Who is elementary swimming for children suitable for?

  • A child who cannot yet swim at all or can swim less than 10 meters​
  • A child who fears water or is hesitant to enter the water​
  • A child who wants to learn to move in water safely and comfortably

Instruction is suitable for children of all ages – progression always happens on the child’s terms.​

Swmming lessons for children in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa

A safe and encouraging start to swimming skills

The children’s beginner swimming school is based on the recommendations of the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation (SUH). Exercises are designed so that each child can calmly get used to the water and build skills step by step. If a child is nervous about going swimming, we can arrange a preliminary visit together with a parent – this often makes the first step easier.​

What will you learn in elementary swimming for children?

In the beginner swimming school, we focus on the following areas:​

  • Getting used to water.
    Submersion, breathing exercises and practicing being underwater help the child become comfortable with water.
  • Floating and gliding
    The child learns to float on their stomach and back – an important skill for both resting and self-confidence. Gliding is the first step towards swimming skills.​
  • First swimming styles
    Dog paddle and dog crawl are the child’s first ways to move in water without aids. We practice the correct position, head relaxation, and breathing.​
  • Safety and water confidence
    The underlying idea is that one should know how to be relaxed in the water – without hurry or fear. When water confidence develops, learning to swim happens almost naturally.​

Why choose private swimming lessons?

  • The child receives personal guidance and progresses at their own pace without performance pressure
    Everyone learns at different speeds, and with private lessons, we ensure that the child receives guidance that suits them.​
  • The child overcomes fear of water and gains confidence in moving in water
    With gentle and understanding instruction, the child can gradually overcome any fears and find joy in moving in water.​
  • The child learns to swim with the correct technique
    Good technique reduces fatigue and makes swimming smoother and more efficient.​
  • The child gains the courage to enjoy water activities, such as hotel pools and natural waters on vacation
    When the child feels confident in the water, they can enjoy water activities anywhere. At the same time, adults can also enjoy beach days and vacations more.

How does the instruction progress?

The first step is getting acquainted with water and its buoyancy. We start with getting used to the water surface, submersion, and breathing exercises. As water confidence grows, we move on to floating and gliding, which help the child relax in the water. After that, we practice basic swimming styles, such as dog paddle and back floating. This way, the child progresses towards confident and relaxed swimming skills without hurry or stress.​

Elementary swimming for children in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa

Elementary swimming lessons for children are available as private sessions or in small groups at various swimming halls in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa.

You can book a single lesson or arrange a series of sessions based on your needs. The schedule is flexible, with lessons available on weekday evenings and weekends.


Our 9-year-old daughter has been active in the water since she was little, but when she started school, her swimming skills still weren’t sufficient. As parents, we didn’t know how to teach her, and she refused to join public swimming classes because she didn’t want to learn in a group of strangers. During second grade, she became frustrated that she couldn’t swim long distances and couldn’t join her classmates in the deep pool – she simply lacked the technique.


Fortunately, we found Markku Illi online, and he turned out to be a calm and encouraging swimming instructor for our daughter. Markku’s teaching was steady and confident. With his help, she learned the correct technique for dog paddle and freestyle, gained confidence and courage, and eventually became able to swim long distances. Later, she even felt confident enough to sign up for a diving course.
Maria Ylikoski & Jukka Kärkkäinen
(Translated from finnish customer feedback)

Frequently asked questions

Children of all ages who cannot yet swim or who need more confidence in the water can participate in the beginner swimming school. Instruction is tailored to the child’s skill level and age.​

We proceed at the child’s pace and do not force anyone into the water. Often, getting used to the water gradually and playing in the water help overcome fear. Parents can also participate in the first lessons to support the child.​

Learning to swim is individual. Even a few lessons can significantly boost confidence and water skills, but most families choose a set of 5–10 sessions to allow skills to develop at a calm pace.

The beginner swimming school is not a fixed course – all lessons are arranged as private or small group sessions. You can start whenever it suits your schedule, and all timings are fully flexible.

No. The beginner swimming school is designed especially for children who can’t yet swim or who can swim only up to 10 meters. Building water confidence and starting from the basics is the core of the teaching. Read more about elementary swimming classes.

A swimsuit, towel, and optionally swim goggles. All other necessary equipment (like floats or kickboards) is provided on-site. Long hair should be tied back or covered with a swim cap.

Yes, during the first session – especially if the child is shy. Later on, parents can watch from the poolside, but we aim to help the child get comfortable working independently with the instructor.

Simply contact me to schedule the first session or an introductory visit.