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    Swimming is one of the most valuable skills a child can learn.

    For over 100 years we’ve been teaching Victorians of all ages and abilities to swim. Our industry-leading swimming programs help children develop the skills and confidence they need for a lifetime of fun and safety in and around water – whether that’s at the pool, river, lake or beach.

    Learn with the Y, swim safely in life

    Every year we help over 50,000 children learn how to swim and be safe around water.

    When you learn to swim with the Y, you can expect:

    • quality weekly lessons that follow a leading swimming lessons curriculum;
    • friendly, passionate and industry-qualified swimming teachers;
    • regular feedback to support your child’s progress and certificates when they complete each level;
    • a nurturing, fun and community-focused atmosphere.

    We also offer unlimited pool entry for each student and a supervising parent – perfect for practicing!

    Learn to swim levels

    We tailor our swimming lessons to various age groups, from infants through to adults. This makes our lessons relevant and engaging while supporting social connection amongst students. We also offer swimming holiday programs and water sensory play sessions at select centres.

    Learn more about what your child will learn as they progress through our learn to swim levels.

    Infant swimming lessons

    For babies and toddlers from six months to three years of age. Parents join their child in the pool to help them become comfortable in the water and learn water safety skills together.

    Preschool swimming lessons

    For children from three years to school entry age. We deliver fun and educational activities to help your child learn new skills and become more independent and confident in the water.
    School-age swimming lessons

    For school-age children. Your child will develop their swimming ability and learn vital water safety and survival skills. We’ll also introduce them to foundational skills for the sport of swimming.
    Adult swimming lessons

    For adults and teenagers. We can help you learn foundational swimming skills, improve your technique, gain important water safety skills and become more confident.

    Swimming holiday program

    Our intensive school holiday swimming lessons allows your child to improve on the skills they’ve gained from their weekly lessons, or get back into swimming after some time away. Available at select centres.
    Water sensory play

    Spend quality time with your baby or toddler in calm, shallow water with carefully-researched and sourced sensory equipment. Plus, get to know other parents in your area. Available at select centres.

    Benefits of swimming lessons

    Learn an important life skill

    Knowing how to swim opens up a world of possibility. From safely enjoying the pool or beach during summer to getting into competitive swimming – swimming lessons will pave the way!

    Stay safer in and around water

    Learning water safety and survival skills can help your child develop a positive relationship with the water and give you the peace of mind that they know how to be safe.

    Grow in confidence

    Learn new skills in a supportive class environment. Our professional teachers can help even the most anxious swimmers to feel more comfortable in the water.

    Develop your fitness

    Swimming is a great physical activity which can be enjoyed all year round, helping children to grow healthy and strong bodies while building their strength and endurance in the water.

    Swimming program FAQs

    • What will my child learn in their lessons?

      The specific skills and techniques your child will learn will depend on their swimming lesson level. In general, our lessons will give your child the opportunity to:

      • develop and refine their swimming strokes;
      • learn essential water safety, personal survival and open water techniques;
      • understand how to cooperate with and respect others in the water;
      • learn how to make sensible decisions and solve problems in and around water;
      • develop their physical health and wellbeing;
      • grow in confidence;
      • build their endurance and strength.
    • How many levels of swimming lessons are there?
      We have 13 swimming levels across our infant, preschool and school-age swimming lessons.

      Your child will progress through the program based on their ability and we’ll celebrate their achievements when they complete a level.

      Learn more about our swimming lesson levels.
    • Is your swimming program accredited?
      Our swimming lessons are aligned to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework and are delivered by nationally accredited swimming teachers.

      Our teachers also hold water safety certificates, CPR certificates, Working with Children Checks, and have training in safeguarding children and young people.

      You can rest assured that your child is learning the best from the best!
    • How much do swimming lessons at the Y cost?
      Our swimming lesson prices are set by the local council where the lessons are held. This ensures the cost of our lessons reflects community needs. You can find the cost of lessons at your local centre by visiting their website.
    • How do I pay for swimming lessons?
      Payment for our swimming lessons is taken fortnightly by direct debit, with the total cost spread out across the year with 26 equal payments. This minimises the cost impact to families and ensures your membership is easy to maintain. We also offer no lock-in contracts and no cancellation fees.
    • What happens if my child misses a lesson?
      We know that kids – and life – can be unpredictable! That’s why we offer a number of make-up lessons per year if you miss a lesson.
    • How do I sign up for swimming lessons with the Y?
      You can enrol your child in our swimming lessons by visiting your local centre's website (see our locations).

      From there, simply submit the form to sign up with two weeks free. Our friendly team will then get in touch to help you get started.

    Find your local swimming lessons

    Getting started is easy! Follow the steps below to enrol in swimming lessons with the Y.

    1. Search for your suburb or postcode below to find your nearest YMCA location.
    2. Click the link to go to your local centre’s website.
    3. Enrol in swimming lessons online or submit an enquiry to find out more.