Learn to swim as an adult
– beginner swimming lessons in English in Helsinki and Espoo
Many adults never had the chance to learn to swim, and many feel nervous or even afraid in the water. You are not alone, and it is never too late. In our beginner lessons, you start in shallow water, in a calm private pool, and move forward only when you feel ready.
FitPit’s beginner swimming lessons are for you if:
you have never learned to swim
you can stay afloat a little, but deep water feels unsafe
you feel nervous or afraid in the water, or you have had a bad experience
you want to feel safe at the beach, at a lake or in the pool with your children
Everyone in a beginner group is starting from the same place. Nobody is judging, and nobody is in a hurry.
Comfortable with Finnish? You can also join our Finnish-language beginner groups, which run at more times and locations. Please note that the lessons are taught in Finnish. See Finnish-language beginner groups →
Why FitPit?
Private pools, no public swimmers. Only FitPit’s swimming lessons take place in the pool, so there are no crowds and no outside spectators.
Taught in English. You understand every instruction.
Small groups. Your instructor has time for you.
No entrance fee. Pool access is included in the price.
Experienced instructors who are used to teaching nervous beginners.
Afraid of water? We start where you are
Fear of water is very common, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. That’s why we always start gently and move forward in small steps:
Getting comfortable in the water. Calmly, at your own pace.
Breathing and getting your face wet. Small steps, with your instructor’s support.
Floating. You learn that the water can carry you.
First swimming strokes. With support and encouragement.
More confidence, step by step. You move forward only when you feel ready.
Some of our pools are deeper. In deep water, you practise with flotation aids and your instructor stays close to you. You can always tell your instructor how you feel. They will adjust the exercises to you, and you will never be pushed further than you want to go.
Which beginner swimming level is right for you?
Beginner level 1 — if you can’t swim yet
We calmly practise getting comfortable in the water, floating and the basics of swimming.
Beginner level 2 — if you can already swim a short distance
We strengthen your swimming skills, basic swimming technique and confidence in the water.
Your swimming path: what comes next?
Beginner level 1 → Beginner level 2 → Technique level 1 or Freestyle level 1
Once the basics feel easy, you can continue on our swimming courses and learn proper technique for freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke.
Swimming isn’t a given, even for adults
In the 2022 Kansalaisliikuntataidot survey, only 53% of adults in Finland met the Nordic definition of swimming ability.*
You can learn to swim as an adult too. In our beginner lessons, we start calmly and move forward in small steps, at your own skill level.
*Source: Kansalaisliikuntataidot survey 2022 / Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation (SUH)
What do you get from our beginner swimming lessons?
Moments of success, the joy of learning and a form of exercise for life
Confidence in an important life skill and safety near water
A lifelong swimming skill that could one day help you save a life
Frequently asked questions
I have never been in a swimming pool. Can I still join?
Yes. Beginner level 1 is made for adults with no swimming experience at all. We start from the very beginning, at your own pace.
I’m afraid of water. Is this course right for me?
Yes. Many of our beginners feel nervous or afraid in the water. We start gently, and you can always tell your instructor how you feel. You will never be pushed further than you want to go.
Will I be in deep water?
It depends on the pool. Some of our pools are deeper, and there you practise with flotation aids and your instructor close by. You never have to do anything you don’t feel ready for.
Will other people be watching?
No. Our lessons take place in private pools that are not open to the public. Only FitPit’s swimming lessons are held in the pool at the same time.
Do I need to pay a swimming hall entrance fee?
No. Pool access is included in the course price.
Can I join a Finnish-language beginner group?
Yes. Our Finnish-language beginner groups run at more times and locations, and anyone can join. Please note that the lessons are taught in Finnish. [See Finnish-language beginner groups →]
Can I bring my child to the same lesson?
Our adult lessons are for adults only. We also offer swimming lessons for children, but please note that children’s group lessons are conducted in Finnish.
Can I take private swimming lessons in English?
Yes. If you prefer to learn one-on-one, you can book a private lesson with an instructor. Read more about private lessons →