Swimming is a great sport and recreation skill for all ages. It can provide a lifetime of safe water-based activities with family and friends.
At Stirling Leisure, we believe that learning to swim is essential to everyday life in WA. With our beaches, pools and lakes, it is vital that both children and adults can swim confidently and safely.
Lessons are available at all three City of Stirling aquatic facilities:
- Inglewood
- Balga
- Scarborough Beach.
Learn to swim at Stirling Leisure
Stirling Leisure Learn to Swim Program is an ongoing program, offering one lesson per week and full pool access for the enrolled student at their centre. The ongoing program allows us to tailor the program to the student’s needs while maintaining a high standard of instruction. Our lessons follow the Royal Life Saving Society WA program for school aged children and our teachers are committed to the student’s development.
Once enrolled, payments are made every four weeks, or fortnightly by direct debit.
- Scarborough offers Aquababies and preschool classes from October to April; levels one to 14, squads and Adults run October to July.
- Balga offers lessons for 50 weeks of the year in the heated indoor pool facilities
- Inglewood offers lessons for 50 weeks of the year in the heated indoor pool facilities, during summer month some additional classes may be scheduled in the outdoor pool facilities, pending available pool space.
Learn to Swim will not run on WA recognised Public Holidays, or over the Easter Break, Friday to Monday inclusive. Lessons will be credited accordingly.
Learn to Swim will take a two-week break from 22 December 2025, with lessons recommencing Monday 5 January 2026. Members can still gain access to the pools over Christmas and New Year as part of their membership.
Please view the Learn to Swim Terms and Conditions for information on suspension options throughout the year.
Our locations
| Facility | Address |
|---|---|
| Stirling Leisure - Inglewood | 62 Alexander Drive, Inglewood WA 6052 |
| Stirling Leisure - Balga | Corner of Princess Rd and Camberwell Rd, Balga WA 6061 |
| Stirling Leisure - Scarborough Beach | 171 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019 |
Our programs
Morning classes for parents and babies aged 6 to 36 months to introduce your little one to the joy of swimming.
| Level | Class description | Inglewood | Balga | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Turtles - Water Familiarization (6 to 12 months) | First introduction to swimming lessons with a parent, learning safe entry and exits into water. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol |
Penguins -Introduction to Buoyancy and Mobility (12 to 24 months) | Progressing to be a little more independent, learning how to float on front and back, kicking and splashing. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
Platypus - Developing Independent Skills (24 months to 3 years) | More independent in the water. Jumping in, floating, climbing out safely, swimming short distances all with parent/guardian assistance. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol |
Sharks - Transition to Preschool Levels (30 months to 3 years) | For students who have completed Platypus skills and are ready to start preparing for independent lessons, practicing independent skills with parents in the water. Students in this class will transition to Minnows when they turn 3, or if they achieve all skills in Sharks, they can advance to Barracuda upon assessment. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol |
Preschool programs are for children from three years old until they turn six years old.
This is the foundation phase, as young swimmers develop water awareness, confidence and independence in a class without a parent. Children will progress through basic floating and recovery in the Minnows group to being able to swim 10 metres of freestyle in Orca. The basics of rescues and water safety sequences are also taught.
| Level | Class description | Inglewood | Balga | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnows | The first independent lesson for children aged 3 and above. Students will learn safe entry & exit, how to submerge with eyes open and pick up toys from bottom. Key skills are independent front and back float. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Barracuda | Children will advance their skills to submerging their whole body, eyes open and exhaling. Extending the back and front float into a glide and recovering; front and back torpedoes. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Yabbie | In this level they will learn to submerge the whole body with confidence in deeper water; retrieve an object; demonstrate back and front float unassisted along with back and front torpedo over 3m. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Crocodile | Children will be starting to learn basic freestyle stroke, sitting dive and deep-water skills such as falling in forwards and backwards, recovering and monkey along the wall. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Dolphin | Freestyle will be extended to include breathing over 5m; Learn survival skills of treading water with a sculling hand action; along with assisted sitting dive and beginner breaststroke kick. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Orca | Orca is equal to level 3 and children will consolidate their skills ready for School aged level. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol |
School aged programs are for children who have turned six years old, until they turn 16 years old.
RLSS Swim and Survive levels one - 14.
All our school-age lessons follow the Royal Lifesaving Society’s swimming program. Swimmers will progress through the levels from beginners, to becoming competent and safe swimmers. Once they have mastered their swimming strokes they will work on more complex rescue skills and initiatives that can lead to them becoming safer around water.
| Level | Class description | Inglewood | Balga | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Complete beginner will learn how to submerge and recover; float on their front and back confidently; and how to enter and exit the water safely. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 2 | Working on Level 1 skills, swimmers will extend glides and move towards learning freestyle and backstroke. Safety Skills including the Aqua code. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 3 | Level 3 provides and introduction to freestyle breathing over 10m, breaststroke kick on back (not frog kick) and how to gain support using small hand actions. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 4 | Progressing to deep water swimming, students learn Freestyle covering 15m, Backstroke and survival backstroke 10m each. Recovering objects by surface dives and moving through water using small hand actions are also taught. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
Level 5 | Swimming distance advances to 25m freestyle, 15m backstroke, survival back stroke, and breaststroke using correct technique. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 6 | Technique and distance improve, freestyle 50m, breaststroke, backstroke survival backstroke 25m. Demonstrate save dive entry. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 7 | Class duration is extended to a 45-minute session to work on strengthening techniques and increasing total distance to 150m. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 8 | Class duration is extended to a 60-minute session to work on, learning sidestroke and dolphin kick; ability to swim 200m continuously using all 4 strokes with correct technique. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 9 | Class duration is extended to a 60-minute session to work on, swimming up to 300m continuously, learn tumble turns, basic CPR, non-contact rescues and safe water practices. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 10 | Learn how to swim in clothing while maintaining technique, develop land-based rescues further and how to respond to an emergency. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 11 | Continue to improve stroke technique and endurance, learn body orientation in deep water and rescuing a person close to the edge. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 12 | Safe entries and exits from deeper water, develop personal survival skills and how to manage more complex rescues. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 13 | A combined class - Continue to advance swimming skills, learn about personal hazards and dangers in different water bodies; how to assess an emergency and plan the safest rescue strategy. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Level 14 | View classes and enrol |
The squad program is available to students who have passed Level 9, or have a current enrolment in a Level 9 class working to achieve these skills.
| Level | Class description | Inglewood | Balga | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlins | Squad program for those who wish to concentrate on improving technique and endurance. Learn to swim further, faster, and for longer. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol |
Adult programs are for those who are 16 year and older.
Do you feel you are missing on family fun at the beach or pool because you have never had the opportunity to learn how to swim? Our classes start from beginners and go through to squad swimmers.
| Level | Class description | Inglewood | Balga | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult 1 - Complete beginners | For complete beginners learn how to enter and exit, submerge with confidence, float on front and back, working towards basic strokes and deep-water introduction. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol |
|
| Adult 2 - Enrol if you are confident submerging, and can swim 10m basic freestyle | Begin to develop stroke technique across freestyle, backstroke, survival backstroke and breaststroke learn basic rescues and surface dives. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Adult 3 - Enrol if you can swim up to 10 - 15 metres of each stroke (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, survival backstroke) | Develop endurance and stroke technique with a goal of swimming 100m continuously. Learn basic rescues and surface dives. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Adult 4 - Enrol if you are confident swimming 25m of each stroke | Develop stroke technique and endurance to swim up to 200m continuously; advanced safety, survival, and rescue techniques. | View classes and enrol | View classes and enrol | |
| Adult Squad – Technique and endurance focus | Currently taking expression of interest, please email: programsupervisors@stirling.wa.gov.au | |||
Prerequisite: passed RLSS Level 12.
JLC is an ongoing program for students who wish to learn advanced survival skills, rescues, safety techniques and develop awareness of community services and emergency procedures. Students can also prepare to go onto other aquatic activities and work towards gaining the Bronze Medallion and move into lifeguarding.
| Level | Class description | Inglewood | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Lifeguard Club | JLC provides a unique swimming and aquatic alternative for those who love the water and want more than just lessons topics - Community education, fitness, competition, swimming skills, leadership and teamwork and lifesaving knowledge. | View classes and enrol |
Beaches and swimming pools are a huge part of the Western Australian lifestyle. Stirling Leisure - Scarborough Beach's iconic beachfront location is the perfect setting for students to learn about controlled and natural open water swimming environments. We believe ensuring your child can swim safely and competently in both environments is vital.
| Level | Class description | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|
| Pool to beach | Saturday mornings only. Students will be guided through a comprehensive safety brief each week, comprising of: surf negotiation, safety drills, rescues, strokes, fitness drills and survival skills. Learn how to:
| Program to commence 11 January 2024. Please submit your expression of interest by emailing: programsupervisors@stirling.wa.gov.au with the students, name, age and current level. Students must have passed Level 9 OR Adult 2 to be eligible for this program |
The City can provide one-on-one lessons for students with disability who cannot safely participate in group sessions, or who require one-on-one instruction.
Contact our Learn to Swim team on programsupervisors@stirling.wa.gov.au to complete an information form about the student’s needs. From there, we will work with the parents and swimmers to arrange the right teacher, time and day for swimming lessons.
These lessons are available by appointment only.
If you are not sure which level you or your child should be enrolled in, you can sign up for a free assessment and our staff will observe specific skills to help determine which level is the best to enrol in.
| Level | Class description | Inglewood | Balga | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free assessment | A quick assessment with one of our friendly deck attendants to help you know which level is going to be the best fit. | Find a time and book | Find a time and book | Find a time and book |
Swimming lesson prices
| Monday to Sunday classes | 30 minute lesson | 60 minute lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak (larger class size on off-peak days and times) | $14.00 per lesson | $15.50 per lesson |
| Peak (smaller class size on peak days and times) | $17.00 per lesson | $19.00 per lesson |
Peak and Off Peak pricing means we are able to deliver classes at times when the facility is quieter for a cheaper price whilst maintaining our excellent standard of teaching. Peak classes for preschool and school aged classes are slightly smaller in capacity.
Peak and off-peak times vary throughout the week and are shown on the tables below. There's no need to worry though, when you enrol the correct rate is automatically applied for you.
| Aquababies, preschool and school aged - weekdays | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time of day | Weekdays | ||||
| 8.00am - 9.00am | Off peak | ||||
| 9.30am - 11.00am | Peak | ||||
| 11.30am - 2.30pm | Off peak | ||||
| 3.30pm - 4.00pm | Off peak | ||||
| 4.00pm - 5.30pm | Peak | ||||
| 6.00pm - 7.30pm | Off peak | ||||
Aquababies, preschool and school aged - weekends | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time of day | Weekends | |
| 7.30am - 8.00am | Off peak | |
| 8.30am - 11.30am | Peak | |
| 12.00 noon - 2.30pm | Off peak | |
| Adults - weekdays | |
|---|---|
| Time of day | Monday - Friday |
| 8:00am - 11.30am | Off peak |
| 5.00pm - 7.30pm | Peak |
| Adults - weekends | |
|---|---|
| Time of day | Saturday and Sunday |
8:30am - 11.30am | Peak |
12.00 noon - 2.30pm | Off peak |
FAQs
Our Learn to Swim program operates Monday to Sunday at all aquatics sites listed above.
Available days and times are displayed on the link below, you can also enrol using the same link by following the prompts.
As we run an ongoing Learn to Swim program, assessments are ongoing each week by the instructors. The Learn to Swim program will have a formal assessment week every 5 weeks. If a student is ready to progress to the next level prior to a formal assessment week, you will be notified through the online portal. Students progress can be checked via the member portal.
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To cancel swimming lessons, please email our memberships team at: memberships@stirling.wa.gov.au
Cancellation requests are required 1 week prior to the next direct debit payment.
Clients can continue to use the centre until all prepaid classes have expired, remaining classes will not be credited or refunded.
For more information, please view our Learn to Swim Terms and Conditions.
The City of Stirling is looking for friendly and dedicated people for casual Learn to Swim positions at Stirling Leisure - Inglewood, Balga and Scarborough Beach.
- Free instructor course through RLSSA (eligibility criteria applies)
- Flexible hours
- Free gym membership
- Paid professional development.
If you’re interested in becoming a Swimming Instructor, we’d love to hear from you! Contact programsupervisors@stirling.wa.gov.au for more information.
Keen to get started?
Check to see if you meet the eligibility criteria for a free Swim Teacher course through Royal Life Saving Australia!
Eligibility for FREE enrolment
Persons aged 16 – 24 years (please note, must be at least 16 and 9 months), who are not enrolled in school, at the time of enrolment.
We can help you complete your practical hours and provide training in time for summer!
To commence practical hours:
- RLSSA / AUSTSWIM Proof of Theory Completion
- Valid CPR Certificate
- Valid Working with Children Check
- Valid Police Clearance (three months).
To apply for employment:
- RLSSA / Swim Australia / AUSTSWIM Teaching Accreditation
- Valid CPR Certificate
- Valid Working with Children Check
- Valid Police Clearance (three months)
- Valid First Aid Certificate
- Driver's licence/birth certificate/passport
- Resume
- Contact details for 2x referees
- Weekend (8.30am – 1.00pm) and Afternoon (3.00pm – 6.00pm) availability.
Lessons are not automatically cancelled upon passing a level.
When students pass their level, an automated email will be sent with directions to view the certificate via the online portal. Select Courses > Active enrolment > View progress > Download certificate.
Please visit the online portal to move to the next level. Select Courses > Active Enrolment > Progress Level > Choose new class, day and time. (Don't select new enrolment.)
If a suitable day/time is not available when changing levels, we encourage students to continue their current level to keep up their skills until a space in the desired lesson becomes available.
For more information, please view our Learn to Swim Terms and Conditions.
Missed lesson passes
Each enrolled member is entitled up to two family passes for missed lessons per quarter. The passes allow entry for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children. These passes must be issued at reception upon your return or within three months of missing the lesson. Passes are valid for three months. No extensions will be given
Holidays / planned time away
Students / parents are able to suspend lessons (and lesson fees) for up to 4 weeks per calendar year in any combination of 7-day blocks (i.e. in fixed periods of 7 days, 14 days, 21 days or 28 days.)
Suspension requests must be received in writing to memberships@stirling.wa.gov.au 1 week prior to your planned absence. Suspensions will incur a fee of $5.00 per week to maintain a student’s position in the class.
Medical suspension
For medical reasons, classes may be suspended for up to 4 weeks at no charge. A medical certificate or statutory declaration is required. Medical suspensions will be processed from the date listed on the medical certificate or statutory declaration.
We can backdate credits in medical circumstances as long as either a dated medical certificate or statutory declaration is supplied.
For more information, please view our Learn to Swim Terms and Conditions.
