We are certain that this will be one of the most common questions from parents when they decide to register for kids' swimming lessons. Every parent hopes that their child will be able to pick up basic swimming skills at the shortest time so that their child can be safe.

In this article, we hope to share our observations and findings as an established swimming school in Singapore which have helped at least over 3000 children learn how to swim and achieve various swimming awards and certifications.

Similar to our sharing on how long it takes for an adult to learn how to swim. It will be impossible for us to forecast or estimate the number of sessions for a child to learn how to swim.

Some children can learn how to swim breaststroke for 10 metres in 1 month (4 lessons). However, some children take over 9 months (36 lessons) to finally be able to achieve the same milestone.  

Different from adults, there is a vast difference in the goals and motivation of different parents when they sign up their child for swimming lessons in Singapore. Also, more factors and traits affect how fast a child learns how to swim.

Top 5 reasons why parents register for kids' swimming lessons in Singapore

What are the common goals of parents when they enroll their child for swimming lessons? While there are various goals in enrolling children for lessons, we have outlined the 5 most common goals.

Goal 1: I want my child to overcome aquaphobia.

It is common for parents to observe that their child is showing signs of being uncomfortable and anxiety when they are around water, even during a shower.

Hence, parents enroll their child for swimming lessons to overcome this fear and anxiety.

Goal 2: I want my child to be competent in various swimming strokes

Having their child be competent in swimming strokes is one of the common goals for all parents when they sign up for swimming lessons.

This is different from our findings during our adult swimming lessons, where the majority of the learners are only keen on being able to swim one or two swimming strokes.

Goal 3: I want my child to have the necessary survival skills to be safe in the swimming pool

Regarding this goal, during our engagement with parents, we concluded that expectations of safety are broadly different.

Parent A's opinion on what is considered safe can be simply swimming a short distance without any assistance. On the other hand, parent B might consider safety as their child's ability to perform treading water in a deeper pool with a depth of over 1.8m. Or, parent C might consider their child to be ready and safe when their child achieves certain SwimSafer certifications.

Goal 4: I want my child to swim as a form of exercise or recreational activity

It is proven that early age swimming delivers many benefits for children that help with their mental and physical health. 

This is a common motivation for parents to let their child continue their weekly swim routine for the long term (more than 2 years).

Goal 5: I want my child to attain the SwimSafer awards

Swimming is one of the key focal areas in the Ministry of Education's Physical Education syllabus. It is accessible to all primary school students (usually during primary 3).

However, many parents will realise that the 8 to 10 weeks of swimming lessons arranged by schools are insufficient for students to become competent swimmers or achieve SwimSafer awards.

Hence, many parents will opt to register for swimming lessons with swimming schools or coaches to obtain the higher-level SwimSafer awards.

Goal 6: I want my child to attain goals 1 to 4.

Parents might realise the long-term benefits of swimming lessons for their children as the lessons progress. Swimming lessons are not only an exercise that provides long-term benefits, but they are also an essential life-saving skill.

As the child progresses from SwimSafer stage 1 - 6, they will become a more competent swimmer.  

What are the factors that affect or determine how fast a child learns how to swim?

Factor 1: Age affects a child's ability to learn different skills

For younger children, they are better able to build their water confidence and adapt better to the aquatic environment with less fear.

Older age children have more refined motor skills. This allows them to be able to better focus, comprehend and execute swimming drills that are vital in learning the swimming strokes.

Hence, in Isplash, we segment our toddler swimming lessons for children below 5 years old. On the other hand, we segment our older age swimming lessons for children above 5 years old.

Our coaches deliver our lesson plans based on the developmental milestones that are suitable for each group of students.

Factor 2: The Child has amazing water confidence

Water confidence refers to being comfortable in and around the pool. While some children display the ability to be extremely comfortable in the water even before they start the first lessons, some children take a longer time to be comfortable in the water.

For children who are not comfortable in the water, we understand that it is vital for your child to build his/her water confidence. In Isplash, our coaches are here to create a fun and positive experience for your child in our gradual introduction to water confidence activities.

Factor 3: Having extra practice beyond the lesson

Swimming lessons for kids in Singapore are commonly conducted weekly. Practicing beyond the 45 minutes is important for the development of skills and fitness for a child to improve at a faster pace.

In Isplash, we make our lessons simple so that parents can even practice certain drills at home!

However, when practicing in the swimming pool, safety is paramount and we need to emphasise that it is of the highest level of importance for parents to accompany or keep a close eye on their child. This includes when they are in a shallow pool. In conclusion, we are unable to provide the exact number of lessons required for a child to be a competent swimmer due to various factors and also every child learns differently and at a varied pace. Isplash Swim School is confident and will assist every child regardless of their pace of learning in fulfilling their goals to be a safe and competent swimmer.

 

This is the number one common query that our coordinators or swimming coaches receive from learners before they enroll in our group or private adult swimming lessons.

Yet, despite being a swimming school in Singapore that has been established for over a decade and has been conducting multiple sessions of weekly group swimming lessons for adults, we cannot provide an exact number of lessons or sessions that a learner takes to learn how to swim.

However, we will be glad to share with the participants various factors or traits that will determine how fast they can learn how to swim. Throughout our lessons, we have observed that students can learn how to swim in less than 1 month (four sessions). However, some students take over 6 months (24 sessions) to achieve the goal of learning how to swim.

In this article, we will focus on the definition and factors that determine how fast an adult learns how to swim.

What is the definition of how to swim?

We will first need to understand the definition of how to swim for adult learners. For Isplash Swim School, our adult learners are segmented as learners who are 14 years old or older.

Primary Research

During our adult swimming lessons that were conducted in 2024 at Jurong West Swimming Complex and The CHEVRONS, we conducted primary research involving focus groups or informal discussions with our new learners. The findings are based on our 70 respondents who are adults enrolling in swimming lessons for the first time. 

Finding 1: The goal

While there are differences in definition on learning how to swim or what their goal is for enrolling in swimming lessons. Slightly over half of the learners define learning how to swim as achieving the goal of being able to perform forward swimming (breaststroke or front crawl), for at least 50 metres.

Finding 2: Motivations for why adults learn how to swim

We further delved into the discussion on their motivation for their goal and why they decided to enrol in swimming lessons. Out of the responses, the most common motivation for achieving this goal is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This is in align with the national initiative (Healthier SG) by the Ministry of Health to encourage Singaporeans to take active steps to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The second common motivation is for adults to learn how to swim to further advance in other interests that involve aquatic elements. For example, wanting to participate in water sports or participate in triathlon.

What are the common traits for faster learners in achieving this goal?  

Factor 1: Excellent water confidence

Water confidence refers to being highly comfortable and showing no signs of anxiety in and around the swimming pool. This group of students are easily identified by our coaches as they tend to be able to perform front and back float without assistance in the first or second session of the swimming lesson.

On the other hand, adults who suffer from aquaphobia tend to take a longer time to learn how to swim. This can be developed during their childhood or adulthood, usually due to unpleasant experiences in an aquatic environment such as swimming pools, seas, or even during a shower.

Overcoming aquaphobia is a crucial first step in being a confident swimmer and if you display signs of aquaphobia, our coaches are trained to help you overcome this.

Factor 2: Coordination, balancing, and fitness

Learners who display good motor skills tend to learn to swim at a faster pace. Swimming is a sport that involves using various muscle groups and, balancing skills. It also requires the learner to be able to coordinate the legs, arms, body and breathing movements at the appropriate timing.

However, for learners who do not have excellent motor skills, do not worry, as our swim coaches will make the learning of skills easy with instructions and drills that are easy to understand. We also have types of equipment that will assist students in performing various drills that are more challenging.

Factor 3: Practice makes perfect

Who do you think will learn faster? Student A practices once a week, and Student B practices thrice a week. We are confident that eventually, student B will become a better swimmer.

Out of the 3 factors that we have shared, this is the most important factor. Consistently practicing makes you a better swimmer and learn at a fast pace.

Swimming lessons in Singapore are commonly conducted once a week for 45 minutes each session. Having extra practice beyond the 45 minutes is extremely important for skills and techniques to be a competent swimmer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are differences in every learner's definition of learning how to swim. New students will be able to learn at a faster pace if they have displayed the three traits that we have shared. Regardless of whether you have these three traits, our swim coaches are confident that we will be able to help you achieve your goal of being a confident and competent swimmer.

If you are looking for the best swimming pool in Singapore for you and your children, we have you covered!

These pools are chosen based on accessibility with public transport (near MRT and/or LRT Station), affordability (from $3.80 for a family of 4!), and pool facilities that are extra enjoyable for children.

1. Sengkang Swimming Complex

Conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from Sengkang LRT, Sengkang Swimming Complex is one of the most popular swimming pools for residents in the North-East region of Singapore.

It features 6 water slides, an Olympic-sized competition pool, a learner pool, and a sheltered teaching pool. If you are looking for a sheltered swimming pool to escape from the UV rays and stay in the northeast area, you will be glad to know that Sengkang Swimming Complex also boasts an indoor teaching pool.

Address: 57 Anchorvale Rd, Singapore 544964

Operating Hours:

-Monday: Closed

-Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 630am - 930pm

-Wednesday, Friday & Sunday: 8 am - 930pm

Damage for a family of 4 on a weekend: $2 per adult (2) + $1.50 per child (2) = $7

 

2. Pasir Ris Swimming Complex

Conveniently located within a 4-minute walk from Pasir Ris MRT, Pasir Ris Swimming Complex is one of the most popular swimming pools for residents in the East region of Singapore.

It features 2 water slides, an Olympic-sized competition pool, a teaching pool, and a fun pool with various water features. Feeling hungry after a fun day, Pasir Ris Swimming Complex is also located within a 5 minutes walking distance away from Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre and the popular White Sands Shopping Centre

Address: 120 Pasir Ris Central Singapore 519640

Operating Hours:

-Wednesday: Closed

-Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 630am - 930pm

-Monday, Friday & Sunday: 8 am - 930pm

Damage for a family of 4 on a weekend: $2 per adult (2) + $1.50 per child (2) = $7

 

 3. Choa Chu Kang Swimming Complex

Conveniently located within a 9-minute walk from Yew Tee MRT, Choa Chu Kang Swimming Complex is the only ActiveSG swimming pool in Singapore that features a functional wave pool! It is also one of the most popular swimming pools in the western and northern regions of Singapore.

It features a massive wave pool, 1 slide, 1 sheltered teaching pool, and an Olympic-sized competition pool. The wave pool features are activated for a 10 - 15 minute duration at a certain time. A siren will be sounded to notify guests of the start of the wave pool feature.

Address: 1 Choa Chu Kang Street 53, Singapore 689236

Operating Hours:

-Monday: Closed

-Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 7 am - 930pm

-Wednesday, Friday & Sunday: 8 am - 930pm

Damage for a family of 4 on a weekend: $2 per adult (2) + $1.50 per child (2) = $7

 

4. Delta Swimming Complex

Conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from Red Hill MRT, Delta Swimming Complex is the only ActiveSG swimming pool in this list that has an indoor swimming complex that is open even when there is a lightning alert.

It is one of the 4 ActiveSG swimming complexes in Singapore that features an indoor pool that is functional regardless of the weather conditions. The other 3 ActiveSG swimming complexes that have an indoor swimming pool are Tampines Swimming Complex, HeartBeat@Bedok Swimming Complex, and Bukit Canberra Swimming Complex.

It features 1 indoor teaching pool, 1 wading pool, and an Olympic-sized competition pool.

Delta Swimming Complex is conveniently located in the central region of Singapore and has the most affordable entry fees for families as compared to the other swimming pools on the list.

Address: 900 Tiong Bahru Rd, Singapore 158790

Operating Hours:

-Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 630 am - 930 pm

-Tuesday (Half-Day Operation): 230 pm - 930 pm

-Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 8 am - 930 pm

Damage for a family of 4 on a weekend: $1.30 per adult (2) + $0.60 per child (2) = $3.80

 

5. Jurong West Swimming Complex

Conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from Pioneer MRT, Jurong West Swimming Complex is one of the most popular swimming pools in Singapore. Also, it is one of the few swimming complexes in Singapore that has a gigantic lazy river!

It features an Olympic-sized teaching pool, a sheltered competition pool, a gigantic lazy river, a fun pool, a jacuzzi and 1 slide.

Address: 20 Jurong West St 93, Singapore 648965

Operating Hours:

-Tuesday: Closed

-Monday, Wednesday, Friday Saturday and Sunday: 8 am - 930pm

Damage for a family of 4 on a weekend: $2 per adult (2) + $1.50 per child (2) = $7

 

We have compiled some important questions and tips before your next trip to any ActiveSG Swimming Pools in Singapore.

Are ActiveSG Swimming Complexes open during Public Holiday?

Yes, ActiveSG Swimming Pools in Singapore are open on Public holidays. However, certain swimming pools might be closed during Chinese New Year's Eve, day one, and day two of Chinese New Year.

It is strongly recommended for all guests to contact the guest office or follow the social media posts of each swimming pool.

 

Will swimming pools be opened during inclement weather conditions?

Other than the few swimming pools in Singapore that are indoor, swim pools are closed for safety reasons during inclement weather conditions.

The 4 swimming complexes that have indoor swimming pools are Bukit Canberra Swimming Complex, Tampines Swimming Complex, Heartbeat @ Bedok Swimming Complex, and Delta Swimming Complex.

 

Can foreigners purchase entry tickets to ActiveSG Swimming Pools in Singapore?

Yes, foreigners are allowed to purchase entry tickets and visit any ActiveSG Swimming Pools.

 

Which day and time are the swimming pools least crowded?

Swimming lessons conducted by certified swim coaches are most popular in the late afternoon and evenings (5 pm to 8 pm) on weekdays. For the weekend, it is more popular in the mornings (9 am to 12 pm) and late afternoon (3 pm to 6 pm).

The swimming pools will usually be more crowded during the popular times of swimming lessons.

 

For centuries, routine exercise has been promoted to provide beneficial effects for all ages. From children having weekly swimming lessons to seniors having a daily workout at neighborhood parks, creating a habit to exercise is crucial to leading an active lifestyle.

Over years of research, medical professional found and has proven that many benefits linked to exercising. The benefits come in the form of stress reduction, better quality of sleep, and better health outcomes (improved immunity and low risk of chronic diseases). More important of all, keeping to an active lifestyle is required for a child’s growth and development. 

Amidst the COVID-19 situation, countries worldwide have been imposing “lockdown” or in local terms, “circuit breaker”. The objective of all these measures is to encourage everyone to stay at home to minimise the transmission of the virus. As such, it is becoming increasingly challenging to lead an active lifestyle in the outdoors.

Lucky for adults, there are many online and offline resources to be engaged in exercising. One of the most popular and recommended channels providing free virtual home workouts is Get Active TV. The virtual classes range from Zumba fitness to cardio and strength training which can be done at home.

Get Active TV is a media channel that features LIVE virtual workout classes and other resources that guide you in living an active lifestyle while staying at home.  

However, the main bulk of home workouts are catered towards adults and there is not much catering to children   One possible reason, is that these work out sessions tend to be too long to be able to capture children’s attention.

Imagine how bored or frustrated a child may get they have to participate in a 60 minutes virtual Zumba training!

As such, it is important to plan home workouts that are short, fun, and easy to understand. We have compiled 5 workouts that kids can do with parental guidance and/or participation.

1. Shining STAR!

Stand up straight and jump into the air, opening your arms and legs so that it forms a big “X”. Every time an “X” is formed, shout, “I’m a shining STAR”

2. Polar Bear

Arch your back, with palms and feet flat on the ground. Pretend that you are the mummy or daddy bear and race your kids across the house. Make it fun by setting a challenge or race to a finish point!

3. Jumping Jacks

This is a classic workout, that can go on and on. Increase the number of repetitions as the training progress.

4. Sit-Ups

Another classic, buddy your kids to hold your legs and vice versa.

5. Flutter Kick

Keep your back flat on a hard surface, extend your legs and keeping your knees lock (no bending of knees), imagine you are a swimmer, and begin to flutter kick.

Track Progress and Praise

Keep a record of the workouts completed and praise your child for any accomplishment on the workout. This will motivate them to perform more repetitions and encourage them to do it daily.

Working out at home can be made challenging, enjoyable, and is an opportunity to bond with your kids. These are golden opportunities to unwind from your work, “home-based learning” or keeping your kids away from relying to much from the electronic devices.

Stay safe, stay home, and stay active!

 

You may have heard about ActiveSG membership, but do you know about the various ways you can save by being a member?

What is ActiveSG?

Started in April 2014, ActiveSG is a national movement that aims to encourage Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) of all ages to increase sports participation.

ActiveSG programmes and activities aim to build communities and encourage Singaporeans to live better through sport.  

Who is eligible?

It is open to all Singaporeans and PRs who are at least 12 years old. On the other hand, those eligible and below 12 years, can tag to the accounts of their parents/guardians.

ActiveSG membership is FREE and complimentary for all eligible parties. However, eligible parties must sign up to activate the membership.

You can activate the membership by downloading the smartphone application, "ActiveSG". Next, complete the verification process by clicking on members.myactivesg.com.

Alternatively, visit any ActiveSG Swimming Complexes, bring along your identification documents and register in person at the customer service counter.

 

Start saving with an ActiveSG membership

1. Redeem the SGD$100 ActiveSG credits

All eligible members, upon signing up, can redeem the complimentary $100 ActiveSG credit. Upon verification, set up your 6 digits eWallet PIN.

Hurray! You will be able to view and use the complimentary ActiveSG $100 credited to your account.

On the other hand, eligible members (under 12 years of age) without SingPass accounts can visit ActiveSG Sports Centres and produce their student passes or any identification documents for verification.

The SGD$100 credits can be used for ActiveSG pool and gym admission. In addition, it can be used for ActiveSG programmes, facilities booking and purchasing of facilities’ schemes. However, please note that the credits cannot be used for programmes conducted by external vendors, such as using the credits to pay for swimming lessons. 

To further encourage more children to lead an active lifestyle,  children aged 4 to 12 years old will get an additional top-up of $100 in their ActiveSG accounts on 1 May 2023. This means that the children who registered for a new ActiveSG account will have $200 credits in their ActiveSG accounts. 

2. Using the credits for your child’s pool entry

It is important to note that the complimentary ActiveSG $100 has an expiry date and it will expire on 31 December of the following year upon verification of the membership account. 

However, the credits can be used for your child’s (below 12 years old and tagged to their parent) pool entry. Hence, the next time you enroll your child in group or private swimming lessons for kids at a public pool, you can use your credits for both yourself and your child’s pool entry.

3. Purchasing of MyActiveSG’s scheme

MyActiveSG’s scheme is applicable for gym and pool admission. It is eligible for ActiveSG members aged 18-54 years old

Firstly, the MyActiveGYM scheme allows a member to have unlimited access to all 16 ActiveGYM facilities. Monthly adult off-peak session starts from $15/Month.

Assuming you have a gym workout twice a week, the cost of an individual workout session is $1.80. You save up to $0.70 per gym entry (an adult single pass is priced at $2.50), or $5.60 per month.  

MyActiveGYM’s scheme is also available for peak sessions and members can choose 1 month, 6 months, or 12 months scheme.

Secondly, the MyActiveSWIM scheme allows a member to have unlimited access to all ActiveSG swimming complexes (Excluding Senja Cashew and MOE (Evans) pools). The monthly scheme is priced at $10/Month.

Assuming you proceed to Jurong West Swimming Complex for a swim twice a week, the cost of an individual swimming session is $1.25. You save up to $0.75 per pool entry (an adult single pass for features pool is priced at $2.00), or $6 per month.

You can sign up for the above schemes via the following channels:

• ActiveSG mobile app Log-in> Buy Scheme
• Guest Services Offices / Swimming Complexes

However, for purchasing schemes, it will be more economically feasible if you visit the above facilities consistently and frequently. For members who do not use ActiveSG’s gym or pool frequently, it will be advisable to purchase a single pass instead.

4. Save on ActiveSG programmes

ActiveSG offers an extensive range of fitness programmes for various age groups. From aqua aerobics to belly dancing, you will be spoilt for choices. By logging into the ActiveSG application, you can see a variety of programmes for children and families that want to exercise. Alternatively, you can search and book the programme online.

The best news is that you will be able to use your free credits to enroll in all these exciting programmes.
Bonus tip: For selected programmes, you will be able to receive up to 30% off.

5. Purchasing Exclusive Merchandise and food and beverages

Every time you step into an ActiveSG Sports centre, did you see the red and white vending machines? 

You can use your free credits to purchase products for yourself or as a gift to family and friends. From limited-edition dri-fit shirts, swimming goggles to fiber towels. It seems like, there is something for everybody! 

Also, you can purchase food and beverages for selected merchants at ActiveSG's sports centre. 

For more information about ActiveSG Membership,

• How to sign up for ActiveSG membership?
• Technical Enquiries: 6594 1388

Updates for the ActiveSG platform 

With effect from 15 June 2024, ActiveSG will be introducing a new booking platform (MyActiveSG+) for its users.

The new platform aims to improve its user experience in the booking of programmes, courses, facilities, etc.

For more information on the information and key transition dates: MyActiveSG+