Elementary swimming for children in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa
A safe and joyful start to learning how to swim.
Would you like your child to learn to swim safely through joy and a sense of achievement? Our elementary swimming lessons for children offer a safe introduction to moving in water through private or small group instruction.
The lessons progress according to each child’s individual development – our goal is to build water confidence, a foundation for swimming skills, and a positive relationship with water.
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.

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.
Book a session for your child
Book a private lesson or form your own small group from the child’s siblings or friends. This starts the journey towards confident and relaxed swimming skills.
Prices starting from €25 / person / hour.