HistoryThe Balwyn-Yarra Swim School opened in the February 1985 with some public swimming and club coaching (three sessions per week). The first of our public swimmers was Rosalie Bray who is still a regular swimmer today. The Club approached Helen Sonnleitner to take up the position as Centre Manager. Helen commenced as Manager in March 1985, when her commitments in Rockhampton were completed. She remained Manager until August 1997. During this period there was much growth and many changes within the Swim School. The Swim School opened with thirty pupils. Helen undertook the positions of swim teacher, coach, cleaner and Manager, with Jackie Allen as the first receptionist and John Olsen as club coach. Sharing the pool with the Watsonia High School, the swim school operating hours were from 3:30 p.m. weekdays, often closing at 9:30 p.m. with late pool hire arrangements, and full time on weekends. |  Know as The Herb Norman Swimming Pool |
Weekly club competitions were held on Saturday afternoons. The charter for the swim school was to provide pool space for the club when required, to provide quality coaching for its members, and to offer a community service by providing professional teaching at a reasonable cost. In 1987 the swim school changed its name to Yarra Swim School to be synonymous with the area. At the same time it also changed its colours from yellow and green to blue and white. In 1992, with the closure of Watsonia High School and genuine fears of the pool being decommissioned, Helen instigated public petitions to keep the pool open and transfer the operations to the Club.
Negotiations commenced with the Diamond Valley Shire to obtain a lease. Further negotiations were then required when the area changed to Banyule City Council. At this time the swim school was able to operate full time and instead of paying a hiring fee but had to maintain all equipment and expenses. This allowed the swim school to expand its operations and increase the programs offered.
