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FREE Swim Program
City of Parramatta is proud to have the support of the NSW Government in funding the roll out of the ‘Community Aquatic Programs’.
This initiative will allow the Parramatta Aquatic Centre to provide access to 10 weeks of fully funded Learn to Swim classes for people from our local communities who would not have had the means to access such services.
Swimming lessons are a vital skill for safety, confidence, and community connection. Many families face barriers to accessing water safety education, but learning essential safety techniques can prevent drownings, help build confidence in the water and improve physical fitness. Whether for recreation, sports, or emergency situations, knowing how to swim can make all the difference. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stay active and have fun! For Indigenous and culturally diverse communities, swimming can also be a way to honour traditions, connect with waterways, and enjoy physical activity. This inclusive program ensure everyone—regardless of background or income—can develop this life-saving skill.
NEW Holiday Intensive Program
The Parramatta Aquatic Centre is excited to announce the launch of a NEW 10 day holiday program as part of our Community Aquatics initiative.
- When: Monday 12 January - Friday 23 January (delivered Monday to Friday over 2-weeks).
- Cost: FREE* These spaces are fully funded by the NSW Government. Terms and conditions apply.
- Attendance: You will be expected to attend a minimum of 8 out of the 10 lessons. If you miss a lesson without notifying us via email, your enrolment may be cancelled, and future program opportunities may be affected.
To be eligible for the program, participants must be:
- A non-swimmer, who has not previously participated in a Learn to Swim Program with City of Parramatta
- A First Nations or CALD individual from a low- socioeconomic background.
- A NSW resident
Spots are limited and will be allocated on a first in, first served basis, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure a place in the program.
To express interest, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and a member of the team will contact you!
FAQs
Below are questions and answers for the most important pieces of information for our 10-week program.
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The Community Aquatic Programs offer members of the community who come from the below backgrounds the opportunity to access a 10-week course of fully funded swimming lessons.
1. Low socioeconomic groups
2. Multicultural communities (that do not traditionally have a background in swimming literacy, with no swimming skill set),
3. First Nations people -
The program is available to anyone within the community who is 3+ years of age. You must not have previously attended swimming lessons with City of Parramatta.
Please note: An individual can only participate in a maximum of one term of the program.
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Term 1 in 2026 will commence from Tuesday 27 January through until Thursday 02 March.
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No, this is a fully funded program. All successful applicants will be provided with access to 10 weeks of swimming lessons at the Parramatta Aquatic Centre.
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Yes, lessons will occur weekly, and it is recommended that participants commit to attending every lesson to ensure they maximise the benefits of the program. All participants are required to attend 8 out 10 lessons as a minimum.
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Yes, lessons will take place on the same day and time each week for the duration of the 10-week program. You will be able to see the available days and times of classes once you have been accepted into the program before committing to your enrolment.
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All participants will require goggles, a towel and a dry change of clothes to wear after your lesson. Showers and changing rooms are available in the centre. Items such as kickboards and pool noodles will be provided to use during lessons where required.
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Appropriate swimwear must always be worn when in the pool. Jeans, t-shirts, tights and other “clothing items” etc. are not acceptable. Swimwear must be Lycra/nylon material.
Any swimmer who is not toilet trained will be required to wear a swim nappy when in the pool. These are available for purchase in centre (disposable and reusable options).
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No, the centre follows a strict supervision policy. A responsible parent/guardian is required to remain poolside in the location of the child’s lesson for the duration of the class.
Furthermore, all children in your care must be actively supervised in line with the Royal Life Keep Watch Policy.0-5 YEAR OLDS & NON-SWIMMERS:
Stay within arms' reach
6-10 YEARS OLDS & WEAK SWIMMERS:
Be close, be prepared & maintain constant visual contact11-15 YEAR OLDS:
Maintain visual contact