indeed, the list of benefits gained from attending swimming lessons is staggering. Aside from the obvious, it aids in social, cognitive and physical development, along with boosting confidence and self-esteem. Importantly, it keeps us healthy!
Whether you a seeking to enhance your swimming ability, or that of your children, a local swim school can help. If you’re seeking lessons to keep you splashing around, look no further than our pick of Canberra’s best.
What makes a great swim school?
Great swim schools ultimately nurture a lifelong love of water. Their passionate instructors equip students with the skills and confidence needed to fly through the water. Before you jump in, we suggest considering the following:
- Experienced instructors. One of the greatest assets of any swim school is its instructors. Naturally, a passion for teaching is key, along with the ability to engage with students of all ages and abilities. Any good swim school will offer a range of classes, from babies and beginners to advanced squads, so be sure to find a class that suits your needs. Importantly, your instructor should be qualified and experienced, ideally accredited by a nationally recognised program such as the Swim Coaches and Teachers Association.
- Sound methods. One of the key determinants for swim success is methodology, or how a lesson is taught. From lesson structure and class size to frequency of assessments and technique, there is plenty to consider. While lesson outcomes are generally consistent across the board, the pathway to accomplishment varies. Many established swim schools adopt their own tried-and-tested methodologies. And while one size does not fit all, a record of success certainly helps.
- Fabulous facilities. The best swim schools offer an environment that is conducive to both learning and comfort. For students and carers, this equates to things such as a comfortable water temperature, spotless restrooms, ample change facilities, and plenty of seating. Many great schools even offer on-site snacks and the ability to purchase swim essentials like goggles and caps. Finally, consider hygiene, noting cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. If in doubt, pop into your local school and request a quick tour of the premises.
- Convenient. As a place that you will visit frequently, finding a swim school that is also convenient is essential. When reflecting on convenience, consider proximity and travel time, accessibility via private and public transport, and of course ease of parking. Also consider lesson schedules – and whether the proposed class times fit with your plans.
- Affordable. Last, but certainly not least, is affordability. While lesson costs vary, finding a solution that bridges need with price matters. Consider the frequency of lessons, whether private or class tuition is best, and lesson costs. Moreover, enquire about absentee policies, noting make-ups and lesson holds. Life happens, and in the event of sickness or clashes with other commitments, it pays to be clear on policy.
The best swimming lessons in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
GOswim ACT Leisure Centres
The GOswim program is offered across four ACT Leisure pool facilities, Stromlo, Gungahlin, the Canberra Olympic Pool and Lakeside Leisure Centre.
GOswim lessons cater for infants and pre-schoolers, ensuring confidence in the water at an important stage of development.
Their lessons cover all age ranges, with programs geared towards engaging with primary school-aged students as well as programs that build important skills for adults.
While developmental lessons are offered to bridge the gap between learning to swim and swimming for fitness, fun or competition.
Key areas of swimming and water safety are covered, including safe entries, balance, movement, recovery, breath control, submersion and development of swimming strokes.
Lessons take place weekly and students of the program enjoy unlimited pool access outside of lesson times, giving them a safe, supervised space to practice their skills as well as summer family swim access throughout the four-week Christmas break.
"The lakeside leisure centre in Tuggeranong is an excellent pool for children and adults alike it offers a wide range of activities and food, as well as multiple swimming lesson groups for children and teens and adults of all ages," Papaya says on Google.
Stellar Swim
Stellar Swim offers fun and interactive swimming lessons for babies and children of all ages and abilities, as well as teenagers and adults.
The children’s swim program is based on the Royal Life Saving Society’s Swim and Survive program. Stellar Swim offers regular assessments and feedback, so parents and carers always know how a child is progressing. School holiday swim intensive classes power up childrens’ skills in the water.
Adults swim classes are on offer and aqua aerobics classes, held in graded pool depths and warm water, for all fitness levels.
Health Club members have access to lane space and can relax and recover in high-quality pool facilities.
The Stellar pool is 17m long by 8m wide.
Marijana Rogic wrote on Google, “My kids absolutely love their swimming teacher … She is very patient and you can see she genuinely enjoys working with children. My kids have very quickly moved up levels …”
JUMP! Swim Schools Fyshwick
JUMP Swim Schools Fyshwick is a boutique learn-to-swim facility for babies aged from 3 months to pre-squad (10 to 11 years). Intimate classes, conducted by qualified teachers in a heated, purpose-built pool, make children feel safe. At JUMP! Fyshwick, children are greeted by name. Private swimming lessons are available for those needing extra support.
Jonathan Kent wrote on Google, “A great learning environment for swimming. The pool is super warm … Classes are small, and staff remember the children by name.”
For other fun, physical activities, see our articles on the best playgrounds, the best martial arts schools, and the best dance studios in Canberra.
Your experience with swimming lessons in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had an experience with any of the swim schools listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the right time for children to start swimming lessons?
Many swim schools offer lessons for children as young as six months; however, some say age four is a good time to start. Ultimately, the earlier the better - yet it is never too late to begin!
What is the difference between a private and a group lesson?
The main differences are group size, lesson structure, and cost. As the name suggests, private lessons are based on the needs of a single student, with a one-to-one student-to-teacher ratio. Conversely, group lessons are typically conducted with a four-to-one student-teacher ratio, where the needs of the collective group are addressed at a lower cost to that of private lessons. The right one for you will depend on your needs – and desired outcomes.
How frequently should I attend swimming lessons?
When it comes to learning to swim, consistency is key. Most swim schools operate to a weekly lesson cycle, and some even offer optional intensive programs throughout the year.
How much do swimming lessons cost?
Lesson prices vary, based on format and need. As a guide, pricing ranges from about $20 per lesson for a class of four, to upwards of $100 per lesson for private one-on-one tuition. For more detailed pricing, contact your local swim school.
What if I miss a lesson?
Most swim schools aim to make keeping lessons as easy as possible. In many instances, make-up lessons are offered; however, be sure to clarify the absentee policy with your swim school before signing up.
