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Can Swim

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.

Scroll down to explore our free Can Swim programs and find the right opportunity for you or your loved ones.

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.

Can Swim Adult 5-Week PARC Program – August 2026

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 17 August 2026. 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 closed.

Can Swim Teen 5-Week PARC Program – August 2026

WHO: Teenagers aged between 13 – 17 years old, suitable for beginners with little to no swimming experience or confidence. Our teen intensive program is designed for teenagers who have had little or no prior experience in swimming or water safety. This program teaches the basics of water safety and is a beginner step for teens to build confidence, learn basic skills and give reassurance in and around the water.
WHAT: This 5-week teen intensive program is an opportunity for teenagers who have never had previous opportunities to learn how to swim or have very limited or no water safety skills or knowledge. 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 teens to develop independence, make safer decisions and avoid risky situations in real-life settings whilst recreating in and around aquatic environments.
WHERE & WHEN: 5-week program at PARC. Commencing week of Monday 17 August 2026. Running Tuesdays and Thursdays in the evening at 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: Open now via the button below, or here.

Can Swim Infant Water Familiarisation 3 Day PARC Program – September 2026

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 14, Wednesday 16, and Friday 18 September 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: Open now via the button below, or here. Close on Sunday 30 August.

Can Swim 4 Day School Holiday Intensive Program at PARC – September 2026

WHO: This program is for school aged children and is delivered in 3 groups:
- Primary School children aged 5 -10 years old, suitable for beginners with little to no swimming experience or confidence.
- Pre-Teen children aged between 10 – 12 years old, suitable for beginners with little to no swimming experience or confidence.
- Teenagers aged between 13 – 17 years old, suitable for beginners with little to no swimming experience or confidence.
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: Open now via the button below, or here. Close on Friday 11 September.

Family Water Safety Challenge: Drop-In Sessions – September 2026

WHO: Families, including children aged 6 years and over
WHAT: Already visiting PARC these school holidays? Make your visit even more fun and educational by taking part in our FREE Family Water Safety Challenge.
In this interactive 25-minute session, families will build essential water safety knowledge and practical skills together through hands-on activities. Learn basic swimming survival skills, safe rescue techniques, and how to stay safer in and around the water.
Designed for families with children aged 6 years and over, these sessions encourage parents and carers to join in, as these life-saving skills are just as important for adults.
Please note: Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to participate in the water.
You’ll learn:
Lifejacket education – when to wear a lifejacket, why it matters, and how to fit one correctly.
Safe rescue skills – practical ways to help someone in trouble without putting yourself at risk.
WHERE & WHEN: Running at PARC during week 1 of the September School Holidays.
Tuesday 22 and Thursday 24 September 2026, commencing at either 11.40am or 12.10pm, following Splash Island sessions.
COST: The Family Water Safety Challenge is fully subsidised. Standard PARC pool entry fees apply.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: No booking is required! Simply head over with your family while you’re enjoying the facilities at PARC during the school holidays. Places are limited to 20 participants per session and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. If a session reaches capacity, you’re welcome to join the next available session.

Can Swim Junior Water Safety 3 Day Beach Program – Coming in January 2027

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 Frankston City Council. We ask that you complete a pre and post program survey for us to measure outcomes.
Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summery 26/27 programs

Can Swim Late-Primary Water Safety 3 Day Beach Program – Coming in January 2027

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.
Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summery 26/27 programs

Can Swim Teen Water Safety 3 Day Beach Program – Coming in January 2027

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.
Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summery 26/27 programs

Safety Drop-In Sessions at PINES – Coming in January 2027

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 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.
Expressions of interest now CLOSED – Watch this space for summery 26/27 programs

About our Community Can Swim Co-Designed Programs

Our community Can Swim programs (above) 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.
And other 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: 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.