Council report backs return of $2 swims and free lessons after strong summer results

The City of Melbourne is set to make its cut-price pool entry and free swimming lesson programs a regular feature of summer after a new evaluation found both initiatives delivered strong take-up, broad community benefits and measurable gains in water confidence.

A report due to be considered by councillors at the Future Melbourne Committee on May 19 recommends the city again deliver the $2 Pool Splash initiative at Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Pool from December 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, alongside another round of free swimming lessons at Melbourne City Baths and Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre in January 2027. It also recommends both programs be adopted as annual initiatives under the council plan.

The evaluation found the $2 swim pilot, run on weekdays over summer 2025-26, generated 22,245 discounted swims at Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Pool. Of those surveyed, 67 per cent said the $2 offer was the reason for their visit, while 23 per cent were attending the pools for the first time. Almost half said they came to cool off in hot weather, while others cited health, fitness and relaxation. Ninety-seven per cent rated the experience positively.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the community had clearly embraced the initiative.

The free swimming lessons program also posted strong outcomes.

Delivered from January 5 at Melbourne City Baths and Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre, the program offered 616 places for City of Melbourne residents in a five-day intensive learn-to-swim format. A total of 3080 lessons was delivered, with 51 per cent of participants reporting minimal or no prior swimming experience and 97 per cent saying their swimming ability improved. Nearly half were born overseas, 61 per cent were women, and 64 participants have since signed up for ongoing classes.

Cr Reece said the impact extended well beyond the pool.

“And our free swimming lesson program has given more than 600 residents the life-changing opportunity to build confidence in the water and learn important water safety skills,” he said.

“Newly arrived Australians, senior citizens and bubs and more have all embraced this initiative, which is breaking down boundaries and teaching life-long lessons in the pool.”

The report highlights several examples of the program’s reach, including a resident living with a disability attending with a carer, 12 women from the Kensington Somali Women’s Development Association joining classes, a family of five children attending from 7.15am each day, and a full week of lessons delivered in Mandarin and another for participants aged 58 to 65. One participant said they had not previously understood the meaning of red and yellow flags at Australian beaches.

Community and City Services portfolio head Cr Gladys Liu said the programs were about more than affordability.

“Our $2 splash initiative is about inspiring people to be more active, more often. This program goes beyond the pool – bringing people together, building friendships and strengthening our communities,” she said.

One issue still unresolved is whether the $2 swim offer can be expanded to Kensington.

The report says extending the initiative to Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre and Melbourne City Baths would significantly reduce revenue and create customer experience issues, particularly at indoor pools with limited capacity. However, councillors have previously flagged interest in Kensington, and the report notes a feasibility assessment will be undertaken ahead of summer 2026-27 to further examine whether the initiative can be introduced there in future. •