The North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus swimming pool is open to all students affiliated with sport. The learn-to-swim programme is an active programme developed over many years of working with students not familiar with swimming. Most students at the NWU Mahikeng Campus are students from previously disadvantaged communities and therefore need special guidance and attention to assist them to overcome their fear of water. 

Fully trained lifeguard and swimming instructors run the learn-to-swim project. The basic idea is to acquaint students with basic water safety and the dangers of water. They then slowly guide students into basic swimming techniques to overcome their fear of water. The programme lasts one to two months, after which students will be able to help themselves in deep water.

After this initial introductory to learn-to-swim programme, students are encouraged to develop their swimming skills further to acquire the full benefits of swimming that will enhance their fitness levels to assist with other sports codes.