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Local organisations, clubs, courses and more
Swimming
A group of young bathers in bathing costumes in the surf at Sumner beach on the Anniversary Day of Christchurch [16 Dec. 1918]
Swimming is a great way to cool off when it’s hot — and a popular choice for people who want to stay in shape all year round. This page lists resources on water safety, events, learn-to-swim classes and more.
Water safety
Water safety is a big issue in New Zealand and Christchurch has plenty of opportunities for all ages to learn to swim and how to stay safe in the water.
- Water Safety New Zealand This national organisation has excellent advice for safety at the beach, the pool, rivers, and when fishing or boating. It also has great information for parents on water familiarisation and confidence for children.
- Surf safety tips and information from The Canterbury Surf Lifesaving Association.
Learn-to-swim information
- Christchurch City Council swim education
- Classes at Jellie Park, QEII Park, Centennial, and Pioneer Leisure Centres. QEII also offers diving, water polo and snorkelling.
- Miniswim
- Small, privately-owned indoor pool in North New Brighton.
- Aquagym Learn to Swim
- Swim classes at private pool in Christchurch.
- Kings Swim School
- Privately-run swim school in Christchurch.
- Ashswim Learn to Swim
- Swim classes at Ashburton Community Pool.
- Swimming classes
- Search the CINCH database.
Swimming events
Christchurch now has its own Summer of Swimming website which celebrates the many and varied swimming-related events around the city. Ocean swimming also features, with the Corsair Bay Classic swim in February each year.
Swimming resources at your library
Online resources
- Christchurch City Council Recreation and Sports Centres information on public indoor and outdoor pools and Swimsmart learn-to-swim programmes
- Contact information for local pools, swimming clubs and organisations from CINCH
- Swimming for people with disabilities, from CINCH
- Interviews with young Christchurch swimmers on The Pulse Te Auaha
Our Internet Gateway links
- Swimming the full Internet Gateway list of recommended links
- Swimming New Zealand — national swimming association
- Swimming water quality from Environment Canterbury
- Corsair Classic Annual ocean swim event in Corsair Bay, Lyttelton Harbour
- Swim Coaches and Teachers of New Zealand
- Surfing and windsurfing links
Resources in our libraries
- Swimming — a subject search for books and other resources
- Books about swimming for children and infants
- Biographies of Australian swimmers
- Article about swimming from the World Book Online InfoFinder.
Includes water safety, basic swim strokes, swimming as a sport, and a history.
Access this with your library card number and PIN, or at our libraries.
