Stressed at school or at your work desk? Do you have tense shoulders that cannot relax? Let the (pool) water take everything away!

For the less active, swimming is a sport that’s easier to ease into. The water helps to distribute any external pressure placed on your limbs evenly, and the right breathing techniques may improve the strength of your respiratory muscles!

Swimming is also right next to yoga and pilates in promoting flexibility! One major benefit of swimming, compared to other cardio exercises like running or cycling, is in its use of all major muscle groups: according to ActiveSG, any stroke will help you develop core abdominal and lower back muscles, deltoid and shoulder muscles, forearm muscles, upper back muscles, as well as glutes and hamstring muscles! Provided you keep it up and swim regularly, that is.

With all these benefits, why hold back? Get yourself started! Whether you’re completely new to swimming, a total pro, or learnt it way back as a teeny sapling and have gotten all rusty, here’s a list of swim schools that you can check out to work towards Joseph Schooling status! Or a graceful mermaid, whichever you prefer.

* This list is not an endorsement of the courses within, so do conduct your own research, too, to make sure you pick a class and swimming school that’s a right fit for you! Fees are accurate as of Oct 2022 and are per pax (SGD).

Tip for non-ActiveSG members: do sign up for an account! New members get $100 free in credits, which you can use to offset entrance fees to ActiveSG-operated swimming complexes and gym facilities. This includes many public swimming complexes like Tampines Swimming Complex, Jurong East Swimming Complex, and Clementi Swimming Complex.

• Happy Fish Swim School – Group adult swimming classes

Happy Fish Swim School has been teaching swimming lessons since 2007. The school conducts swimming classes in public swimming complexes as well as their two swimming facilities at Bedok and Stevens Road. If you sign up for classes at the latter, you will have access to both a lounge area that offers free wi-fi and complimentary drinks, as well as their pools for a quick swim during off-peak season. Their facilities also include pools with UV filters and salt chlorination, along with toiletries and towels that you can use post-swim.

Duration: 10 consecutive 45-minute lessons, held weekly. This includes 4 self-practice sessions.

Course Fees: For group (10 lessons, max ten students): $273.92–$428 for weekdays, $428–$695.5 for weekends. Fees vary depending on chosen location.

• Swim2Survive – Group adult swimming classes

Swim2Survive’s coaches have been teaching swimming for at least a decade—some two or three—and head instructor Nico Yeo has received many good reviews lauding his patience. Coupled with affordable rates, we think that this swim school is worth checking out! They conduct lessons both in public swimming complexes as well as condominiums, and all swim coaches are fully certified under the National Coaching Accreditation Programme (NCAP).

Duration: 10 1-hour lessons for group lessons. Semi-private and private lessons are also available at a higher fee.

Course Fees: $260 per person (on website)

• DolpSwim School – Adult Swimming Lessons

DolpSwim School conducts group adult swimming lessons at public swimming complexes on weekday evenings. Beginner, intermediate and advanced-level classes are available, and coaches are NROC, AUSTSWIM, or SSTA-certified. Flagship swimming classes are held at the Pasir Ris and Delta swimming complexes, and the school also offers a matching service to find the most suitable location for you.

Duration: 10 lessons, 45 minutes–1 hour long each.

Course Fees: $250 per adult

• OCBC Aquatic Centre (Singapore Sports Hub) – Level 1-3 Adult Swim classes

If you didn’t know, the Singapore Sports Hub doesn’t just offer a splendid competition pool for use: they also partner with Torpedo Swim School to conduct swimming lessons at their training pool, too! The swimming instructor(s) will tailor the weekly classes to your needs and goals, and classes are typically conducted on weekday nights.

Duration: 10 45-minute sessions (please refer to the Sports Hub website for class schedules)

Course Fees:  $174.40 per month of 4 sessions. Concession rates are available.

• Yvonne Swim School – Adult Swimming Classes

Yvonne Swim School was founded by Yvonne, a swimming educator with over 3 decades of experience teaching swimming. Adult swimming classes cater to beginners, intermediate learners and those looking to improve or refine their skills. The school’s swimming instructors teach more than just swimming classes, covering aqua fitness involving pole dancing, boxing, and HIIT training too.

Duration: Please enquire with the school.

Course Fees: Please enquire with the school.

• ISplash Swim School – Group adult swimming lessons

ISplash’s group swimming lessons are some of the most affordable of the lot, and all of their instructors are certified by National Registry of Coaches (NROC), AUSTSWIM and/or Singapore Swimming Teachers’ Association (SSTA). Swimmers in all stages are welcome. if you are unable to attend their classes at Jurong West Swimming Complex, the school also offers FOC matching services: simply let them know your preferred schedule and location. For ladies who prefer a female coach, ISplash offers this option for a slightly higher fee.

Duration: 8 consecutive lessons (weekly), 45 minutes each

Course Fees:  $240 per person. Private lessons are also available at a higher fee.

• Singapore Swimming Academy – Group Classes (Beginner Level)

The Singapore Swimming Academy’s flagship swimming classes are held at Yishun or Sengkang Swimming Complex, and their beginner classes will cover the backstroke and front crawl. Those looking for certification and those who already know how to swim are advised to go for their Total Immersion classes. Private and lady swimming lessons are also available. All coaches are Sport Singapore certified.

Duration: 8 consecutive weeks, 45 minutes each session

Course Fees:  $240 onwards per person. Private lessons are also available at a higher fee.

• Swim Hub – Private/condo swimming lessons

If you really don’t like swimming in public swimming complexes, which can get crowded and noisy, Swim Hub Swimming School might be a good choice. They specialize in private lessons and small group classes, charging adult learners the same prices they would for toddlers and children. Their coaches hold Singapore Sports Council, Swimming Teacher’s Association, or Austswim certifications.

Duration: 10 lessons

Course Fees: $120-320 per person, depending on group size

• Joysfin Swimming – Adult group swimming lessons

Joysfin Swimming School has taught swimming for 15 years and counting, and their adult swimming lessons are open to both beginning and advanced swimmers. They also provide female swimming instructors for those who require this option. Apart from the adult group swimming lessons highlighted here, Joysfin also offers private group classes for those desiring more guidance and dedicated attention.

Duration: 10 sessions, 7-10 learners, 45 mins-1 hour each session

Course Fees: Start from $200 per person

• Little Swim School – Adult Swimming Classes

While Little Swim School specializes in baby swimming lessons and infant aquatics, and they do swimming classes for adults in their indoor-heated, saltwater chlorinated pool at their Westway Mall facility! Lessons are tailored according to the learner’s swimming capabilities and comfort levels in the water. Their oldest student is 70 years old, so don’t feel too old for this school!

Duration: Please enquire with the school

Course Fees: $650 per term at their Westway Mall facility (4 months). Classes conducted at the Yio Chu Kang and Queenstown public swimming complexes cost $385.20 per term.

• Able Aquatic School – Adult Swimming Lessons

Founded in 1981, Able Aquatic School’s coaches are certified by the NROC and Swimsafer, Singapore. Their adult swimming classes are taught with a swimming teaching system, which includes underwater videography for stroke analysis. Classes are tailored to the individual, and instructors specialize in teaching swimming to adults.

Duration: Hour-long lessons

Course Fees: $200 onwards per course. Private lessons are also available at a higher fee.

With a huge array of schools on hand, we hope you’ve found one that suits your needs! Don’t hesitate to pick up a new hobby and/or life skill! You’ll also be able to pick up snorkelling, diving, and other water sports after, too, if you like. So why not start swimming today?