As winter sets in and families seek engaging indoor activities, families in the Western Molonglo region of ACT are keeping active and building lifelong skills through swimming, with a whopping 3,700 students enrolled in GOswim lessons at Stromlo Leisure Centre.
This officially makes Stromlo home to the largest GOswim program in the Belgravia Leisure network, a proud reflection of the local community’s strong commitment to water safety, fitness and confidence in and around water.
“Seeing so many people coming through the doors each week to learn and build confidence in the water is something we’re incredibly proud of,” says Bernice Hay, Venue Manager at Stromlo.
“We think we’ve reached this point thanks to a combination of passionate swim teachers, strong community connections and a welcoming program that really supports all ages and skill levels. We’re focused on making swimming accessible and consistent, even during winter, because it’s more than a sport, it’s a skill for life.”
Another key factor credited to the venue’s success is the strong relationship between Stromlo Leisure Centre and the Woden Valley Swim Club through the GOswim Academy program. This program provides a pathway for over 100 students who show an interest in belonging to a community club the opportunity to continue their swimming success in the squad program to compete in ACT or at the Nationals.
“What we’re seeing at Stromlo is more than just strong participation, it’s a reflection of a quality program in a community that values swimming as a lifelong skill. When families prioritise swimming year-round, including through winter, it builds not only water confidence and safety, but also a consistent routine that supports long-term development,” says Gary Barclay, EGM High Performance Pathways, Coaching & Participation at Swimming Australia.
“The connection with Woden Valley Swim Club through the GOswim Academy creates a natural next step, giving young swimmers the opportunity to thrive in a welcoming club environment where they feel supported, challenged and part of something bigger than themselves.”
The GOswim program runs 48 weeks a year, allowing swimmers to maintain progress without long breaks. Experts agree that consistent lessons help prevent regression and improve skill retention.
Cheryl McLennan, Aquatics Expert at Belgravia Leisure, says, “Water safety is a year-round concern. The danger of water doesn’t disappear when the weather gets colder, yet we’ve often seen families pause lessons over winter. That decision can lead to children losing hard-earned skills and confidence.
“What’s encouraging now is that we’re seeing this trend start to reverse with fewer parents opting out during winter months and more recognising that consistent swimming is crucial for long-term safety and development,” McLennan said.
Whether it’s a child learning to float for the first time or an adult building their technique, GOswim supports swimmers of all ages and abilities. The program offers consistent opportunities for students to grow their skills and feel safer around the water, something especially important in Australia, where aquatic environments are part of everyday life.
With enrolments at an all-time high, Stromlo Leisure Centre is also welcoming new and passionate swim teachers to join the team and help support this growing community. For more about lessons or joining the team, visit the website.
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