Home > Aquatics > Aquatic Programmes

Aquatic programmes

Get fit, active and water wise with motivating programmes


As well as the daily operation of Manukau’s public swimming pools, we also run a number of special aquatic programmes aimed at motivating and supporting our local communities to be fit, active and water wise.

Swim Safe and Water Safe programmes for schools

Swim Safe and Water Safe are classes for primary and intermediate school students. Swim Safe promotes water confidence through basic learn-to-swim instruction and stroke correction. Water Safe teaches swimmers basic CPR, boat safety, life jacket drills and how to use floatation devices in the water.

Learn to swim

Regardless of age or ability, you and your family are encouraged to learn to swim at any Manukau Leisure pool. Everyone is welcome in classes that range from specialised pre-school and water babies programmes through to one-on-one adult lessons and swim club.

Professional instructors will take you through a step-by-step programme that will give you skills and confidence to enjoy the water. Swimsation is our resident swim school provider at Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre in Mangere, Manurewa Aquatic Centre, Otara Leisure Centre and Papatoetoe Centennial Pools. And SwimGym (owned and operated by Howick Pakuranga Swimming Club runs classes at Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre in Pakuranga.

Join an aquarobics class

Have a blast while achieving a full body workout that takes the impact off your joints. All Manukau Leisure swimming pools offer a variation of aqua fitness classes. Download your local pool’s aquatic timetable to find out when there’s a class near you.

Aquatic centre filers (contains aquatic timetables):

Become a Rookie Lifeguard

This fun and educational aquatic programme is designed to teach 11 to 14-year-olds basic life saving, lifeguarding and water safety skills. Contact us to register your interest or get in touch with your local pool.

‘Keep Your Whanau Afloat’ campaign

Run in conjunction with Injury Free Counties Manukau, this week long programme offers free water safety instruction to families. Keep Your Whanau Afloat runs during February of each year and is available at all Manukau Leisure swimming pools.

Amphibious training

Top sports teams and athletes often train in pools, especially for post match sessions when removing impact from joints and gently working out bumps and bruises is a priority. Amphibious training is also ideal for pre-season training or as an alternative when sports fields are closed. We can assist in planning aerobic and anaerobic water workouts that will get your team in great shape.