Can you be too old to learn to swim?

Kate McKenzie • September 3, 2025

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but this saying doesn’t always ring true – and it certainly doesn’t apply to adult humans who want to learn to swim! While gaining confidence to feel comfortable in the water at a later age may take a little more time, the truth is it’s never too late to learn to swim and your date of birth should never be a reason not to dive in and learn a new – and very important – skill.


When it comes to learning how to swim, age is no barrier. It’s a skill that anyone can learn with the right tuition… so what are you waiting for?

 

Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back!

There are many reasons why people don’t learn to swim as children; lack of access to a pool and swim instruction, parents who may fear the water themselves, or even medical reasons. When you haven’t spent time in the water in your formative years, jumping in the deep end as an adult can seem daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re not confident in your swimming ability and haven’t spent a lot of time around water, fear is only natural; it is there as a preservation mechanism to keep you safe.

Overcoming your fear of the water is completely achievable when you have someone to guide you and help you to gain competence, stroke by stroke. Competence breeds confidence, and once you have confidence in your ability you will find that fear no longer holds you back. Sure, not everyone will have the bravery – or ability and fitness – to take on the Rip Swim from Point Nepean to Points Lonsdale, but we all have the ability to feel at ease in the pool or at a calm beach.


Learning to swim is not only a key safety skill, but one that also unlocks doors to social activities, other sports, fitness and much more!

 

Gain A Skill For Life, No Matter Your Age…

As an adult who wants to learn to swim, the best thing you can do is enrol in classes at a professional swim school. If the thought of joining a class full of kids has been holding you back, there is no need to worry; here at Aquastar Swim Schools, we offer lessons specifically for adults. Whether you are a complete beginner or someone who wants to improve their stroke, we have experienced instructors who are used to teaching adults how to gain great confidence and ability in the water.


Age is no barrier; your first step to learning how to swim as an adult is as simple as picking up the phone and booking a lesson with us. Learn more about our Adult Swimming lessons.

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