The 5 Best Swimming Lessons in Sydney to Finally Conquer the Water
I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who imagines the worst when I’m on a boat—like, what if the boat sinks and I can’t swim?
There’s a reason swimming is considered a basic life skill…yet shockingly, a lot of people (including me) still don’t know how to do it properly.
So, to finally squash my fears, I roped in my team to hunt down the best swimming lessons in Sydney. We weighed up the pros and cons so that all of us can figure out what might actually work.
Here’s the shortlist of the best swimming lessons in Sydney that we found!
How much do swimming lessons cost in Sydney?
Swimming lessons in Sydney usually cost somewhere between $20–25 for group classes at major swim schools and $60–120 for private sessions.
1. Swim Mastery
Phone: +61 493 404 726
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8 AM – 8 PM
We quickly understood why Swim Mastery was recommended to us by a lot of families. Every instructor has an accredited Working with Children check. All of them are also current with CPR and first aid.
Several parents even mentioned how closely the instructors watch their kids and how generous they are with feedback.
Their variety of lesson types is also impressive. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, they run lessons for little ones starting at six months all the way up to teens.
They’ve got stroke correction, marathon training, and even specialised sessions for swimmers with disabilities.
We also like that enrolling here is convenient. You’ll have an instructor who’ll come to your home or community pool, which can save you time and gas.
The personalised, private setup makes it great for everyone who might be shy in groups.
They’re surprisingly family-friendly too. They have a 30% discount for the third child onwards.
However, the biggest con we’ve found was about availability. Even if you cancel correctly and collect your voucher like a responsible adult, snagging a replacement slot isn’t guaranteed, especially since their schedule can fill up quickly.
An enthusiastic and dynamic swim coach
“Krystal is an enthusiastic and dynamic swim coach. I had four private lessons, and each time she met me at the pool I chose and the time I requested. We discussed techniques and she watched me and provided lots of feedback and encouragement…”
Nerida Dyne, Google review
Grateful for the positive impact this swim school has had on my child’s life
“I highly recommend Swim Mastery and instructor Krystal to any parent looking to enrol their child in swimming lessons. My child, who was initially hesitant about swimming, quickly developed a love for the water thanks to their guidance. She has the patience and experience to allow children to develop essential life skills, gain confidence, and have a blast in a safe and supportive environment. I am truly grateful for the positive impact this swim school has had on my child’s life.”
Mari Narma, Google review
2. Different Strokes Swimming
Phone: +61 431 571 161
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Different Strokes Swimming’s free first class is a big draw. It’s small—with just four people in a group.
In that first session, an instructor will check your level and suggest the right class to join next.
A lot of students mentioned that the classes are really fun and engaging, so it doesn’t feel like a boring drill.
One standout point we noticed was how flexible they can be. Sometimes, they’ll adapt lessons for people with asthma. We really appreciate that since it shows they’re paying attention to individual needs even in a group setting.
They have four levels, from total beginner up to advanced. If you like structured learning, this works really well.
On the flip side, the free trial doesn’t include private one-on-one coaching. So if you’re someone who really needs that extra attention before committing, you won’t get it in the first class.
They’re also more focused on teaching adults, so this may not be the one for your kids.
I’ve progressed in skill & confidence in such a short time
“Thank you, Jules, for such great swim lessons. The learning of techniques is completed in such a fun & engaging way. I know I’ve progressed in skill & confidence in such a short time.”
Kylie Church, Google review
The coach is very understanding
“I love the classes. I didn’t know how to swim, and today I made my first free swim, and it was amazing. My native language is Spanish, so for some things it’s like a challenge sometimes, but with the coach it’s very easy to understand everything, definitely I’ll keep going with my lessons.”
Melita Borja, Google review
3. Salty Fit
Address: Bondi Beach, Bondi
Phone: +61 422 093 277
Business hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Friday: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The biggest pro we’ve found about Salty Fit is that they teach in both pools and the ocean. Being right by the beach means you can actually practice in real saltwater.
Their private lessons are also a gem. Students say the instructors break everything down in a way that’s easy to understand.
Plus, they throw in some theory before you hit the water, so you know why you’re doing things, not just how.
People report real improvements when we talk to them: faster swimming, stronger strokes, better breathing, and a lot more confidence, even in choppy ocean conditions.
Courses cover everyone from total beginners to more advanced swimmers.
The Ultimate Beginner course is great for adults who feel nervous in the water, while the advanced session focuses on stroke correction, breathing, and power.
They also run lessons at convenient times, like early morning surf training and weekend squads. It’s perfect if you have a busy schedule.
Private lessons and some courses are a bit pricey, though. If you’re on a tight budget, it might sting.
I’m 100 times more confident now in the ocean
“I just completed the ocean swimming course, and it was amazing – I’m 100 times more confident now in the ocean, which is the best feeling, and I loved each session. The team are incredibly supportive and we all had fun too!! Highly recommend this to anyone, young or old, all you need is a love of the sea and a whole lot of motivation to make it happen! Thank you, team Salty Fit, now onwards to face the waves”
Alexa Lundin, Google review
I learnt new skills every week
“I had a great time with Salty Fit. Jo is an awesome instructor. Each week, I learnt new skills which have definitely improved my swim stroke. I’d recommend Jo’s classes to any looking to improve their swimming.”
Brett Campbell, Google review
4. In The Deep
Address: 558 Anzac Parade
Phone: +61 2 8379 8288
Business hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM – 3 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10 AM
If you’ve got water-loving kids, In The Deep is worth a peek. They teach babies from six months up to kids.
The standout feature, though, is their pool. It’s free from the usual toxic chlorine by-products. It’s a rare touch that parents appreciate for the health and comfort of their children.
The instructors also don’t rush kids through levels. Instead, they focus on building real confidence in the water.
Classes are small, so no one gets lost in the crowd. The teachers are also very patient, even with kids who aren’t naturally water fans.
We also love how they make learning fun with ribbons to celebrate progress.
On top of swimming skills, they teach important water safety and survival techniques, especially with babies.
They teach how to safely enter and exit the pool, how babies can hold on independently, and how to turn around and grab the wall if they fall in.
Logistics-wise, it’s great. Parking is simple, and the online parent portal is straightforward.
The only hiccup some parents have mentioned is the inconsistent admin support. At one point, a change in management led to unanswered calls and difficulty with payments.
We can’t recommend this swim school enough
“We can’t recommend this swim school enough. The instructors are amazing at helping kids build genuine water safety confidence from the very beginning. They focus on solid foundations rather than rushing through levels, and the ribbon system makes it so motivating. Kids can see their progress and feel proud of each step…”
Eriko G., Google review
Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to improve their technique
“Although I can swim, I have never had a swimming lesson, so I wanted to learn how to correct my bad swimming strokes. It was so much fun. Sasha was positive and encouraging, and taught us the main principles (basically learning how to breathe properly in freestyle) made so much sense when explained. Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to improve their technique.”
Helena, Google review
5. Swimly
Address: 11 High St
Phone: +61 497 294 514
Business hours:
- Monday: 6 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Tuesday: 6 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Wednesday: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Enrolling at Swimly is like having a personal swimming Yoda. Their head coach isn’t just anyone—he’s a former Australian national team member and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist.
That expertise trickles down to every instructor, so you’re learning from people who really know their stuff.
They’re also big on giving you much attention. Lessons are either one-on-one or in tiny groups of up to three.
We’ve also heard a lot of good feedback on their swim lessons being fun and challenging at the same time. The best part is, they’re willing to tailor your sessions according to your needs.
One person even mentioned how the team adapted lessons for his cabin crew training. They created realistic water rescue scenarios for him to be prepared.
They’re perfect for kids over seven, adults, seniors, and even those who are nervous in water. Plus, having access to both pools and the ocean means you’re not stuck doing laps in the same old lane forever.
Their pricing is a bit on the higher side, though. But considering the level of attention and expert coaching they provide, it’s worth it.
I would recommend their swim lessons
“I did the ocean confidence session this morning with Jason at Malabar, and it was awesome. He gave us the basics of ocean swimming, what to look out for and best of all, how you remain calm and confident in the ocean. All round nice guy, and I would recommend this session if you’re a little apprehensive but super keen for an ocean swim. I loved it so much, I’m signing up for the social swim next!”
Soraia Sousa, Google review
I appreciate how calm, reassuring, and professional she was
“Both my children had lessons with Ruby at Willoughby, and she was fantastic. She was patient, encouraging and made the lessons fun from the start. My kids instantly felt confident in the water with her. As a mum, I appreciate how calm, reassuring, and professional she was. Highly recommend!”
Kam E., Google review