Your First Swimming Lesson at Bishan

You have a first lesson booked at Bishan Swimming Complex. Here is what happens between now and the end of lesson one, so nothing on the day is a surprise.

Independence: SwimLesson.sg is an independent guide for Swim2u learners. We do not operate Bishan Swimming Complex. Check hours on the Bishan pool visitor guide.

Before the day: your confirmation

You should have a written confirmation with:

• the coach's name;
• day, start time and length of the lesson;
• the meeting point;
• the format (private, pair or group) and what you have paid for.

If any of these is missing, message the lesson team before the day. Don't come to the pool without a confirmed time; the pool being open does not mean a coach is there.

Getting there and meeting your coach

• Address: 1 Bishan Street 14. Nearest MRT: Bishan (NS17/CC15).
• Arrive 15 minutes early to pay entry, change and use the toilet.
• Meeting point: as written in your confirmation.
• If you can't find the coach, message the number on your confirmation. Don't enter the water until the coach is with you.

Pool entry

Each learner pays pool admission to ActiveSG on arrival; it is not part of the lesson fee. A parent who goes onto the pool deck may also need to pay. Current rates: Bishan pool visitor guide.

What to bring

• Swimwear (put it on at home for young children to save time)
• Goggles that fit (try them on at home)
• Swim cap if long hair
• Towel, slippers, a bag for wet things
• Water bottle
• Any medication the learner might need, such as an inhaler, given to the parent who stays

Weather

Bishan's pools are outdoors. If lightning is detected near the pool, everyone is cleared from the water. Your coach will wait to see if swimming can resume. For live lightning alerts, the Meteorological Service Singapore and the myENV app publish warnings.

Handover (children)

• Parent or guardian hands the child to the coach at the meeting point.
• Tell the coach anything relevant today: tiredness, a cold, a recent fright.
• Ask us when you enquire. Stay at the complex for the whole lesson.
• The coach looks after the booked learner(s) only. Brothers and sisters who are not in the lesson must be watched by their own adult, and should not be left waiting alone at the poolside.
• Collect your child from the coach at the end. Don't let them return to the water on their own afterwards.

Lesson one

The first lesson is mostly about finding out what the learner can do, and making them comfortable. Expect:

• a short chat;
• a careful entry into water where the learner can stand;
• simple tasks: blowing bubbles, face in, holding the wall and kicking, floating with support;
• a quick summary from the coach at the end.

It is normal for a nervous learner to spend most of lesson one getting used to the water. That is progress.

After lesson one

The coach will suggest what to work on next. Ask how many lessons a typical package covers and how make-ups work. Nobody can promise a set result after a set number of lessons.

FAQs

What if it rains? Light rain usually doesn't stop a lesson; lightning does. See above.
My child refuses to get in. Now what? Tell the coach. Sitting on the edge and putting feet in is a fine start.

Last updated: 28 October 2026