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swimming-class

Dive confidently with the best swimming classes in Adelaide!

  • Inclusivity: The swimming classes should be inclusive of all ages, families, groups, and communities. We looked for ones available to children and teens, families, adults, seniors, and people who need particular care, such as pregnant women or people with disabilities.
  • Budget-friendly: I looked for swimming classes within the price range of their clients, especially for youth, families, seniors, and people who need particular care.
  • Skill-range availability: The swimming classes should be open to people of all swimming skill ranges, but prioritise lessons friendly to beginners.
  • Reliability: I assessed reliability based on client feedback posted on reliable third-party review platforms, such as Google Reviews, and took some classes myself.

Living in Adelaide has taught me one thing: this city has many beautiful beaches and sparkling natural waters! But here’s the catch: I don’t know how to swim, and that, sadly, keeps me from enjoying my city to the fullest.

Well, not anymore, now that I’ve signed up for swimming lessons! 

After these classes, I can finally explore what the Adelaide waters have to offer. I am especially excited to wade further into those beaches in the Port Adelaide area. I can finally tick off something from my bucket list!

Come along with me, work those muscles, and let’s study swimming!

1. SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre

sa-aquatic-and-leisure-centre

Services: Infant to adult swimming lessons, lap swimming, leisure swimming, rehabilitation swimming, sauna, and more

Location: SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre, 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park

Contact: (08) 8198 0198

Opening hours

Monday to Friday – 5 am to 8:45 pm for the pool and swimming lessons

Saturday – 5 am to 5:45 pm

Sunday and public holidays – 7 am to 5:45 pm

Website

Google reviews3.8/5
Total reviews3.8/5
Score consistency 3.8/5
Inclusivity5/5
Budget-friendly5/5
Skill-range availability5/5
Reliability4/5

First on my list of swimming centres to visit is the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, located in the lush suburbs of Oaklands Park.

This centre stands out to me because it offers YMCA-certified swimming lessons. This makes their sessions open to all people of all ages and skill levels. This assures me, as a beginner, that I am fully guided as I learn how to swim.

The AUSTSWIM-accredited swim coaches also shared that they can modify their swim lessons for individuals with disabilities. Which reminds me, I can bring my grandmother as a plus one! 

We paid the weekly standard rate of $26.90. This is applicable to all their swim class types. Considering their diverse programs and certified coaches, this is a good deal!

But my grandmother was particular about people and places. This made me rethink my decision to bring her along. This centre can be prone to overcrowding!

Plus, on my way out after one of my classes, I overheard fellow students say the facilities are old. This can be a safety risk, no matter how friendly the staff may be.

Pros

  • Offers YMCA-certified swimming lessons
  • Inclusive to all ages and swim skill levels
  • Lessons can be modified for people with disabilities
  • Has multiple pools and is open to the public
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Prone to overcrowding due to high volume of students and casual swimmers
  • Water and pool conditions may fluctuate in quality

    Enjoyable swimming lessons

    We love this place! The staffs are friendly, and our kids thoroughly enjoy their swimming lessons. The only suggestion I have is regarding the showers in the changing rooms. It seems the shower currently doesn’t have temperature controls, and the water can be quite warm. As maintenance work is ongoing, I’d love to see adjustable temperature controls added to the shower for more comfortable experience.

    Shaleish Khadka | Google review

    Swim lessons are fun and amazing

    It’s amazing for swimming lessons and having fun but the whole place needs maintenance as it’s getting old and crowded but they are improving some small adjustments like changing the doors and stuff but overall, it’s great!

    Ethan | Google review

    2. The ARC Campbelltown

    the-arc-campbelltown

    Services: Infant to adult swimming lessons, leisure swimming, swim club, sauna

    Location: 531 Lower North East Road, Campbelltown

    Contact: (08) 8366 9350

    Email: [email protected]

    Opening hours

    Monday to Friday – 6 am to 9 pm

    Saturday and Sunday – 7 am to 7 pm

    Website

    Google reviews4.5/5
    Total reviews4.5/5
    Score consistency 4.5/5
    Inclusivity5/5
    Budget-friendly5/5
    Skill-range availability5/5
    Reliability4/5

    The ARC Campbelltown is actually a gym, but don’t worry! This place offers swimming lessons and pool facilities open to the public.

    The reason I checked this place out is that, aside from having swim classes available for all ages and skill levels, they also have accessibility aids.

    It’s nice to see people with disabilities have an easy time learning to swim and access the pool through their wheelchair ramp and autism-friendly lessons.

    I paid only $24 for the adult swimming lessons that come in for 45 minutes each session. 

    I felt safe with the help of AUSTSWIM-verified coaches. Their expertise helped me conquer my fear better, especially since I practised in the shallow pool made for students!

    But, even if the fee was affordable, I had a hard time booking a session due to high demand! I may be lucky, but my patience almost wore out.

    Pros

    • AUSTSWIM-certified coaches
    • Affordable swimming fee for adults
    • Autism-friendly lessons
    • Accessibility aid for people with disabilities
    • Lessons are open to people of all skills and ages

    Cons

    • Difficulty booking adult swimming lessons due to high demand
    • Some staff can be rude

      Ideal for youngsters

      The ARC is ideal for hydrotherapy, swimming, spa, sauna and many activities for the youngsters. eg swimming lessons and water activities, basketball and squash and a great gym. Cost is only $8 Nice little place to eat or beverages. Very friendly staff.

      Allan Fowler | Google review

      Great for swimming lessons

      Great facility for swimming. My little girl goes for swimming lessons and our coach Deb is just amazing. She is so caring and so warm towards all kids. We love her. Also all staff at the front desk have been really welcoming as well.

      Rush Riz | Google review

      3. Parafield Gardens Swim School

      parafield-gardens-swim-school

      Services: Infant to adult swimming lessons, aqua fitness, lap swimming

      Location: 96 Kings Rd, Parafield Gardens

      Contact: (08) 8285 3666

      Email: [email protected]

      Opening hours

      Monday to Thursday – 6 am to 8 pm

      Friday – 7 am to 7 pm

      Saturday – 8:30 am to 1 pm

      Sunday – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

      Website

      Google reviews4.5/5
      Total reviews4.5/5
      Score consistency 4.5/5
      Inclusivity5/5
      Budget-friendly4/5
      Skill-range availability5/5
      Reliability4/5

      What I like about Parafield Gardens Swim School is that it’s only 18 kilometres or 20 minutes away from Adelaide’s CBD. I could easily drop by after work for a quick swim lesson!

      Plus, they also offer a free initial swimming class for first-timers. This helped me assess whether or not I find them fit for achieving my swim goals.

      Aside from offering adult swim classes, they specialise in teaching infants and children. This is because they have been a family-run swim school since 1998. It’s a suitable parent-child outdoor activity!

      However, there were some pools I wished to view, but I could not. It’s because the centre is undergoing renovation. Some services may be unavailable to accommodate changes.

      Pros

      • Family-oriented swim lessons and services
      • Close to Adelaide’s CBD
      • Best for parent and child enrichment
      • Free initial class

      Cons

      • More focused on families, children, and youth swim lessons; may not be as comprehensive for solo adults
      • Undergoing renovation

        Good classes and workout

        Loving the Aqua aerobics classes. The pool is always a perfect temperature and the excellent instructors ensure we get a good workout. My balance and strength has improved.

        Tina and Martin Jukic | Google review

        Cool swim centre

        Cool little swim centre in our local area. They are going through building renovations at the moment, would be nice if they were adding a second swimming pool, but I don’t think they are. Staff are great, they have a lot of patience. My daughter and her class are currently doing swim lessons there this week and I popped in today (21st May 24) to see how she was doing, a confident swimmer, she loves the swimming instructors there. Can’t wait to see how the place looks once they’re finished the renovations.

        Tina and Martin Jukic | Google review

        4. School of Life Swimmers

        school-of-life-swimmers

        Services: Infant to adult swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, at-home swimming lessons

        Location: 274 North East Rd, Klemzig 

        Contact: 8460 0095

        Email: [email protected]

        Opening hours

        Monday to Thursday – 10 am to 5 pm

        Friday – 9 am to 2 pm

        Saturday – 8 am to 12:30 pm

        Website

        Google reviews4.8/5
        Total reviews4.8/5
        Score consistency 4.8/5
        Inclusivity4/5
        Budget-friendly3/5
        Skill-range availability5/5
        Reliability4/5

        Going out and about to find a suitable swimming centre could be tiring! I asked around if there were any swim lessons one could take at home. 

        My athletic friend told me to check a service called Alutra from The School of Little Swimmers in Klemzig. She said it’s a private swimming class she schedules every other week. This way, she uses her indoor pool, gets in exercise, and saves travel time! 

        However, this service is still undergoing changes. While she was lucky to avail it, getting an appointment may be a hit or miss.

        Plus, the private swimming classes for solo adults at their facility start at $70 per class. This is quite high compared to the other swimming centres I went to!

        Pros

        • Swimming lessons can be conducted at client’s home
        • Accessible to all ages and swim skill levels 

        Cons

        • No observed accessibility aids
        • Expensive
        • At-home service is still being tested

          Caring and knowledgeable teachers

          We have thoroughly enjoyed our time at School of Little Swimmers, we are sad to see it come to an end! The teachers have all been caring and knowledgeable, supporting the swimming journey. We highly recommended this swim school.

          Ocea Marie Ebel | Google review

          Home private swimming lesson is fantastic

          Having School of little swimmers come to our house on a Sunday for private swimming lessons is FANTASTIC! It’s given myself and our friends a great reason for a Sunday lunch catch up AND we get to watch our babies grow and learn under Alice’s beautiful guidance! Highly recommend School of little swimmers and I know the 8 other families do too!! The luxury of private at home swimming lessons is much cheaper than I thought when we do it as a group and all the babes have learnt SO much in a fun environment! BIG Thank you to Alice and the team for their dedication to making swimming fun!! Thanks Guys!!

          Samantha Pyne | Google review

          5. Blue Dolphin Swim Centre

          blue-dolphin-swim-centre

          Services: Babies to teens swimming, competitive swimming, aqua fitness

          Location: 5 Glory Court, Happy Valley

          Contact: (08) 8322 6566

          Email: [email protected]

          Opening hours

          Monday to Tuesday – 8:45 am to 8:30 pm

          Wednesday – 8:45 am to 7:15 pm

          Thursday – 8:45 am to 7:45 pm

          Friday – 8:45 am to 7 pm

          Saturday – 7 am to 1:45 pm

          Sunday – 7:45 am to 12:45 pm

          Website

          Google reviews4.5/5
          Total reviews4.5/5
          Score consistency 4.5/5
          Inclusivity4/5
          Budget-friendly5/5
          Skill-range availability4/5
          Reliability4/5

          I thought that if I wanted to maximise my experience of Adelaide waters and beaches, I might as well include my family! So, I had a kids’ day out at Blue Dolphin Swim Centre.

          What I like about their lessons is that they specialise in teaching children aged 3 to 16 years old. Starting with a weekly payment of $30.50, I entrusted my teen son and toddler daughter to teachers who have WWCC and AUSTSWIM certifications.

          Plus, as I was looking around their facilities, I saw they have UV filtration and a heated indoor pool. This ensures the safety of my children from sunburn or sudden temperature drops while swimming.

          However, I wish they offered adult swim classes. While I can accompany my kids, I can’t continue my swim lessons here.

          Pros:

          • Kid-friendly environment
          • Has UV filter and heated indoor pool
          • Family-oriented
          • Affordable

          Cons:

          • No adult swimming classes
          • No observed accessibility aids

          Friendly and comfortable experience

          We are so happy with Blue Dolphin Swim Centre. Very friendly and nice staff. Coffee service is just amazing. All the teachers are truly beautiful and caring people. Miss Ruby is super amazing and helpful and we are so happy with her. Our daughter is very comfortable and loves learning swimming from miss Ruby.

          Fay Zarei | Google review

          Teachers are fully involved with kids

          Great local swimming centre! Teachers are fully involved and they track your child’s progress carefully. I love that they celebrate your child’s birthday with a group song! I have seen my child’s confidence grow, and his technique improve much faster than at the larger swimming centre in Marion. They do make a great coffee and bring it out to you while your waiting.

          Jamie Rowe | Google review

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