The Plantation looks like an older style swimming pool complex in parkland, which, in essence, it…read moreis, but it's also home to the Royal Lifesaving Society of Queensland. It looks a little tired but it's really grassy and sprawling and has tennis and volleyball courts and a little canteen to get drinks and lollies, so it reminds me a little of less slick times. There's a toddlers' wading pool with a fun fish feature, activities pool with water slide and more serious 25 metre training pool. There are lots of lifesaving, squad, learn to swim and stroke correction classes, but we usually just grab a picnic and head for a pergola in the slightly unkempt grounds for a great day out.

On a clear, hot day, this pool is tops. There's always a bay breeze because Brisbane City Council's…read moreManly Swimming Pool is perched on a million dollar piece of property adjacent to Moreton Bay, the boat harbour and marina. As a matter of fact, even on a cool winter's morning when we come to swim laps, it's mighty nice. It had an upgrade about a year ago and so heating takes the edge off the cold water when necessary. There's a waterslide, learn to swim classes, aqua aerobics and squad training. Entry fees are kids 2-4 $3.30 and adults $4.60 and there are also family passes, 10 visit passes and concessions. Kids under 10 have to be with someone over 18. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...

I never visited public swimming pools growing up because we always had a pool in our backyard. Our…read moreparents always intoned how lucky we were to have our own pool instead of learning to swim with the masses who couldn't afford a private pool. HA! If only we had gone to Sam Riley Swim School we would probably be much better swimmers. Instead, we learnt the hard way - mimicking what we saw on television and taking a few lessons in PE at school. I still remember the time I competed in the school swimming carnival. The entire school had to wait for me while I finished the 25 metre breast stroke five minutes after everyone else had gotten out of the pool. The Sam Riley Swim School is affordable fun for families. Inside, there's an undercover heated pool suitable for children. The sloped entrance ensures kids not yet able to swim can have lots of fun splashing about. The deep end is only chest height on (most) adults so it's still easy to help young children manoeuvre around. The outdoor 25 metre pool is not shaded or heated. It's intended for proper swimming or lap training. There's also a spa for hydrotherapies in the corner that the kids love to play in. This place has clean change rooms and showers with lots of easy change tables for infants. There's wheel chair access into the pool area and a lovely but small food/ drinks stall onsite. Make sure you take the family there this summer - even if you are unfortunate enough to have a home pool.

Colmslie Pool is the closest public community pools to folks of South East Brisbane (Bulimba,…read moreHawthorne, Morningside, etc). Current cost is $4.90 a visit (small discounted rates if you buy in bulk). When I was there, there was plenty of open lanes, which is a bonus as I'm not a fan of unintentional high-fives. They do have changing room areas and private shower stalls. The only reason I don't go more often is because of the unsafe walking paths along the busy Lytton (some areas have paths, others not).

Excuse the puddles of water forming as you read this, but I am writing this swimmer clad (or…read more'bathers' if you are south of the border) and recently returned from a bi-weekly plunge. Possibly one of Brissie's best secret locations, my laps were completed in the comfort of my very own lane, amid clear, perfectly warmed waters. An anomaly, I hear you scoff! Rather, a common occurrence. So, if you fancy parking with ease, nice environs and a fair attempt at a flat white...

While preparing a trivia quiz for my sister's baby shower recently, I found out that babies are not…read moreborn with the ability to swim. However, if you're really keen to get your baby swimming, you can enrol them into Superfish Swim School from four months onwards. The 25m pool is heated with comfortable viewing platforms for the parents or carers. If you need a snack, the Goldfish Café will sate most cravings with their range of teas, coffees and sandwiches. This swim school also offer squad training for older kids. If your child is winning all the medals at the school swimming carnivals, perhaps it's time to take the next step. Superfish offers specialised swimming programmes that focus on fitness training and stroke techniques. Oh with regards to my mix-up regarding babies being born natural swimmers, it's because they have a initial 'dive reflex' (the ability to hold their breath and open their eyes underwater) and a 'swim reflex' (the ability to move their arms and legs in a swim like motion when placed belly down in water). Unfortunately both reflexes will disappear with age and do not protect the child from drowning. Learning to swim at Superfish will.