Accessible Swimming Facilities in Singapore: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities (2025)

For travelers and residents in Singapore, swimming is a practical way to cope with the tropical climate and a vital form of therapy for many persons with disabilities (PWDs). However, finding a facility that meets specific accessibility requirements can be challenging. A "wheelchair-accessible" rating often refers only to the building entrance or the pool deck, rather than entry into the water itself.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Singapore’s accessible swimming facilities. It categorizes venues by their specific features—from public complexes with ramped entries to specialized hydrotherapy centres—to help you plan a visit based on physical needs and logistical requirements.

The Enabling Village Inclusive Pool (Redhill)

Address: Enabling Village, 20 Lengkok Bahru, Singapore 159053 Operating Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (By appointment only)

Opened in April 2025, this facility represents a significant development in Singapore’s inclusive infrastructure. It is the country’s first fully inclusive private indoor swimming facility, operated by Little Splashes Aquatics in partnership with SG Enable.

Unlike standard pools, this facility is designed specifically to accommodate diverse physical and sensory needs.

Key accessibility features

• Ramp Access: A gradual wheelchair-accessible ramp allows for direct entry into the water without the need for mechanical hoists.
• Water Temperature: The pool is heated to a therapeutic temperature, which is essential for individuals with muscle spasticity who may react negatively to cold water.
• Safety Specifications: The pool maintains a shallow depth of 1.0 metres. The surrounding deck features non-slip flooring, high-contrast visual markers, and grab bars along pathways.
• Amenities: Changing rooms and shower facilities are sized to accommodate caregivers and mobility devices.
• Equipment: Adaptive equipment, including aquatic wheelchairs and specialized flotation aids, is available on-site.

Usage information: Access is by appointment only. Visitors must pre-book slots via the Little Splashes Aquatics website. The facility offers specific time slots for caregivers and small-group adaptive sessions.

Image source: The Straits Times

ActiveSG public pools with accessibility features

ActiveSG manages Singapore’s network of public swimming complexes. While most complexes provide basic barrier-free access (such as lifts and accessible toilets), a selected number of "Integrated Hubs" and renovated locations now feature direct ramp access into the pools.

Locations with confirmed ramp entry (as of 2025): These locations allow wheelchair users to enter the water using a pool wheelchair via a ramp:

• Bukit Canberra: A newer facility in the North with modern accessibility standards. Location: 21 Canberra Link, Singapore 756973.
• Delta Swimming Complex: Delta is designated as a Normal Pool / Inclusive Pool under ActiveSG’s classification. It houses one competition pool, one teaching pool, and one wading pool. The teaching pool includes features such as accessibility ramps, making it suitable for learners and swimmers with varied needs. The wading pool is ideal for young children or those easing into water confidence. Location: 900 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 158790.
• Heartbeat @ Bedok ActiveSG Swimming Complex: Features a sheltered pool with ramp access. Location: Level 5 Heartbeat@Bedok, 11 Bedok North Street 1, Singapore 469662.
• Jurong Lake Gardens Pool: In addition to an accessible pool, also features a wheelchair-accessible Rooftop Garden, rentable event spaces, and an exercise playground, catering to all ages and accessibility needs. Location: 30 Yuan Ching Road, Singapore 618664.
• Jurong West Swimming Complex: Features a sheltered competition pool with ramp access. Location: 20 Jurong West Street 93, Singapore 648965.
• Pasir Ris Swimming Complex: Offers ramp access and wide pool decks. Location: 120 Pasir Ris Central, Singapore 519640.
• Sengkang Swimming Complex: Includes ramp entry into the teaching/fun pool. Location: 57 Anchorvale Road, Singapore 544964.
• Sport Park @ Teck Ghee: Key features include a sheltered pool, 0.9m in depth, designed to support low-impact physical activity and rehabilitation. It is also equipped with a jacuzzi and a sensory trail, where there are wall-mounted water jets at various heights up to waist level. The availability of a waterproof wheelchair, along with ramp access into the pool, further enhances accessibility for those with limited mobility. Location: 1771 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569978. Learn more via this article and Instagram Reels!
• Tampines Swimming Complex: The complex has ramps leading into the pool, allowing easy access for wheelchair users. It is designed to be inclusive for all visitors. Location: Level 6 Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523.

Visitor information

• Pool wheelchairs: Facilities with ramps typically provide water-resistant wheelchairs for transfer.
• Inclusive Entry: Visitors requiring assistance should approach the guest services counter to inquire about the "inclusive entry point" or to request access to the pool wheelchair.
• Peak Times: Public pools can be crowded on weekends. For unobstructed use of the ramps and quieter water, weekday mornings (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) are recommended.

Image source: Just Swim Singapore

Adaptive and therapy pools at specialist centres

For individuals requiring rehabilitation or warm-water therapy, specialist centres offer medical-grade facilities. Unlike public pools, these are generally not open for recreational swimming and often require a medical referral or programme enrollment.

Key facilities

• ABLE Singapore
• Facility: Learner's swimming pool at Pasir Ris Swimming Complex.
• Access: Strictly for ABLE clients; stroke survivors must enrol in ABLE's rehabilitation services to participate.
• AWWA Centre for Rehabilitation & Education
• Facility: A warm-water pool designed to facilitate movement for individuals with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy.
• Access: Restricted to AWWA clients and programme participants.
• SGH Hydrotherapy Centre (Singapore General Hospital) & TTSH Rehab Centre
• Facility: These hospital-based pools feature precise temperature control (32–34°C) and ceiling or chair hoists for full-support entry.
• Access: Available only to patients with a specialist referral as part of a prescribed treatment plan.
• SPD Ability Centre (Tiong Bahru)
• Facility: A dedicated hydrotherapy pool used primarily for rehabilitation.
• Access: strictly by appointment for clients undergoing therapy.

Note for short-term visitors: Travelers seeking hydrotherapy without a local hospital referral should look for private physiotherapy clinics with aquatic facilities, such as Aqua Physio, which allow for session-based bookings.

Image source: Able Aquatic School

Inclusive pools in hotels

When booking accommodation, it is important to distinguish between "pool deck accessibility" and "pool water accessibility." Many hotels in Singapore offer barrier-free routes to the poolside but rely on steps or ladders for entry into the water.

Advisory for Booking: Hotels with hydraulic pool hoists are currently not available in Singapore. If a hoist is a mandatory requirement, visitors should proceed to specialist centres or facilities.

Swimming programmes and classes

Several organizations in Singapore operate adaptive swimming programmes designed for individuals with physical, intellectual, or sensory disabilities. These programmes focus on water safety, confidence, and motor skills.

Notable programmes

• Happy Fish Swim School
• Individualized Attention: Conducts 30-minute private lessons specifically designed for children with autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental challenges to ensure full instructor focus and a safe learning environment.
• Distraction-Free Setting: Classes are scheduled on weekdays to minimize sensory overload from crowds, costing S$432 for four lessons, with a primary focus on water confidence and survival skills.
• JustSwim Singapore
• Customized Coaching: Delivers personalized 1-to-1 or small group lessons for learners with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other needs, led by NROC-certified coaches trained in adaptive techniques and sensory-friendly methods.
• Flexible & Supportive: Utilizes visual cues and low-stimulation environments (at public pools or private condos) to reduce anxiety, while actively encouraging parent participation to support the child's progress.
• Little Splashes Aquatics (Enabling Village)
• Specializes in classes for neurodivergent individuals (Autism, ADHD).
• Coaches utilize the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and visual aids to assist non-verbal swimmers or those who process visual instructions more effectively.
• Penguin Swim School
• Inclusive Programmes: Provides specialized lessons for individuals with developmental, physical, and cognitive challenges (e.g., Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders) in both private (1-on-1) and small group settings (up to 5 students).
• Structured Progression: The curriculum emphasizes overcoming water anxiety and improving motor skills, with private packages priced at S$420 for four lessons and group rates ranging from S$200 to S$240 per swimmer.
• Play-Ability Swimming (SportSG)
• Community Integration: A recreational sports programme by SportCares designed to promote physical well-being, social inclusion, and friendship-building for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Special Education School graduates.
• Locations & Schedule: Sessions are held at specific ActiveSG Swimming Complexes: Jurong West (Fridays 6:30–8:30 PM), Yishun (Thursdays 3:30–5:30 PM & Saturdays 9:00–10:00 AM), and HeartBeat @ Bedok (Weekends 12:00–1:00 PM).
• Swim Masters Singapore
• Adaptive Curriculum: Offers specialized swimming programs for children and adults with conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and Cerebral Palsy, utilizing visual aids, structured routines, and positive reinforcement to build water safety and confidence.
• Certified Instruction: Lessons are conducted as 1-to-1 private sessions or small group classes by instructors certified in adaptive swimming and special education, focusing on physical muscle tone, emotional regulation, and social skills.
• SwimTogether (OCBC x SDSC)
• Launched to support the disability community, this initiative provides approximately 800 subsidized or free adaptive swimming lessons annually.
• Classes are conducted at selected ActiveSG pools and the Enabling Village by coaches certified in adaptive sports.

Video source: Happy Fish Swim School

Tips for visitors: How to choose your pool

To ensure a smooth experience, consider the following logistical details when choosing a facility.

Selecting the right facility

• For warm water/therapy: Enabling Village (Booking required) or Specialist Centres (Referral required).
• For ramp access/budget: ActiveSG Integrated Hubs (Bedok, Sengkang, Jurong West).
• For leisure/sunbathing: Accessible hotels (Note that a hoist is not available).

Pre-visit checklist

• Entry method: Confirm if the facility uses a ramp, a hoist, or steps.
• Caregiver amenities: Check if changing rooms are "family" or "accessible" size to accommodate assisted changing.
• Equipment: Confirm availability of water wheelchairs if you do not have your own.

ActiveSG Caregiver Policy: At ActiveSG public pools, caregivers accompanying a person with a disability for assistance (and not swimming for their own recreation) may be granted complimentary entry. Visitors should approach the guest services counter to declare their caregiver status rather than entering via the automated gantries.

Packing requirements

• Attire: Proper swimwear is strictly enforced in all Singapore pools.
• Hygiene: Swim diapers are mandatory for individuals with incontinence.
• Safety: Non-slip water shoes are recommended as pool decks can be slippery.

Navigating Singapore’s accessible swimming landscape

Singapore’s landscape of accessible swimming facilities has expanded to offer a range of options, from public complexes with modern ramp installations to private, therapeutic environments. By understanding the specific features and access requirements of each venue—whether it is the temperature-controlled water of the Enabling Village or the affordability of ActiveSG hubs—persons with disabilities can make informed decisions to ensure a safe and effective aquatic experience.