A 6-week Learn To Swim program for University of Sydney students with little or no swimming experience. Read this page carefully before you book. It covers eligibility, induction day, fees and program rules.
Benefits of the program
Stay safe
Learn and practise the skills you need for water familiarity and confidence.
A whole body workout
Swimming builds strength and fitness, with real physical and mental health benefits.
Fun and social
Swimming is a great way to keep fit and meet other students.
Is this program right for you?
Places are limited, so please check every point below before enrolling.
You're a good fit if…
- You're a current University of Sydney student
- You have little or no swimming experience or water confidence
- You can commit to induction PLUS all 5 lessons (6 sessions total)
This isn't for you if…
- You've already completed a Water Safe Program before
- You can already swim 10–15m continuously without stopping
- You can only attend some of the 6 sessions, not all of them
You may only enrol in only one Water Safe class. One class change can be accommodated where availability exists.
Take the eligibility quiz
Answer 4 quick questions before you book. It takes less than a minute and can help you avoid fees if the program isn't the right fit for you.
Fees & what's included
Water Safe is heavily subsidised through the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), so eligible University of Sydney students can take part at a significantly reduced cost.
$20 registration fee
A one-off fee that supports the administration and delivery of the program. It includes:
- Your induction session
- 5 x 45 minute swimming lessons
- 5 x 60 minute practice session bookings
- A quality silicone Sydney Uni Swimming swim cap, yours to keep
- 20% off Speedo store (goggles & swimsuits)
- 5 x weeks discounted Adult Learn to Swim Program fees
Subsidised by SSAF
The program is heavily subsidised through the Student Services and Amenities Fee, keeping the cost low for eligible University of Sydney students.
Registration fees are non-refundable
Refunds aren't available for change of mind, schedule conflicts, or if you're found ineligible after paying. Please use the eligibility quiz above and answer the enrolment questionnaire honestly before you book, so you know Water Safe is right for you.
This doesn't affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
How to book
Bookings will open through the Sydney Uni Sport portal. Take the eligibility quiz above first, since registration fees are non-refundable.
Create your profile
Set up one profile on the Sydney Uni Sport portal at susf.perfectmind.com.au. If you already have an account, please do not create a duplicate.
Find the program
Once logged in, go to Activity Registration → Swim Program → Water Safe Program (USYD Students).
Bookings open 3 August 2026Choose your session
Select a day and time that suits you. Induction and all 5 lessons are compulsory. If you can't attend all 6 weeks, please don't enrol now.
Complete the pre-booking questionnaire
You will find this form when you go through the booking process through your portal. Read and agree to the terms and conditions, then answer the enrolment questionnaire accurately and honestly. This will need to be submitted prior to confirming your enrolment.
Check out
Complete checkout and you'll receive a confirmation email straight. Remember, you can only book one Water Safe class. Booking more than one will cancel all of your bookings.
What to expect on induction day
Induction is compulsory for every participant. Here's exactly how the day runs.
Check in and get changed
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in at Swim School reception. This is when your physical student ID card is linked to your profile, so bring it with you. Get changed into your swimsuit and be ready to go by your session start time. Late arrivals won't be admitted, and no-shows will be removed from the program.
Welcome and safety briefing
We will be covering what to expect during the course and important water safety information. Your attendance is checked off here.
Swimming assessment
Head down to the pool deck for your assessment. Everyone gets in the pool to be assessed. If you're not able to swim on the day, that's okay, you will still be required to attend, but you'll be given a verbal assessment instead. Your self-assessed swimming level from the questionnaire is provisional; this in-water assessment determines your final group.
If you're assessed as beyond the level of the program, you may be withdrawn. No alternative program placement is available through this registration, though you're welcome to enrol separately in a Learn to Swim class.Group placement
You'll be emailed your group number and instructor. Groups are set by Swim School staff based on ability, and this is your group for the remaining 5 weeks. Group change requests aren't accepted.
Program rules and what to bring
These apply to every lesson and every practice session, for the full 6 weeks.
Bring your physical student ID every time
You must check in with your physical ID card before every class and every practice session. Digital cards aren't accepted, and you won't be permitted into the water without checking in.
Arrive ready to swim
Be changed into your swimsuit and ready to start at your session time, at least 15 minutes early. Late or absent swimmers will be removed from the program.
Wear your swim cap
You'll be given a yellow reusable silicone Water Safe swim cap. It must be worn during every lesson and every practice session. There's no entry to the water without it.
Please note: No replacement caps will be provided if lost or broken
Vacate the pool after your session
All Water Safe participants must leave the pool at the end of their scheduled lesson or practice session.
No make-up lessons are available
If you can't make a session, email the Water Safety team at least 1 hour before your class starts: [email protected].
Pool safety rules
Stay in your assigned lane
Remain in your assigned lane at all times. Don't enter public or general swim lanes while the program is running.
Know the distress signal
If you need help in the water, raise a closed fist and hold it up. This is the signal instructors and lifeguards are trained to watch for.
Stay home if you're unwell
Don't attend if you're feeling unwell, feverish, or have an active infection. Let Swim Admin know if your health status changes before a future session.
No photography or filming
Photography and video recording aren't permitted in the pool area.
Follow staff directions
Follow all instructor and lifeguard directions, and Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness Aquatics policies, at all times.
Practice sessions
Every Water Safe enrolment comes with a free Water Safe membership and 5 complimentary practice sessions, giving you extra pool time on top of your weekly lesson, available once you've completed induction. These practice sessions are only valid for the duration of your program.
When you can practise
Monday to Friday, 9am–1pm, in the raised teaching platform floor lanes.
Book ahead online
Book via your portal up to 24 hours in advance. No bookings at reception or on the pool deck, and no entry without a booking. Each booking uses one of your 5 sessions. Even if you don't attend, or book by mistake, the pass is still used.
Supervised, not instructed
Lifeguards are on duty for general supervision only. No swim instructor is present. Practise within your own ability, and let the lifeguard on duty know your confidence level before you get in. Swimming without an instructor present is done at your own risk.
Session limits
Up to 6 participants per lane, for 60 minutes per session. Leave the water promptly when your session ends, or when staff direct you to.
How to book a practice session
Where does the program run?
Corner of Darlington Rd and Codrington St, Darlington
