Note from the Autism Swim Team:
Melbourne City Baths is currently completing their Autism Swim training as part of their commitment to providing inclusive and supportive swim programs for everyone.
Please note that responses to student enquiries may take a little longer during this time while their team finalises their training. We appreciate your understanding and patience as they work towards becoming a fully certified Autism Swim Centre.
City of Melbourne’s Melbourne City Baths is one of the city’s most iconic recreation facilities. Established in 1860, the heritage-listed building has long been a cornerstone of community wellbeing, offering a welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities to swim, train, and connect.
As part of the City of Melbourne’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, Melbourne City Baths is continually evolving to meet the needs of our diverse community. We offer a range of accessible programs and spaces, such as:
– Women’s Only Swim sessions providing culturally safe environments
– Centre wide low sensory swim times to support neurodivergent individuals
– Partnerships with organisations focusing on inclusion and accessibility
Melbourne City Baths has two pools. A unique feature of these is that they were originally built in measurements of feet. Our main lap pool is 100 feet (Approx 30 m). Our Program Pool is 50 feet (approx. 15 m). The program pool supports learners and participants who may require a calmer, more controlled setting, including children, beginners, and those taking part in adaptive or low-impact sessions. The main pool being only 4 lanes wide also assist in reducing the sensory output in comparison to a large facility.
Both pools are kept at 29-30 degrees all year round.
estimonials
“We are very grateful for all the teachers’ effort and care, and we truly appreciate the wonderful experience our child has had with your program.”– Parent
“We are truly grateful for the patience, effort, and care that the teachers have given. It has been a wonderful experience, and we really appreciate the progress and confidence that my child has gained through your classes.”– Parent
“I have seen many highly experienced swim teachers for under-5s, as our family attended regular swimming lessons in that category for more than four years prior to COVID. My child’s teacher stood out from the get-go. They have an extraordinary exuberant confidence with young children in the water. When we brought our 18-month-old to lessons with this teacher, we were pleasantly surprised by their constant enthusiasm and engagement with our child and the other participants. Our child had never had their head under water and was initially clingy and nervous, but after three or four lessons they were splashing and yelling with excitement and even preferred to be held facing the teacher rather than their caregiver.” – Parent
“My child’s teacher has been exceptional, showing great patience and compassion in every lesson. Despite the language barrier, he was able to communicate effectively and make my child feel comfortable and confident in the water. As a parent, I’ve seen significant progress in my child’s swimming ability and confidence. Not only has he become a better swimmer, but he also learned a lot of English through the classes, which has been a wonderful added benefit for us as a foreign family living in Australia. We’re truly grateful for the positive experience, and we feel very lucky to have had such a dedicated and understanding teacher.” – Parent
“I began learning in December 2024 – I’ve had a deep-rooted fear of water having drowned twice, to be rescued by emergency services. When I began, I had two classes with one of the teachers, who was very sensitive towards beginners, and I loved him for that. Then, I began learning with another instructor who I felt really understood me. He had sound knowledge of skills and concepts that underpin the art of swimming, was empathetic to the challenges faced by beginner swimmers such as me and always has well-informed answers to any questions re: swimming one might ask. I kept learning from him and after a few classes, I’m feeling so much more confident in the water, my fear has lessened to 30% or less and I can visibly see the difference. My teacher is fantastic, brings in passion as well as a sound grasp of the skill and I’m lucky to be learning from him.”– Adult Student
“Both of my kids are learning to swim, and their teacher has been a game-changer in their swimming journey. One of them first joined a holiday intensive a few years ago and still recalls it as a great experience. After a long break, they returned to lessons during the school holidays and have now transitioned to weekly classes. Both children now train with the same teacher, and the progress they’ve made speaks for itself. As someone with many years of classroom teaching experience, I recognise quality instruction when I see it—and this teacher delivers. They scaffold learning effectively, tailor their approach to each child, and adapt seamlessly in real time to support their progress. For one of my children, group swimming lessons simply weren’t working. They are autistic and have ADHD, and despite the efforts of some great teachers, they struggled to learn. It wasn’t a matter of ability—they just didn’t fit within the structure of a conventional class and found it overwhelming. After many tears and meltdowns, they were ready to quit swimming altogether. Then, thanks to the swim school, we were offered a switch to private lessons, and everything changed. This teacher meets my child where they are. They break skills down into meaningful steps, provide clear cues and modelling, and, most importantly, involve the learner in the process. They understand sensory and learning needs, adapting their teaching to keep each child engaged, motivated, and feeling capable. The difference has been remarkable. Instead of dreading lessons, my child is thriving. They’re picking up swimming at a pace we never expected, and to their delight (and ours), they now feel confident in the water and proud of what they can accomplish each week. What once felt overwhelming has become something they genuinely enjoy. More than just learning to swim, my child has found a space where they can be themselves. The pool is no longer just a place for structured lessons—it’s become somewhere they can relax, explore, and engage in meaningful sensory play, whether alone or with their siblings. That shift is huge. The benefits extend far beyond skill acquisition: swimming supports their strength, coordination, and endurance, but it’s also helping them follow instructions, regulate their body, and feel comfortable in new environments. This is why I’m writing this testimonial—because quality instruction matters, and structural inclusion matters. My other child, who also has ADHD, thrives under the same teacher’s instruction too. They appreciate the structured, clear teaching and the way lessons are kept engaging and appropriately challenging. As a multi-sport athlete competing at the state and national level, swimming improves their endurance, recovery, and overall athletic performance. Both children walk away feeling accomplished in their own ways and excited for their next session. This teacher isn’t just helping my kids learn to swim—they’re giving them confidence, building resilience, and making swimming a lifelong skill that truly works for them. That’s not something you find in every instructor. They absolutely deserve recognition for the way they’re transforming children’s experiences, and we’re so grateful to the swim school team for their empathy, inclusivity, and support.”– Parent
Contact Information
Phone Number: (03) 9658 9011
Email: mcbswimschool@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Address: 420 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
URL’s:
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/swim-melbourne-city-baths
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/swim-school
https://www.facebook.com/melbournecitybaths
https://www.instagram.com/melbournecitybaths
T
