Can’t swim? Don’t miss Southwark free swimming lessons

Southwark Council is offering residents free swimming lessons. 12-week courses for beginners are available at leisure centres operated by Everyone Active on behalf of Southwark Council.

Who is the offer available to?

If you’re a Southwark resident, a non-swimmer and aged 16 or over you can book free swimming lessons. Lessons are available as follows:

  • Adults aged 16 or over can book lessons at Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre
  • Over-60s can book lessons at any centre listed below
  • Residents with disabilities can book at any centre below.
Click to register

Please, ensure to read the additional Information before registering

Southwark free swimming lessons

Where you can have free lessons

  • Camberwell Leisure Centre, Artichoke Place, London SE5 8TS
  • The Castle Centre, 2 St Gabriel Walk, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6FG
  • Dulwich Leisure Centre, 2b Crystal Palace Road, London SE22 9HB
  • Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre, 10 Melon Road, London SE15 5QN
  • Seven Islands Leisure Centre, 100 Lower Road, Rotherhithe SE16 2TU

How to book your free lessons

  1. Check when lessons are available each week.
  2. Fill in a request form after clicking to register stating your preference of when you’d like to have lessons.
  3. Everyone Active will contact you by phone or email to offer you a lesson slot. If a suitable slot is not available you’ll be put on a waiting list.
  4. You confirm you’d like to accept the place if one is offered.
  5. Bring proof of your address to the leisure centre on the day of your first lesson.

Please read the additional information about the scheme including what to bring, and the length of the course

Click to register

Residents that need support in completing an application for the free lesson scheme can get help by visiting your local leisure centre or library.

How long will my swimming lessons last?

The course of swimming lessons will be for 12 weeks, with each individual lesson being 30 minutes long. The times advertised on the swimming timetable are when the lessons start so we advise arriving at least 20 minutes before this time. There is no break for half term or at any point during the 12 weeks.

What will I need to bring to my swimming lessons?

Each swimmer will need to bring their own swimming equipment which should include:

  • An appropriate swimming costume
  • Towel
  • Swim hat (recommended for anyone with hair that can get in your eyes)
  • Goggles (recommended for anyone that doesn’t like water in their eyes)
  • £1 coin or a padlock for changing room lockers

What proof must I show that I am eligible for the scheme?

Please provide proof of address at your first lesson with a relevant document; for example recent council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, rent book or statement.

Will I need to register for free swimming lessons if I am already a Free Swim and Gym / Everyone Active member?

All residents will need to register regardless of being an Everyone Active or Free Swim Gym member or not.

Can I enter the pool before or stay in the pool after the swimming lesson?

If you plan to enter the pool before the swimming lesson or remain afterwards then you must check the pool timetable with reception and pay any required fees.

What happens at the end of the course of swimming lessons?

Towards the end of the swimming course you will be sent an email for feedback about your swimming experience – please complete this as it will help us to deliver a better service for other residents.

You will also be sent further information about how you can continue your swimming lessons with Everyone Active, and details on the Free swim and Gym scheme.

What if I have to drop out of my swimming course?

Please call the relevant Leisure Centre or tell a member of staff when you visit.

The timetable for Southwark Free Swimming Lessons between September and December 2019 can be accessed below:

Click for swimming lesson timetable

Over 60s swim lessons are for non-swimming adults over 60 years and taught with one teacher to 10 participants.

Disability swim lessons are for non-swimming adults (16yrs+) with a disability on a ratio to be determined by need.

Adult swimming lessons at Peckham are for non-swimming adults (16yrs+) and taught with one teacher to 10 participants.