Freediving Pool Training in Melbourne

Where to practice breath-holds, technique, and rescue skills in controlled conditions.

Pool training is essential for developing freediving skills safely. Melbourne has several options for practicing static breath-holds, dynamic swimming, and rescue techniques.

Why Pool Training Matters

  • Controlled environment — No currents, waves, or cold water to manage
  • Safety — Shallow water and immediate rescue access
  • Technique focus — Refine form without open water variables
  • Consistent conditions — Train year-round regardless of weather
  • Breath-hold development — Build CO2 tolerance safely

What You Can Practice

Static Apnea (STA)

Breath-holding at the surface, floating face-down. This builds:

  • CO2 tolerance
  • Relaxation skills
  • Mental discipline
  • Understanding of your body's responses

Dynamic Apnea (DYN/DNF)

Horizontal underwater swimming, with or without fins:

  • DYN — With bifins or monofin
  • DNF — No fins (breaststroke kick)

Develops efficiency, technique, and breath-hold while moving.

Rescue Skills

Critical safety training including:

  • Recognizing blackout and LMC (loss of motor control)
  • Rescue breathing techniques
  • Towing an unconscious diver
  • Pool extraction

Pool Training Options

Club Sessions

The best way to access pool training is through clubs like Southern Freedivers, which organize regular sessions at various Melbourne pools.

  • Advantages: Supervised training, safety divers present, coaching available
  • Typical cost: Included in membership or $10–$20 per session
  • Frequency: Usually weekly

Course Pool Sessions

Most freediving courses include pool sessions. These are typically held at:

  • MSAC (Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre)
  • Various council pools around Melbourne
  • Private pools arranged by instructors

Independent Training

You can practice at public pools, but with important limitations:

  • Always bring a buddy — Never practice breath-holds alone
  • Respect pool rules — Some pools prohibit underwater swimming or breath-holding
  • Stay in designated areas — Use lap lanes appropriately
  • Be discreet — Lifeguards may not understand freediving

Critical safety warning: Never practice breath-holds alone in a pool. Shallow water blackout can occur without warning, even in experienced freedivers. Always have a trained buddy watching you.

Melbourne Pools with Deep Ends

For freediving practice, deeper pools are preferable. Most Melbourne council pools have a 2m deep end, which is adequate for basic training.

Notable Pools

  • Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) — Multiple pools including a dive pool (Albert Park)
  • Monash Aquatic Centre — 50m pool with deep section (Glen Waverley)
  • Aqualink Box Hill — Good facilities for lap swimming
  • Various council pools — Check local facilities for pool depth

Note: Pool availability and policies change. Always check with the venue before planning a freediving session, as some pools have specific rules about underwater activities.

Pool Training Tips

  • Start with relaxation — Spend time floating and calming your breathing
  • Use tables — CO2 and O2 tables build tolerance systematically
  • Focus on form — Technique matters more than distance or time
  • Train consistently — Regular short sessions beat occasional long ones
  • Rest adequately — Don't stack breath-holds too close together
  • Know when to stop — End sessions before fatigue compromises safety

Getting Started

  1. Take a course — Learn proper technique and safety before training independently
  2. Join a club — Access organized pool sessions with supervision
  3. Find a buddy — Never train breath-holds alone
  4. Start conservatively — Build gradually, not dramatically

For breathing techniques to practice in the pool, see Breathing Techniques for Beginner Freedivers on Freediving For All.