Our Learn to Swim Program

The Geelong College Recreation Centre Learn-to-Swim program is recognised as one of the leading swim schools in the Geelong region. Our experienced and passionate instructors are committed to helping every participant develop confidence and skills in the water within a safe, supportive and positive environment.

Our goal is to develop each swimmer to:

  • Be water-confident
  • Have knowledge about water safety
  • Learn correct swimming techniques
  • Allow each child to build a pathway to competitive swimming

Please send all Learn to Swim enrolment and program enquires to LTSadmin@tgc.vic.edu.au.


Our Learn to Swim Program

Our Afterschool Learn-to-Swim Program runs during school term and sessions are 30 minutes long.

Our Learn to Swim nights are:

Tuesday:   4:00pm – 6:30pm : Levels 1–7
Thursday: 4:00pm – 6:30pm : Levels 1–7
Friday:      4:00pm – 6:00pm : Levels 1–6


Join Our Afterschool Learn-to-Swim Program

To join our afterschool learn to to swim program, you will need to complete an assessment. Based on the results, we will offer a position within our program. Once your assessment is complete, we will schedule a class time for you to begin lessons the following week.

How to Book an Assessment

  1. Log in or create an account via the Rec Centre Parent Portal
  2. From the menu (top left), select Programs
  3. Choose New Enrolment
  4. Select TGC Rec Centre
  5. Select Assessments – After School Programs
  6. Choose the correct assessment type
  7. Select your preferred assessment time and follow the prompts
  8. You will receive a confirmation email once your booking is complete

Please note: if the assessment type you require is booked out, please check back in at a later date, we are regularly uploading new assessment times as positions become available  


Assessment Types – Choosing the Right One

Learn to Swim or Squad Assessment – All Levels (TGC Students)
For students currently enrolled at The Geelong College.

  • Covers all swimming levels (from Learn to Swim to Squad)
  • Minimum 5 years of age

Learn to Swim Assessment (External Students)
For students not currently attending The Geelong College.

  • Focuses on Swim and Survive Levels 1-6 
  • Helps us match your child to the right Learn to Swim stage in our after-school program
  • Minimum 5 years of age

Squad Assessment (External Students)
For students not currently attending The Geelong College.

  • Designed for confident and competent swimmers who can already swim multiple strokes over 75m 
  • Assessment looks at technique across all four strokes, endurance, and pace work.

Important Information
  • Multiple Siblings: Only one assessment booking is required. Once confirmed, please email us the details of additional siblings.
  • After-school Program Entry: An assessment is required before joining our Learn to Swim or Squad program. Places will be offered at the conclusion of the assessment. Any bookings made for after-school lessons without a completed assessment will be cancelled and refunded.
  • Holiday Programs: No assessment is required to join our Holiday Programs—this is a great way to get started in lessons.
  • Future Bookings: Once assessment sessions are full, bookings for the following year will open during the September school holidays. Please note we do not run a waitlist– check our website regularly to secure a place.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting age for lessons at The Geelong College? 
Lessons begin for children from 5 years of age.

What are the lesson costs?
Learn to Swim Lessons for 2025 are $25.00 each, with a full-term commitment.

What are the class sizes like?
We strive to keep classes as small as possible. However, during peak times, you can expect to see 6 students per class with 1 LTS instructor. During less desirable days or times, classes may have 3 or 4 students.

What is the frequency of testing?
Students are typically tested 2-3 times per term, depending on their level. Feedback is updated on the Parent Portal post-assessment, and details are also provided to the instructor. Find out more about our levels below.

How do I build my child's confidence? 
The Recreation Centre hosts Holiday Programs during school holiday periods. This is an excellent opportunity for future students to build skills and ease the transition into the after-school program. Find out more here.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch. We appreciate your interest in our Learn to Swim program!

Building Independence

Level 2

Swimmers develop independent movement, floating skills, and early freestyle while swimming up to 5 metres with good body position.

Developing Stroke Fundamentals

Level 3

Swimmers increase control and endurance, swimming 10 metres freestyle and backstroke while learning safe entries and treading water.

Stroke Technique & Water Skills Expansion

Level 4

Swimmers refine technique, complete 15m freestyle and 25m backstroke, and are introduced to dives, somersaults, and breaststroke kick.

Strengthening Technique & Endurance

Level 5

Swimmers build endurance and consistency, swimming 25 metres freestyle, 50 metres backstroke, and combining breaststroke skills.

Advanced Technique & Turns

Level 6

Swimmers develop racing fundamentals, swimming 50 metres freestyle and 25 metres breaststroke while learning underwater dolphin kicks and tumble turns.

Squad Readiness

Level 7

Swimmers demonstrate squad readiness by swimming 50 metres freestyle under 1:05, completing 50 metres breaststroke, and applying racing skills.