Free Pop up
swim schools for kids

Join us to learn the basics of swimming or to improve your swimming skills! Free swim schools are organized during the summer at swimming halls and beaches across the Helsinki metropolitan area. The language of instruction in the pop-up swim schools is Finnish.

Summer's free swim schools can be booked starting May 12

Pop-up swimming schools help improve swimming skills and water safety — and make learning to swim fun!

Children’s swimming skills have significantly declined in recent years — nearly half of Finns are not confident swimmers, and not all families have the financial means to support swimming practice

According to the 2022 national swimming skills survey, the percentage of children who can swim has dropped from 76% to 55% in just five years, and the number of children with no swimming skills at all has multiplied.

Free Pop up swimming schools are a concrete step toward a society where swimming skills are a right for everyone

Free Pop up swimming schools offer an opportunity for non-swimming children to learn how to swim in a safe environment under the guidance of professional swimming instructors

Swimming is more than just a skill. It opens doors to the joys of summer, ensures safety in the water, and can even save lives. The free Pop up swimming schools are a concrete step toward a society where swimming skills are accessible to everyone. This campaign is an opportunity to make an impact – not only on statistics, but on people’s lives.

Free swimming schools will be held in swimming pools across the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kirkkonummi, and Kauniainen, and also at swimming beaches during the summer season. The language of instruction in the pop-up swim schools is Finnish.

Pop up swim schools
for kids

  • Learn to swim through fun and play, using a kickboard and floatation devices. We’ll practice diving, gliding, and floating.

    Age recommendation: 7-12 years

    Skill requirement: No previous swimming experience required, but the child should be able to work in a group.

    Note! The language of instruction in the pop-up swim schools is Finnish.

  • Strengthen basic swimming skills and improve body control in the water.

    Age recommendation: 7-12 years

    Skill requirement: Diving, gliding, and jumping into the pool.

    Note! The language of instruction in the pop-up swim schools is Finnish. The lesson will take place in shallow and/or deep water, using a life vest, kickboard, and floatation device.

  • Strengthen basic swimming skills and practice correct swimming techniques. Work on swimming independently in deep water.

    Age recommendation: 7-12 years

    Skill requirement: 15m continuous swimming on the front and back, as well as jumping into the pool.

    Note! The language of instruction in the pop-up swim schools is Finnish. The lesson will take place in deep water, using a life vest, kickboard, and floatation device.

Good to know before participating in the swimming school:

  • The language of instruction in the pop-up swim schools is Finnish.

  • You can register for only one free Pop up swimming school per child. Registration closes the Friday before the swimming school.

  • When registering, it is important to ensure the correct lesson level (Alkeet, Alkeisjatko or Alkeistekniikka) to ensure the lesson matches the child's swimming ability.

  • For the swimming school, you will need a swimsuit, towel, and swimming goggles.

  • A child participating in the pop-up swimming school is under the responsibility of their parent/guardian during the lesson, so please do not leave the swimming hall during the lesson.

  • If the child needs help in the changing room, the changing room will be selected according to the accompanying adult's gender.

  • Please remember to shower thoroughly with soap before and after swimming. Long hair should be tied up in a ponytail or you can use a swim cap.

  • Pop up swimming schools are designed for all children without swimming skills who want to learn to swim in a safe and encouraging environment.

  • You can register for the Pop up swimming schools through the FitPit online store here. Registration closes on the Friday before each swimming school session.

  • Swimming schools are organized at the swimming halls in Kilo, Itäkeskus, Jakomäki, Hakunila, and Kauniainen — and during the summer season, also at local beaches.

  • The Pop up swimming schools are completely free of charge for all participants. The lessons are funded by FitPit Oy in cooperation with the cities of Helsinki, Vantaa, Kauniainen, and Espoo, as well as the municipality of Kirkkonummi.

  • Each summer swimming lesson lasts 45 minutes and takes place in small groups of up to eight participants.

    In addition to single lessons, there are also free four-session intensive courses available during the summer.

  • Participants should bring a swimsuit, a towel, and swimming goggles if needed.

  • Each child may register for only one Pop up swimming school session.

    For future swimming opportunities, you can contact your local city or municipality for more information.