A visit to your local pool is a fun family activity that builds water confidence. There are some great facilities across Canterbury that are family friendly and the perfect place to burn off some excess energy.

Find out about the CCC Swimsmart programme that aims to help pre-schoolers, children and teenagers learn to swim and be water confident.

Read more about the Early Birds Club at Taiora QEII.

Most local council pools offer learn to swim programmes for all ages to become safe and confident in the water - from preschoolers to adults!

After conquering two bouts of cancer, Amberley resident Gilbert Croft decided it was time he confronted his fear of swimming.

At the age of 79, he enrolled in adult swim lessons at the MainPower Amberley Pool.

"I hadn't realised how deeply I'd carried that fear for 69 years,” Croft says. He was 10 years old when he was jostled into the deep end of a swimming pool by a rowdy fellow student.

“That fear never really leaves you. Learning to swim gives you the ability to control that fear.”

Amberley Pool Supervisor Anne Frankland says it’s challenging for many adults to admit they can’t swim.

“For many adults, the idea of learning to swim can seem daunting, if not impossible.”

Bad childhood experiences could have created a fear of water like they did for Gibert. Others might never have had an opportunity to learn to swim, especially if they didn’t grow up in New Zealand.

“It’s actually never too late to learn to swim. It’s about building confidence and supporting the person until they feel competent,” says Anne.

“Physiotherapists often recommend swimming and other exercise in water as excellent for fitness, as well as rehabilitation for injuries. We have several adult swimmers coming to us because of this. Some of our adult learners tell us that having children is their motivation. They want to be confident in the water with their children and able to help them if they get into difficulty.”

Just for women swimming sessions in Christchurch are available at:

Unwind in the spa, swim some laps in the lane pool, splash with your kids on the wet deck or sign up for a swimming lesson to further your water confidence.

All women are welcome, including transgender women and people who identify as being a woman. You are welcome to bring your children, including boys 5 years old and under.

For your comfort and privacy, women-only staff will be poolside and the blinds will be down so you can relax and enjoy the pools in your own way.

Standard pool entry fees will apply. Free entry for pool or multi members.

Women and girls' only sessions are being run at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre in Rolleston (5.30 to 8pm on selected Saturdays).

Women's swim nights are also being held at EA Networks Centre (7 to 8.30pm on selected Wednesdays). Boys under 10 are allowed.

You might have seen seen thrusts, spins and flexibility moves gracing the pool, perfectly in time to music at the Paris Olympics. Olympians may make it look easy but artistic swimming takes a lot of practice.

Canterbury Artistic Swimming offers classes at Christchurch City Council’s Taiora QEII, Matatiki Hornby Centre and Graham Condon for beginners to start people off on their gold medal journey.

Coach Liaison Kylie McEwen says that the club currently "has members from 5-years-old to 53 in our beginner and masters classes”.

“We’re equipped for new members - no matter their age. You just have to be able to swim 25m comfortably.”

“Push your boundaries and have a look. It can be one of the most satisfying things to be involved in,” Ms McEwen said.

Find out more about Canterbury Artistic Swimming.

These sessions are set in a calming private pool space away from the hustle and bustle!

A safe and supportive environment is created where people can feel comfortable and at ease to explore new experiences. Bookings are essential.

Date and Time: Every Saturday from 2 to 4pm.
Location: Teach Pool at Pioneer Recreation Centre (75 Lyttelton Street, Somerfield).

Find out more sensory swimming sessions at the Pioneer Recreation Centre, including costs. Caregivers can swim for free.