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Swimming is an essential skill for children (and Aussie children in particular!) to learn as young as possible. From improving personal safety to being a great form of exercise, a way to meet new friends, a way to develop social skills, boost confidence and self-esteem, and possibly even develop a passion or competitive skill, swim school will be of great benefit to your child.

Our list of the best swim schools and programs in Sydney will have your children excited to splash around week after week.

The Best Swim Schools in Sydney For Kids

1. Parramatta Aquatic Centre

Parramatta Aquatic Centre is the ultimate family hub for swimming and relaxation, located in the lush surrounds of Parramatta Park, offering a wide range of features, including indoor and outdoor pools and an indoor splash zone for young children and families. All pools are heated for year-round use and are accessible to people with disabilities. 

Learn to Swim classes at The PAC are available throughout the year, catering for a range of ages and abilities. Lessons are taught by qualified, accredited teachers. Swimming lessons cost $21 per week per child (12-week minimum commitment period, direct debit).

The PAC School Holiday Swimming Intensives are a great way to fast-track your child’s skills and confidence in the pool. Suitable for children aged 3-17, the program is the perfect way to keep them active during the holiday periods.

2. City Of Sydney Pools 

City of Sydney operates five world-class aquatic leisure centres offering quality, affordable swimming lessons for children from 6 months old. Their classes are fun and informative, and will establish a great foundation for little swimmers.

You can take your pick from Prince Alfred Park Pool in Surry Hills, Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Ultimo, Andrew Boy Charlton Pool at The Domain, Cook + Phillip Park Pool in Sydney City, and Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Zetland.

City of Sydney Pools offer classes that follow Swim Australia and AUSTSWIM guidelines, ensuring a focus on water safety, confidence, and skill development from the very first lesson. Join anytime!

3. KICK Learn To Swim

Don’t just teach your children to swim, teach them to love swimming! It sounds simple, but that’s the basis of KICK Learn to Swim's approach to teaching swimming. Once your kids have developed their confidence in the water, KICK will help them with the development of strokes and building swimming strength and endurance.

The classes are kept small so that kids receive individual attention and more swimming time within each half-hour lesson. Located in Sydney's east, find out more about KICK Learn to Swim. 

4. The Y NSW

 

The Y NSW offers swimming lessons for babies through to adults in several locations across Sydney, including Mt Annan, Ku-ring-gai and Broken Hill. Swimming and water safety skills are just the beginning of what your child will learn with The Y NSW - they will also learn personal survival skills for rivers, lakes and the ocean, lifesaving skills and much more.

Your child’s progress will be closely monitored, and they will receive a certificate upon completing each level. Classes are designed to be fun, with each child given the space to learn at their own pace. 

5. Carlile Swim

Carlile Swim has long been regarded as one of Sydney’s standout swim schools, with a legacy that stretches back almost 80 years. Founded by trailblazers Forbes and Ursula Carlile, the program set many of the benchmarks that modern learn-to-swim centres follow today. What sets Carlile apart is its thoughtful, child-centred approach: small classes, highly trained teachers, and a structured pathway that supports children from their very first splash through to confident squad swimmers.

With warm-water pools, a nurturing environment, and a strong focus on safety and technique, Carlile Swimming has helped generations of Sydney families raise capable, confident swimmers who truly love the water.

6. AustGrade Swim School

 

AustGrade Swim School is an AUSTSWIM-accredited swim school in Mascot, focusing exclusively on swimming lessons. The brand-new heated indoor pool sits at a pleasant 32 degrees and uses mineral salted chlorinated water, which is much better suited to children as it is gentler on the skin. 

Teaching essential water safety and survival skills, expert instructors use toys and aids to help kids develop swimming strokes, survival floating, breath control, and paddling without goggles at an early age. They will also learn how to reach for objects underwater and enter and exit the water safely. Classes are offered Monday to Saturday for babies and toddlers from 4 months and up, and for the mini squad for primary-aged children. 

7. Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

 

The Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre is a world-class facility- swimming lessons here can give kids a sense of excitement and wonder, unlike any other Sydney pool. There is a swimming program to suit everyone, and the program has won the 2013 NSW AUSTSWIM Swim Centre of the Year award for its commitment to community education on water safety and aquatic skills.

Children aged 6 months through to adults can receive swim lessons taught by certified Austswim instructors, building a balance of aquatic skills and water confidence in a safe and friendly environment. Class sizes are small, so your child will receive plenty of individual attention, running year-round on mornings, afternoons, and weekends.

8. Col Jones Swim, Tempe

With more than 50 years of experience teaching Sydney kids to swim, Col Jones in Tempe is a trusted name for inner-west families. The school runs lessons across three heated pools, starting from toddler water-confidence classes right through to advanced squads.

Parents love the warm water, small class sizes, and friendly, experienced instructors, while the kids truly benefit from a clear progression that builds both safety and strong technique. And everyone loves the swimming pool that feels like it's in a hidden cave!

9. Future Swim

Future Swim is among the leading experts in teaching young children how to swim. With a focus on beginners - who make up 80% of their students - and their collective experience of teaching over 2000 students a week, they have established themselves as one of the best learn-to-swim centres in Sydney.

Future Swim is passionate about helping your child develop essential swimming skills in a safe, supportive and expert environment and is dedicated to creating a nurturing atmosphere that prioritises quality and comfort. They limit their beginner classes to just 3 students, ensuring each child receives personalised attention and maximises their learning experience. Their purpose-built facility features warm water maintained at a soothing 32-34 degrees. It also boasts a state-of-the-art UV and Ozone system that eliminates 99.99% of bacteria while minimising chlorine use for a gentle swimming experience.

Future Swim Miranda is the latest addition to their range of facilities, proudly serving the Shire community. You can also find other Future Swim locations throughout the area.

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