Pop-up swim schools at no cost
Join us to learn the basics of swimming or improve your swimming skills in our swim schools offered at no cost!
For summer 2026, we offer Pop-up swim schools for children, as well as swim schools exclusively for girls and women.
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.
Pop-up swim schools at no cost are a concrete step toward a society where swimming skills belong to everyone.
Swim schools at no cost in Helsinki, Kauniainen and Kirkkonummi
Our lessons focus on fundamental swimming skills, confidence in the water, and water safety. Participation is completely free of charge. All instruction is provided in Finnish.
You can choose from three options for swim lessons at no cost:
Pop-up swim schools for ages 7–12
Pop-up swim schools for ages 13–17
Swim schools for women and girls
Pop-up swim schools for kids
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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.
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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.
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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.
Swim schools for women and girls
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Learn to swim through fun and positive experiences. Lessons include practising diving, gliding, and floating with the help of swimming aids.
Skill requirement: No previous swimming experience is required. Intended only for girls aged 7–12. There will be no men present at the pool during the session.
All classes are taught in Finnish.
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Learn to swim through fun and positive experiences. Lessons include practising diving, gliding, and floating with the help of swimming aids.
Skill requirement: No previous swimming experience is required. Intended only for women. There will be no men present at the pool during the session.
All classes are taught in Finnish.
Swim schools at no cost in swimming halls and beaches
You can take part in swim lessons at no cost at the following locations:
Aurinkolahti beach, Helsinki
Hietaniemi beach, Helsinki
Palettilampi, Helsinki
Kauniainen swimming hall, Kauniainen
Syväjärvi, Kirkkonummi
Valkea talo, Helsinki
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.
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Pop-up swimming schools are designed for all children without swimming skills who want to learn to swim in a safe and encouraging environment.
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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.
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Swim schools are organised at beaches and swimming halls in Helsinki, Kauniainen, and Kirkkonummi.
Aurinkolahti beach
Hietaniemi beach
Palettilampi
Syväjärvi
Kauniainen swimming hall
Valkea talo
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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, Kauniainen, and Kirkkonummi.
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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.
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Participants should bring a swimsuit, a towel, and swimming goggles if needed.
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Each child may register for only one 4×45min Pop up swimming school session.
For future swimming opportunities, you can contact your local city or municipality for more information.