Free Pop up
swim schools

Join us to learn the basics of swimming or improve your swimming skills!

Free swimming lessons are organized during the summer in municipal swimming halls and at beaches across the Helsinki metropolitan area for children and adults who cannot yet swim.

Pop-up swimming schools help improve swimming skills and water safety — and make learning to swim fun!

Children’s swimming skills have significantly declined in recent years — nearly half of Finns are not confident swimmers, and not all families have the financial means to support swimming practice

According to the 2022 national swimming skills survey, the percentage of children who can swim has dropped from 76% to 55% in just five years, and the number of children with no swimming skills at all has multiplied.

Free Pop up swimming schools are a concrete step toward a society where swimming skills are a right for everyone

To ensure we can offer the opportunity to learn swimming to as many children as possible, please register your child for only one swimming school.

Free swimming lessons at swimming halls and beaches

This summer, free Pop up swimming schools are organized at swimming halls and especially at beaches, where swimming is a part of many summer days. The lessons focus on basic swimming skills, confidence in the water, and water safety — and participation is completely free!

Please note that during Pop up swimming schools held at beaches, the child's guardian is responsible for the child’s safety throughout the lesson. The lessons are conducted in Finnish.

Pop up swim schools
for kids

  • Learn to swim through fun and play, using a kickboard and floatation devices. We’ll practice diving, gliding, and floating.

    Age recommendation: 7-12 years

    Skill requirement: No previous swimming experience required, but the child should be able to work in a group.

    Note! The language of instruction in the Pop up swim schools is Finnish.

  • Strengthen basic swimming skills and improve body control in the water.

    Age recommendation: 7-12 years

    Skill requirement: Diving, gliding, and jumping into the pool.

    Note! The language of instruction in the Pop up swim schools is Finnish. The lesson will take place in shallow and/or deep water, using a life vest, kickboard, and floatation device.

  • Strengthen basic swimming skills and practice correct swimming techniques. Work on swimming independently in deep water.

    Age recommendation: 7-12 years

    Skill requirement: 15m continuous swimming on the front and back, as well as jumping into the pool.

    Note! The language of instruction in the Pop up swim schools is Finnish. The lesson will take place in deep water, using a life vest, kickboard, and floatation device.

Pop up swim schools
for adults

  • We practice diving and water skills, and learn basic swimming strokes.

    Skill requirement: No previous swimming experience is required. Also suitable for adults who are nervous or afraid of swimming.

    Note! The language of instruction in the Pop up swim schools is Finnish.

  • We continue practicing basic swimming strokes and build confidence in the water.

    Skill requirement: Ability to swim continuously for at least 5–10 meters.

    Note! The language of instruction in the Pop up swim schools is Finnish.

Free summer Pop-up swimming schools are organized for adults and children in Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen, and Kirkkonummi

You can take part in free swimming lessons at the following swimming halls:

  • Hakunila swimming hall

  • Kirkkonummi swimming hall

  • Kauniainen swimming hall

And at the following beaches:

  • Kuusijärvi

  • Vetokannas Beach

  • Oittaa Beach

  • Aurinkolahti Beach

  • Palettilampi

  • Hietsu (Hietaniemi Beach)

  • Syväjärvi

Free Pop up swimming schools offer non-swimming children and adults the opportunity to learn to swim in a safe environment with the guidance of professional swimming instructors

Swimming is not just a skill — it opens the door to summer fun, safety in and around water, and can even save lives.
These free Pop up swimming schools are a concrete step toward a society where swimming skills are accessible to everyone. This campaign is a chance to make a real difference — not just in statistics, but in people's lives.

Good to know before participating in the swimming school:

  • You may register for only one free Pop up swimming school per child. Registration closes on the Friday before the swimming lesson.

  • When registering, it is important to choose the correct skill level (Beginners, Advanced Beginners, or Basic Technique) to ensure the lesson matches the child’s swimming ability.

  • Children need to bring a swimsuit, towel, and swim goggles.

  • If a child requires assistance in the changing room, it should be selected based on the accompanying adult’s gender.

  • Please remember to shower thoroughly with soap before and after swimming. Long hair should be tied back or covered with a swim cap.

  • Children participating in Pop up swimming schools remain under the responsibility of their parent/adult guardian throughout the lesson. Please do not leave the swimming facility or beach area during the lesson.

  • At outdoor beach-based Pop up swimming schools, the guardian is responsible for the child’s safety for the entire duration of the lesson.

  • Pop up swimming schools are designed for all children without swimming skills who want to learn to swim in a safe and encouraging environment.

  • You can register for the Pop up swimming schools through the FitPit online store here. Registration closes on the Friday before each swimming school session.

  • Swimming schools are organized at the swimming halls in Kilo, Itäkeskus, Jakomäki, Hakunila, and Kauniainen — and during the summer season, also at local beaches.

  • The Pop up swimming schools are completely free of charge for all participants. The lessons are funded by FitPit Oy in cooperation with the cities of Helsinki, Vantaa, Kauniainen, and Espoo, as well as the municipality of Kirkkonummi.

  • Each summer swimming lesson lasts 45 minutes and takes place in small groups of up to eight participants.

    In addition to single lessons, there are also free four-session intensive courses available during the summer.

  • Participants should bring a swimsuit, a towel, and swimming goggles if needed.

  • Each child may register for only one Pop up swimming school session.

    For future swimming opportunities, you can contact your local city or municipality for more information.