Published Fri, 22 Aug 2025
Learning a new skill as an adult can feel daunting, and swimming is no exception. But in a country like Australia, where pools and beaches are part of everyday life, knowing how to swim is not just beneficial, it's essential.
That’s why we encourage everyone, no matter their age, to build the skills and confidence to dive in and enjoy the many benefits.
Here are just a few:
We spoke with two of our current adult learn to swim participants, Ky Van and Swapna, who shared why they love being part of the program at Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, and how it’s helped them grow more confident in the water.
What motivated you to start swimming lessons?
Ky Van: "I originally joined to improve my freestyle, thinking I just needed a bit of stroke correction. But I quickly realised my technique needed more work than I thought, so I actually started in the beginner class."
Swapna: "I moved to Sydney from India with my husband 11 years ago. We’d visit all the beautiful beaches, but I never actually went into the water. After we had our son, he absolutely loved the water and started swimming lessons at Ian Thorpe - and my husband learned to swim there too. That really inspired me to start lessons myself, so I could enjoy pool time with my family and make the most of Sydney’s amazing beaches."
What started as a goal to just improve my freestyle has turned into something bigger. Now I'm aiming to complete a long ocean swim!
How do you feel you're progressing in the program?
KV: "Very well. I feel the teachers I've had at every stage of my progress have done a great job. They've been able to give me specific guidance to improve my overall swimming."
S: "I started swimming lessons at Ian Thorpe in May 2024. I went from being scared to put my head under to learning the basics of freestyle and backstroke - it's been a big journey! On a recent trip, I even snorkelled at the Great Barrier Reef (with a life jacket, of course), which was a huge step up from just taking photos in a wetsuit on my last visit. Learning something new at 38 has taken more time and patience than I expected, but with such supportive and skilled instructors, I’m confident I’ll make it to the deep end soon."
Learning something new at 38 has taken more time and patience than I expected, but with such supportive and skilled instructors, I’m confident I’ll make it to the deep end soon.
What is your goal when it comes to swimming?
KV: "What started as a goal to just improve my freestyle has turned into something bigger. Now I'm aiming to complete a long ocean swim!"
S: "I always admire the swimmers in the fast lane, gliding through laps with such great technique. One day, I hope to be there too. My goal is to be able to tread confidently in deep water."
What are you enjoying most about the lessons?
KV: "It’s been really encouraging to see the progress - not just my own, but also the others in my class. The social side of it has been great too. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with the other swimmers."
S: "I’ve been lucky to have lessons with a range of instructors - Felix, Said, Sammi, and Gwen - all with their own unique styles. What I love most is that I learn something new in every class, and I always leave feeling energised, even after a long, tiring day."
