Swimming

Looking for something low impact that’s still a great workout? Then it’s time to make a splash in your local swimming pool. If it’s your first time, don’t stress – there are plenty of adult swimming lessons in Victoria that will have you feeling confident in no time.

Splash into swimming for some refreshing time to yourself, to get active with a friend, or to  do some laps with a social women’s swimming group.

On this page we look at:

  • This Girl Can Ambassadors Karen and Michelle’s stories about finding a place to be themselves in the swimming pool
  • How to get started with adult swimming lessons for women – at any age
  • Finding women’s only pools near you

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For Karen, the swimming pool has become a sanctuary

It wasn’t until after Karen lost her leg at age 17 that she discovered her love of swimming. The world underwater became her sanctuary from people staring at her missing leg, and she loves immersing herself: “I don’t just love swimming in the water, I love jumping into it, diving into it, staying underwater…I like pretending I’m in another world.”



Learn to swim at any age, and find women’s swimming lessons near you

You can learn to swim at any age, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never jumped in the water before! There’s a local swimming community that’s waiting for you to get involved.

If you’re a beginner, there are a range of swimming lessons for adults near you in Melbourne and regional Victoria. All that matters is you’re up for giving it a try.

Most swimming pools and facilities in the state have swimming lessons. They’re also a great resource to find social swimming groups for women you can join to make some new friends while you learn how to swim.

Try YMCA Victoria to search for a local swimming pool in your area.

Women’s only swimming pools and sessions

Want to start swimming in a comfortable and welcoming environment? There are multiple women’s only swimming sessions held at pools around Victoria, as well as female only swimming classes. It’s a great way to get involved if you want to start swimming for the first time.

Search online for your local swimming pool to see if they offer women only swimming sessions. You can also try your local council, which will often promote women only sessions and events you can join.

Michelle found support and community with swimming

Michelle, 64, says she’s addicted to how exercise makes her feel. It’s helped her transition from a man into a woman. When her hormone treatment began, she put on weight – but despite worrying about what she looked like in swimmers, she hit the pool. And the self-proclaimed “grandma boogie-boarder” was amazed by the support she got.

How to make your move and have a go at swimming

  • Visit the website mentioned on this page: YMCA Victoria.
  • Google it! There are many swimming for beginners classes for adults, as well as ladies only swimming pool sessions near you. Have a look online to find one you might like to try.
  • Find a Supporter in your neighbourhood, to see if a swimming group has registered online to support This Girl Can – Victoria.
  • Ask other women about swimming – chat to your friends, family or colleagues about doing an activity together, or post a question to our Facebook page where there’s a super supportive community of women who can help you out.

Can’t get out right now?

Whether you can’t make it outside at the moment or the weather is getting in the way, there are other ways to get some movement in your day at home.

You can access Get Active @ Home for some easy, low-impact exercise routines to follow along with when it suits you in the day. You can also have a look around at online videos to see what sport or activity you feel like trying next.

Learn more about This Girl Can – Victoria and how it’s helping women feel good by getting activity in a way that suits them.

There are many other activities you can have a shot at to get more movement in your day. Here are a few ideas if you feel like trying something new.