Can Swim
Can Swim
I want to
Our Vision: More People Can Swim
At Peninsula Leisure, we believe everyone deserves the skills and confidence to be safe in and around the water. That’s why our vision is simple: More People Can Swim.
Yet, too many people in our community are missing out. In Frankston, up to 80% of children are not developing the essential swimming and water safety skills they need. This doesn’t account for the many adults who also missed the opportunity to learn these life-saving skills.
The need has never been greater. The National Drowning Report 2025 recorded 357 drowning deaths across Australia, with Victoria experiencing one of its most tragic years on record. Many of these preventable incidents occurred close to home, across the Mornington Peninsula.
That’s why we’re taking action. That’s where Can Swim community programs come in!
In partnership with Frankston City Council, we’re delivering More People Can Swim – a series of fully funded (yes, completely free for participants!) community water safety programs designed to help people of all ages build confidence, improve their swimming ability, and develop the knowledge and skills to stay safer in and around the water.
Delivered across Frankston’s leading aquatic facilities, PARC and PINES, as well as the beautiful Frankston Beach, these programs make learning essential water safety skills accessible for everyone.
Ready to explore our free Can Swim programs and find the right opportunity for you or your loved ones?
Browse the programs running now and enrol on the Current Programs tab, or register to be notified when future programs relevant to you open.
About our Community Can Swim Public Programs
As we head towards the warmer months of summer, we are running a variety of programs to cater to a range of participants. These programs are fully funded, which means you pay nothing to join and learn these vital, life-saving skills. Please note – we update this list regularly, so please check back here for new programs.
To enrol, select a program below and use its ‘Register Interest’ button to fill in the form. Looking for something later in the year? Head to the ‘Future Programs’ tab to register for notice of upcoming programs.
Can Swim 4 Day School Holiday Intensive Program at PARC – Starting September
| Who | This program is for school aged children and is delivered in 3 groups:
|
|---|---|
| What | Throughout this 4-day program, participants will gain confidence, learn essential water safety and survival skills helping them feel more comfortable joining friends in and around the water. The program supports school students aged 5–17 years old to develop independence, make safer decisions and avoid potential risky situations in real-life settings whilst recreating in and around aquatic environments. Classes will be separated by age and ability. |
| Where & When | 4 day program at PARC. Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 September, Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October 2026 commencing at either 10.30am or 11.15am. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest are now closed. |
Can Swim Seniors Festival Program – Starting October
| Who | Adults aged over 60 who have not learnt how to swim, or have not swum in a long time. |
|---|---|
| What | Do you want to be able to swim or play with your grandchild in the water? Never had swimming lessons but want to take your grandchildren to the beach this summer? This 4-week Can Swim program helps build essential swimming and water safety skills. Gain confidence, learn practical survival and rescue skills and get ready for summer in Frankston with your family. Book into all sessions or just one. Suitable for beginner swimmers only – this is about water safety, not stroke development. |
| Where & When | Running at PARC during the Frankston City Senior’s Festival.
4 x 45min sessions.
|
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Open now via the button below, or here via this link. Closing on Tuesday 29 September. |
Can Swim Infant Water Familiarisation 3 Day PARC Program – Starting November
| Who | This program is for children 6 months to 2 years and 11 months old (cannot accept 3 year olds). |
|---|---|
| What | Together, parents and their child participate in this multi-session program to learn the fundamentals of water familiarisation and to begin their swimming and water safety journey. This program equips parents with the skills and knowledge to practise in their own time and build essential, foundational skills with their child. |
| Where & When | 3 day program at PARC. Monday 16, Wednesday 18, and Friday 20 November 2026, commencing at 11:10 am. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest are now open, closing Sunday 1 November. |
Can Swim Adult 5-Week PARC Program – Starting November
| Who | Adults aged 18 years and over, suitable for beginners with little to no swimming experience or confidence. |
|---|---|
| What | This 5-week adults’ program is an opportunity for adults who have never had previous opportunities to learn how to swim or have very limited or no water safety skills or knowledge. This program teaches the basics of water safety and is a beginner step for adults to build confidence, learn basic skills and give reassurance in and around the water. Throughout 5 weeks, participants will learn how to keep themselves safe in aquatic environments, use self-survival skills/tools to save themselves and others and learn how to help identify and prevent dangers and risks in and around the water. |
| Where & When | 5-week program at PARC. Commencing week of Monday 10 November. Running Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoon/evening (2.55pm or 6.45pm). |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Applications for this program are now open, closing Sunday 1 November. |
Future Can Swim Programs
More Can Swim programs are on the way. Explore what’s coming up below and register your interest to be the first to know when Expressions of Interest open.
Safety Drop-In Sessions at PINES – Starting November 2026
| Who | Families, including children aged 5 years and over. |
|---|---|
| What | Bring the whole family to learn essential water safety together. These sessions cover basic swimming survival skills, rescue techniques, and interactive activities suitable for all ages. A fun, inclusive way for families to practice safe behaviours in and around the water. |
| Where & When | Pines Forest Aquatic Centre. Next program will be December 2026 and January / February 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Watch this space for drop-in dates. |
Can Swim Adult 5-Week PARC Program – Starting February 2027
| Who | Adults aged 18 years and over, suitable for beginners with little to no swimming experience or confidence. |
|---|---|
| What | This 5-week adults’ program is an opportunity for adults who have never had previous opportunities to learn how to swim or have very limited or no water safety skills or knowledge. This program teaches the basics of water safety and is a beginner step for adults to build confidence, learn basic skills and give reassurance in and around the water. Throughout 5 weeks, participants will learn how to keep themselves safe in aquatic environments, use self-survival skills/tools to save themselves and others and learn how to help identify and prevent dangers and risks in and around the water. |
| Where & When | 5-week program at PARC over November. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Opening soon. |
Can Swim Infant Familiarisation 3 Day PARC Program – Starting Febrary 2027
| Who | This program is for children 6 months to 2 years and 11 months old (cannot accept 3 year olds). |
|---|---|
| What | Together, parents and their child participate in this multi-session program to learn the fundamentals of water familiarisation and to begin their swimming and water safety journey. This program equips parents with the skills and knowledge to practise in their own time and build essential, foundational skills with their child. |
| Where & When | 3 day program at PARC over February 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Opening soon. |
Summer Beach Programs
Learning water safety doesn’t stop at the pool. Our summer beach programs take skills into the open water at Frankston Beach – helping children and teens stay safer in surf and foreshore environments.
Can Swim Teen Water Safety 3 Day Beach Program
| Who | Teens aged 13–17 years. |
|---|---|
| What | Tailored for teenagers with little or no swim experience, this three-day program combines practical swimming skills with beach safety education. Teens will learn survival techniques, personal safety strategies, and build confidence to enjoy beach activities safely. |
| Where & When | Frankston Beach. Next program will be January 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summer 26/27 programs. |
Can Swim Late-Primary Water Safety 3 Day Beach Program
| Who | Children aged 10–12 years (Grade 5–6). |
|---|---|
| What | This three-day program helps older children develop independence and confidence around water. It focuses on essential swimming and water safety skills for open water, surf, and beach environments, preparing them to enjoy water activities safely as they transition to secondary school. |
| Where & When | Frankston Beach. Next program will be January 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summer 26/27 programs. |
Can Swim Junior Water Safety 3 Day Beach Program
| Who | Children aged 5–10 years. |
|---|---|
| What | Designed for young beginners, this three-day program introduces children to the beach environment, teaching them essential water safety skills in a fun and supportive way. Kids will develop confidence in the water, learn basic swimming techniques, and understand how to stay safe in shallow areas. |
| Where & When | Frankston Beach. Next program will be January 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summer 26/27 programs. |
Want to hear about future programs first?
Register to receive notice of programs opening and be among the first to know when Expressions of Interest go live.
Community Can Swim Co-Designed Programs
Our community Can Swim public programs are open to everyone, but we know that every community has different needs.
If you’re a school, sporting club, community organisation, local business or support service, we’d love to work with you to co-design a free swimming and water safety program that meets the needs of your participants. Together, we can create tailored programs for people who may face barriers to accessing swimming lessons or water safety education, including:
- At-risk communities, schools and locations – Those who may face barriers to accessing swimming lessons or water safety education.
- Teen and youth groups – Those at risk of unsafe swimming situations, pool parties, or going to the beach with friends.
- Families with no swimming experience – Parents and children who have never had the chance to learn essential water skills.
- Grade 5–6 students – Children about to transition to secondary school without foundational swimming skills.
- Parent and child groups (infant and preschool age) – Families looking to start their young children on the water safety journey together.
- Other community groups – Individuals or groups in the community who could benefit from targeted swimming and water safety education.
- We also offer free school incursions, where our team comes to your school to deliver water safety education to students.
If you have specific needs, or would like to explore a co-designed program, please contact our Can Swim team at can.swim@peninsulaleisure.com.au for more information on this free service.
Can Swim’s Impact
Over the past two years, Can Swim has helped thousands of people across the Frankston community build the skills and confidence to be safer in and around the water. The infographic below highlights the key outcomes and achievements from Years 1 and 2 of the program, showcasing the positive impact this initiative has had on individuals, families and our wider community.
Funding Partners
We would like to extend our thanks to our partners at Frankston City Council for their support of our Can Swim initiative. Rotary Peninsula 2.0’s Birth Tree is also a proud supporter of our More People Can Swim Infant Programs.
. 
Can Swim in the Media
We are excited to continue and scale this important, life saving goal that the Frankston community Can Swim. Check out some media mentions below:
- Can Swim Year 1 Success Infographic
- Council making waves in tackling national water safety issue
- Summer Safety across Frankston Beaches and Foreshore areas
- Frankston: Free Can Swim sessions
- Can Swim wins Community Service Gold Award at the 2025 Australian Swim Schools Association Awards of Excellence.
- Can Swim recognised for Community Impact Initiative of the Year Award
Register for Future Can Swim Programs
To enrol in a program that’s running now, head to the Current Programs tab, select the program you’re interested in and use its ‘Register Interest’ button to fill in the form.
To be notified when future programs relevant to you open, fill out the registration form below.
Our Vision: More People Can Swim
At Peninsula Leisure, we believe everyone deserves the skills and confidence to be safe in and around the water. That’s why our vision is simple: More People Can Swim.
Yet, too many people in our community are missing out. In Frankston, up to 80% of children are not developing the essential swimming and water safety skills they need. This doesn’t account for the many adults who also missed the opportunity to learn these life-saving skills.
The need has never been greater. The National Drowning Report 2025 recorded 357 drowning deaths across Australia, with Victoria experiencing one of its most tragic years on record. Many of these preventable incidents occurred close to home, across the Mornington Peninsula.
That’s why we’re taking action. That’s where Can Swim community programs come in!
In partnership with Frankston City Council, we’re delivering More People Can Swim – a series of fully funded (yes, completely free for participants!) community water safety programs designed to help people of all ages build confidence, improve their swimming ability, and develop the knowledge and skills to stay safer in and around the water.
Delivered across Frankston’s leading aquatic facilities, PARC and PINES, as well as the beautiful Frankston Beach, these programs make learning essential water safety skills accessible for everyone.
Ready to explore our free Can Swim programs and find the right opportunity for you or your loved ones?
Browse the programs running now and enrol on the Current Programs tab, or register to be notified when future programs relevant to you open.
About our Community Can Swim Public Programs
As we head towards the warmer months of summer, we are running a variety of programs to cater to a range of participants. These programs are fully funded, which means you pay nothing to join and learn these vital, life-saving skills. Please note – we update this list regularly, so please check back here for new programs.
To enrol, select a program below and use its ‘Register Interest’ button to fill in the form. Looking for something later in the year? Head to the ‘Future Programs’ tab to register for notice of upcoming programs.
Can Swim 4 Day School Holiday Intensive Program at PARC – Starting September
| Who | This program is for school aged children and is delivered in 3 groups:
|
|---|---|
| What | Throughout this 4-day program, participants will gain confidence, learn essential water safety and survival skills helping them feel more comfortable joining friends in and around the water. The program supports school students aged 5–17 years old to develop independence, make safer decisions and avoid potential risky situations in real-life settings whilst recreating in and around aquatic environments. Classes will be separated by age and ability. |
| Where & When | 4 day program at PARC. Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 September, Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October 2026 commencing at either 10.30am or 11.15am. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest are now closed. |
Can Swim Seniors Festival Program – Starting October
| Who | Adults aged over 60 who have not learnt how to swim, or have not swum in a long time. |
|---|---|
| What | Do you want to be able to swim or play with your grandchild in the water? Never had swimming lessons but want to take your grandchildren to the beach this summer? This 4-week Can Swim program helps build essential swimming and water safety skills. Gain confidence, learn practical survival and rescue skills and get ready for summer in Frankston with your family. Book into all sessions or just one. Suitable for beginner swimmers only – this is about water safety, not stroke development. |
| Where & When | Running at PARC during the Frankston City Senior’s Festival.
4 x 45min sessions.
|
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Open now via the button below, or here via this link. Closing on Tuesday 29 September. |
Can Swim Infant Water Familiarisation 3 Day PARC Program – Starting November
| Who | This program is for children 6 months to 2 years and 11 months old (cannot accept 3 year olds). |
|---|---|
| What | Together, parents and their child participate in this multi-session program to learn the fundamentals of water familiarisation and to begin their swimming and water safety journey. This program equips parents with the skills and knowledge to practise in their own time and build essential, foundational skills with their child. |
| Where & When | 3 day program at PARC. Monday 16, Wednesday 18, and Friday 20 November 2026, commencing at 11:10 am. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest are now open, closing Sunday 1 November. |
Can Swim Adult 5-Week PARC Program – Starting November
| Who | Adults aged 18 years and over, suitable for beginners with little to no swimming experience or confidence. |
|---|---|
| What | This 5-week adults’ program is an opportunity for adults who have never had previous opportunities to learn how to swim or have very limited or no water safety skills or knowledge. This program teaches the basics of water safety and is a beginner step for adults to build confidence, learn basic skills and give reassurance in and around the water. Throughout 5 weeks, participants will learn how to keep themselves safe in aquatic environments, use self-survival skills/tools to save themselves and others and learn how to help identify and prevent dangers and risks in and around the water. |
| Where & When | 5-week program at PARC. Commencing week of Monday 10 November. Running Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoon/evening (2.55pm or 6.45pm). |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Applications for this program are now open, closing Sunday 1 November. |
Future Can Swim Programs
More Can Swim programs are on the way. Explore what’s coming up below and register your interest to be the first to know when Expressions of Interest open.
Safety Drop-In Sessions at PINES – Starting November 2026
| Who | Families, including children aged 5 years and over. |
|---|---|
| What | Bring the whole family to learn essential water safety together. These sessions cover basic swimming survival skills, rescue techniques, and interactive activities suitable for all ages. A fun, inclusive way for families to practice safe behaviours in and around the water. |
| Where & When | Pines Forest Aquatic Centre. Next program will be December 2026 and January / February 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Watch this space for drop-in dates. |
Can Swim Adult 5-Week PARC Program – Starting February 2027
| Who | Adults aged 18 years and over, suitable for beginners with little to no swimming experience or confidence. |
|---|---|
| What | This 5-week adults’ program is an opportunity for adults who have never had previous opportunities to learn how to swim or have very limited or no water safety skills or knowledge. This program teaches the basics of water safety and is a beginner step for adults to build confidence, learn basic skills and give reassurance in and around the water. Throughout 5 weeks, participants will learn how to keep themselves safe in aquatic environments, use self-survival skills/tools to save themselves and others and learn how to help identify and prevent dangers and risks in and around the water. |
| Where & When | 5-week program at PARC over November. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Opening soon. |
Can Swim Infant Familiarisation 3 Day PARC Program – Starting Febrary 2027
| Who | This program is for children 6 months to 2 years and 11 months old (cannot accept 3 year olds). |
|---|---|
| What | Together, parents and their child participate in this multi-session program to learn the fundamentals of water familiarisation and to begin their swimming and water safety journey. This program equips parents with the skills and knowledge to practise in their own time and build essential, foundational skills with their child. |
| Where & When | 3 day program at PARC over February 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Opening soon. |
Summer Beach Programs
Learning water safety doesn’t stop at the pool. Our summer beach programs take skills into the open water at Frankston Beach – helping children and teens stay safer in surf and foreshore environments.
Can Swim Teen Water Safety 3 Day Beach Program
| Who | Teens aged 13–17 years. |
|---|---|
| What | Tailored for teenagers with little or no swim experience, this three-day program combines practical swimming skills with beach safety education. Teens will learn survival techniques, personal safety strategies, and build confidence to enjoy beach activities safely. |
| Where & When | Frankston Beach. Next program will be January 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summer 26/27 programs. |
Can Swim Late-Primary Water Safety 3 Day Beach Program
| Who | Children aged 10–12 years (Grade 5–6). |
|---|---|
| What | This three-day program helps older children develop independence and confidence around water. It focuses on essential swimming and water safety skills for open water, surf, and beach environments, preparing them to enjoy water activities safely as they transition to secondary school. |
| Where & When | Frankston Beach. Next program will be January 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summer 26/27 programs. |
Can Swim Junior Water Safety 3 Day Beach Program
| Who | Children aged 5–10 years. |
|---|---|
| What | Designed for young beginners, this three-day program introduces children to the beach environment, teaching them essential water safety skills in a fun and supportive way. Kids will develop confidence in the water, learn basic swimming techniques, and understand how to stay safe in shallow areas. |
| Where & When | Frankston Beach. Next program will be January 2027. |
| Cost | Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes and skills learnt. |
| Expression of Interest | Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summer 26/27 programs. |
Want to hear about future programs first?
Register to receive notice of programs opening and be among the first to know when Expressions of Interest go live.
Community Can Swim Co-Designed Programs
Our community Can Swim public programs are open to everyone, but we know that every community has different needs.
If you’re a school, sporting club, community organisation, local business or support service, we’d love to work with you to co-design a free swimming and water safety program that meets the needs of your participants. Together, we can create tailored programs for people who may face barriers to accessing swimming lessons or water safety education, including:
- At-risk communities, schools and locations – Those who may face barriers to accessing swimming lessons or water safety education.
- Teen and youth groups – Those at risk of unsafe swimming situations, pool parties, or going to the beach with friends.
- Families with no swimming experience – Parents and children who have never had the chance to learn essential water skills.
- Grade 5–6 students – Children about to transition to secondary school without foundational swimming skills.
- Parent and child groups (infant and preschool age) – Families looking to start their young children on the water safety journey together.
- Other community groups – Individuals or groups in the community who could benefit from targeted swimming and water safety education.
- We also offer free school incursions, where our team comes to your school to deliver water safety education to students.
If you have specific needs, or would like to explore a co-designed program, please contact our Can Swim team at can.swim@peninsulaleisure.com.au for more information on this free service.
Can Swim’s Impact
Over the past two years, Can Swim has helped thousands of people across the Frankston community build the skills and confidence to be safer in and around the water. The infographic below highlights the key outcomes and achievements from Years 1 and 2 of the program, showcasing the positive impact this initiative has had on individuals, families and our wider community.
Funding Partners
We would like to extend our thanks to our partners at Frankston City Council for their support of our Can Swim initiative. Rotary Peninsula 2.0’s Birth Tree is also a proud supporter of our More People Can Swim Infant Programs.
.
Can Swim in the Media
We are excited to continue and scale this important, life saving goal that the Frankston community Can Swim. Check out some media mentions below:
- Can Swim Year 1 Success Infographic
- Council making waves in tackling national water safety issue
- Summer Safety across Frankston Beaches and Foreshore areas
- Frankston: Free Can Swim sessions
- Can Swim wins Community Service Gold Award at the 2025 Australian Swim Schools Association Awards of Excellence.
- Can Swim recognised for Community Impact Initiative of the Year Award
Register for Future Can Swim Programs
To enrol in a program that’s running now, head to the Current Programs tab, select the program you’re interested in and use its ‘Register Interest’ button to fill in the form.
To be notified when future programs relevant to you open, fill out the registration form below.