How much do swimming lessons cost in the UK?

Swimming ability in the UK is on the decline, with 1 in 3 adults—around 14.2 million people—unable to swim 25 metres. The situation is even more concerning for children, with 1 in 3 leaving primary school unable to swim, a figure that’s rising year after year. If this trend continues, 6 in 10 children may leave primary school without basic swimming skills by 2025.

This highlights the critical importance of enrolling in swimming lessons to ensure safety and confidence in the water. Now, the average cost of swimming lessons in the UK is £6 to £80 per session, but that still depends on class size, location, and other factors. This guide will help you understand all that affects how much swimming lessons cost to help you find lessons that fit your budget while building life-saving skills.

What is the average price for swimming lessons in the UK?

The average cost of swimming lessons in the UK ranges from £6 to £80 per session, depending on the type of lesson and whether it’s a group or private class. Here’s a detailed breakdown by lesson type to help you compare options.

*Note: The lower end of the price range is for group lessons, and the higher end is for private lessons.

Parent and baby swimming lessons

A parent and baby during a beginner swimming lesson. (Source: iStock)

These lessons help parents guide their infants through early water activities. The focus is on using playful exercises to build confidence and motor skills. The average cost of swimming lessons for this category ranges from £8 to £15 per session.

Kids swimming lessons

Swimming lessons for kids focus on developing fundamental swimming skills like floating, breathing, and basic strokes. Lessons cost between £6 and £25 per session, making them a budget-friendly way for children to get comfortable in the water. 

Adult swimming lessons

Adults taking part in swimming lessons in a pool. (Source: iStock)

Whether you’re learning for the first time or have been swimming for years, lessons designed for adults focus on water confidence, stroke correction, and fitness. Typically, adult swimming lessons cost $23 to $35 per session, with tailored programmes adding a little bit to the bill.

Diving lessons

Diving lessons teach essential skills, including proper board control, body positioning, and underwater entry techniques. These lessons typically cost between £30 and £70 per session, with options for both recreational and competitive diving. Participants often start with poolside dives before progressing to a more complex manoeuvre.

Crash courses or intensive training

Swim squad doing structured training in the pool. (Source: iStock)

Crash courses are short, intensive programs designed to boost progress over a short time, often during holidays. Prices vary between £25 and £80 per course, depending on the format (group or 1-to-1). 

How do these types of swimming lessons differ?

The following outlines the core differences between the various types of swimming lessons available:

• Parent and baby swimming lessons: Introduce water familiarity through playful, safety-focused exercises for infants.

• Kids swimming lessons: Develop basic skills like floating and strokes in a fun, social environment.

• Adult swimming lessons: Tailored to individual goals, from beginners learning water confidence to advanced stroke correction.

• Diving lessons: Teach controlled dives and underwater entries, ranging from beginner dives to competitive techniques.

• Crash courses: Short-term, intensive programs designed to help swimmers progress quickly, typically held over a week or during holidays.

What factors affect swimming lesson prices?

If you’ve ever wondered how much do swimming lessons cost and why the prices vary so much, you’re not alone. The cost not only depends on the type of lesson you choose, but also on several factors like the location, instructor qualifications, and whether you’re booking private or group sessions. Let’s break it down.

Swimming school stages in the UK

Swimming schools in the UK follow a progression system designed by the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme to develop water safety, endurance, and stroke mastery. Programmes start with baby swimming lessons that focus on water familiarisation, staying afloat, and breath control.

Stage 1: Water familiarity and basic safety skills (3-6 years)

These swimming lessons for toddlers introduce children to water safety and basic pool movements, such as floating, gliding, and safely entering and exiting the water. The goal is to help young swimmers become comfortable and confident in a pool environment. Children's swimming lessons at this stage cost between £8 and £15 per 30-minute group session, while private lessons range from £30 to £50 per session.

Stage 2: Building water confidence and submerging (4-7 years)

Swimmers learn to submerge their faces, blow bubbles, and use basic leg and arm propulsion to move through the water. Stability and body rotation are also introduced through front and back floating exercises. Group lessons for this stage cost between £8 and £20 per session, while private lessons are priced at £30 to £55 per session.

Stage 3: Developing basic swim techniques (5-8 years)

This stage focuses on building coordination and introducing basic strokes to help swimmers travel short distances using coordinated movements. Kids practice more efficient gliding and retrieving objects from the pool floor. The cost for these lessons ranges from £10 to £25 per group session, with private lessons priced between £35 and £60 per session.

Stage 4: Stroke development and endurance building (6-9 years)

Swimmers begin mastering strokes like backstroke, front crawl, and breaststroke while improving stamina and endurance. Water safety techniques, such as sculling and pushing off underwater, are also introduced. Lessons cost £10 to £30 per session for group classes and £40 to £70 per session for private coaching.

Stage 5: Refining stroke techniques and advanced water safety (8-12 years)

This stage refines stroke techniques to meet Swim England standards while introducing new skills, such as treading water and diving. Swimmers work on swimming 10 metres and performing safety exercises like somersaults and stationary floating. Group lessons cost between £15 and £30 per session, while private lessons are priced at £40 to £75 per session.

Stage 6: Developing strength, coordination, and advanced rescue skills (10-13 years)

Focusing on refining strokes even further and rescue techniques, this stage builds strength through long-distance swims and surface diving. Swimmers also practice clothed swimming and rescue actions, such as the 'shout and signal' technique. Lessons cost £15 to £35 per session for group classes and £45 to £75 per session for private instruction.

Stage 7: Pre-competition and endurance training (12-16 years)

Designed for advanced and competitive swimmers, this stage focuses on long-distance swims, racing starts, and perfecting turns. Swimmers also develop discipline and stamina by swimming distances of 25 metres or more using four key strokes. Group lessons cost between £15 and £40 per session, while private lessons are priced at £50 to £80 per session.

Location

*Including both group and private lessons

Where you live plays a major role in determining swimming lessons’ prices in the UK. Metropolitan cities like London and Leicester charge higher rates, with lessons costing between £8 and £70 per session due to demand and the higher cost of living. Private and specialised lessons often fall on the higher end of the scale, while group lessons offer more affordable options.

In contrast, regional cities like Lancaster and Aberdeen provide more budget-friendly prices starting at £6 per session for group lessons. Public pools and leisure centres dominate these areas, so they’re ideal for families and people seeking cheaper lessons. Cities like Leeds and Liverpool, on the other hand, offer flexible pricing models, including direct debit plans, with typical rates of £20 to £49 per month for regular lessons.

For mid-range cities like Nottingham and Birmingham, you can expect lessons to cost between £6 and £60 per session. But family discounts and multi-child enrolments can often reduce overall costs.

Instructor qualifications and experience

A swimming instructor providing directions poolside. (Source: iStock)

An instructor’s level of experience also directly impacts the cost of swimming lessons for adults and how much swimming lessons for kids cost. Entry-level instructors with 1-2 years of experience generally teach group lessons, earning £12 to £32 per session. More experienced instructors, such as intermediates (3-5 years) or senior-level coaches (5+ years), handle private lessons and competitive training, charging between £22 and £100 per session.

Most UK instructors are certified by Swim England or STA (Swimming Teachers' Association) and are required to have First Aid and CPR training. Those working with younger children often undergo additional training in early childhood swimming programmes. Instructors for competitive swimmers usually hold advanced certifications and specialise in stroke refinement, race preparation, and endurance building.

For children with disabilities or sensory needs, instructors often have qualifications in access and inclusion programmes or adaptive swim instruction. These experts tailor lessons to meet the child’s specific requirements, which can result in higher costs due to the personalised approach.

Duration and frequency of lessons

The length and how often you take lessons can directly affect how much a private swim lesson costs in the UK or what you’ll pay for group classes. Private swim lessons cost between £22 and £65 per 30-minute session. Take note that attending private lessons more frequently, like 2-3 times a week, can be pricey but will also help you improve faster.

Semi-private lessons (1:2 or 1:3) are a middle-ground option, costing £15 to £62 per session. These work well for siblings or friends who want personal attention but don’t want to pay full private rates. On the flip side, group lessons last 30 to 60 minutes and cost around £12 to £32 per session, making them a great fit for beginners or families on a budget.

For more serious swimmers, squad training involves 45 to 60-minute sessions multiple times a week, with prices ranging from £35 to £100 per session. If you want a quick swimming skills boost, intensive holiday programs (crash courses) offer daily lessons over 4 to 5 days, with costs ranging from £27 to £77 per programme.

Special facilities or amenities

A woman relaxing in a warm water pool after swimming. (Source: iStock)

The availability of special facilities or amenities can impact swimming lesson costs, too. After all, building and installing a swimming pool is no easy or cheap task. 

Lessons held in heated pools typically cost more due to the high maintenance involved in keeping water at ideal temperatures for infants and young children. For individuals with disabilities, adaptive pools with wheelchair ramps, pool lifts, and sensory-friendly settings are essential, but their infrastructure increases costs as well. 

Some advanced swim schools also feature plunge pools or hydrotherapy pools for recovery and muscle relaxation, particularly for athletes. These facilities are common in competitive programmes, where the cost of building and maintaining them is reflected in the pricing.

Lastly, many centres offer diving pools with springboards, which are essential for advanced training or diving-specific lessons. Due to the need for specific maintenance and instructors, lessons in these pools generally cost more, too. 

Additional costs

When calculating how much swimming lessons are, don’t forget about extra fees that can add up. Most swim schools charge a registration fee of £10 to £50, covering administrative tasks, scheduling, and insurance. Some schools bundle this fee into initial payment plans, while others offer discounts for multiple enrollments.

Swim gear is another expense to factor in. Basic items like swimsuits, goggles, and swim caps can cost £6 to £40 or more, depending on the brand and equipment required. For competitive swimmers, advanced gear like racing suits or resistance bands could raise costs significantly, especially if ongoing replacements are needed.

Some schools also require progress assessments or certificates and badges, which incur additional fees of £4 to £10 per level. These assessments help place students in the correct skill level or programmes. Plus, cancellation fees of £5 to £20 per missed lesson may apply if you cancel without sufficient notice or miss a make-up session.

What are the benefits of swimming lessons?

A woman enjoying her time during a swimming lesson. (Source: iStock)

Swimming lessons teach more than just staying safe in the water. For kids, they build coordination, strength, and teamwork. Adults get to improve their fitness, relieve stress, and overcome water-related fears while gaining confidence. Here are other things you get out of swimming classes:

Water safety and drowning prevention

Swimming lessons teach essential survival skills like floating, treading water, and safe exits. Gaining these skills reduces the risk of drowning by up to 88%. 

Physical fitness and rehabilitation

Swimming is a low-impact, full-body workout that strengthens muscles, builds endurance, and improves flexibility. Kids benefit from better coordination and physical development, while adults find swimming ideal for joint pain or injury recovery. 

Cognitive and emotional development

Water activities stimulate the brain, helping kids improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. It also teaches social interaction and teamwork through group lessons. For adults, swimming helps reduce stress and improve mental health by promoting relaxation and releasing endorphins.

Lifelong recreational and competitive opportunities

Knowing how to swim opens up plenty of opportunities to enjoy an aquatic lifestyle. From casual water activities like surfing to competitive water sports, swimming lessons lay the foundation for years of recreational or professional growth. 

A holistic approach to learning

Swimming lessons complement other activities that promote well-rounded development. For example, swimming classes can enhance motor skills alongside other sports like martial arts, tennis, or basketball. It can also be an excellent way to promote physical fitness among kids who have just been starting mental-focused hobbies like playing the piano or guitar.

What are some ways to save on swimming lesson costs?

A woman teaching kids how to swim in a class setting. (Source: iStock)

With a little planning, you can reduce swimming lesson rates while still ensuring your child or yourself gets quality instruction. From group lessons to bulk discounts, here are seven practical tips to help you save:

1. Opt for group lessons: Group lessons are cheaper because the cost is shared among multiple students. For beginners and young children, they often provide sufficient attention to learn the basics. Although, it’s still best to ask around your area about how much private swimming lessons for adults are to assess your capability to enrol.

2. Enrol in subsidised programmes: Government or council-funded programmes offer affordable swimming lessons, especially during school holidays. Families with financial needs or students with disabilities may also qualify for discounts or funding.

3. Purchase multi-lesson packages or seasonal passes: Many swim schools offer discounts when you buy lessons in bulk. For example, purchasing a 10-week term can reduce the per-session cost by 10-20% compared to paying for casual lessons.

4. Take advantage of family or multi-student discounts: If you enrol multiple children or attend more than one lesson per week, check for family discounts. Some schools reduce rates per lesson for siblings or frequent attendees.

5. Reuse or buy second-hand swim gear: Swim gear, like goggles, kickboards, and swimsuits, can be costly, so consider buying second-hand or reusing items when possible. Many schools have swap programmes or lost-and-found bins where families can find reusable gear for free or at a discount.

6. Choose holiday intensives over year-round lessons: Holiday intensives provide daily lessons over 5-10 consecutive days, helping students make faster progress in a short time. This can reduce long-term costs by limiting the need for ongoing lessons.

7. Take advantage of make-up lessons: Missed classes can add to expenses if you have to book extra lessons, but many schools allow free make-up sessions if you schedule them in advance. This helps you avoid paying for lessons twice.

How to choose the right swimming instructor or programmes?

A swimming instructor smiling while conducting a lesson in the pool. (Source: iStock)

Finding the right instructor or programmes can make a huge difference in how quickly and safely you or your child learns to swim. The right fit depends on factors like experience, teaching style, and class sizes. Here’s what to consider before diving in:

• Check instructor certifications and training. Make sure they have the right qualifications to teach swimming and handle emergencies. Certifications from organisations like Swim England and Swimming Teachers Association are good indicators.

• Evaluate instructor experience. Entry-level instructors (1 to 2 years) are ideal for beginners, while senior instructors (5+ years) are better suited for advanced swimmers or private lessons. If you’re enrolling infants or students with disabilities, choose instructors with experience in early childhood or adaptive teaching.

• Consider teaching style and personality. An instructor’s approach can affect how comfortable and motivated a student feels. For beginners, choose someone patient and supportive, while competitive swimmers benefit from firm, goal-oriented coaching. Programmes that incorporate games and interactive teaching work well for kids and toddlers, too.

• Ask for feedback from other parents or students. Hearing from others can give you valuable insights. Check online reviews or speak to parents whose children have attended the same programme. Ask questions about the instructor’s reliability, teaching effectiveness, and how well they handled different learning speeds.

• Assess class sizes and instructor-to-student ratios. Smaller class sizes mean more individual attention and faster progress. For toddlers and beginners, look for ratios like 1 instructor per 4-6 students. 

Dive into success with the right swimming instructor via Airtasker

In the UK, where swimming is a lost skill, giving your child or yourself the tools to feel safe in the water has never been more important. Whether you need kids' swimming lessons to help build confidence early or adult swimming lessons to tackle the basics, Airtasker makes it easy to find qualified instructors.

Just post a task today, and experienced swimming pros will bring tailored lessons directly to you. Build water confidence, stay safe, and gain life-saving skills—all while sticking to your budget.