Our Story

More than 40 years of teaching generations to swim.

For more than four decades, Yarra Swim School has been part of the local community, helping thousands of children and adults develop the skills and confidence to enjoy the water safely. What began as a local learn to swim program has grown into one of Melbourne's most respected swimming schools, while remaining true to the values that have guided us from the beginning.

Children learning to swim at Yarra Swim School

A proud local history

Yarra Swim School has always been committed to providing high-quality swimming lessons in a friendly, supportive environment. Over the years we've welcomed generations of local families, many of whom return with their own children to begin the same swimming journey.

Today we continue to build on that legacy by combining experienced teachers, a structured learn to swim pathway and a genuine passion for helping every swimmer succeed. While our programs have evolved, our commitment to safety, confidence and lifelong swimming remains unchanged.

We're proud to be part of a community that values participation, personal growth and a lifelong love of swimming.

The Yarra Difference

Developing confidence, inspiring a lifelong love of swimming.

At Yarra Swim School, every lesson is about more than learning a new skill. We help swimmers build confidence, develop resilience and discover a lifelong love of swimming in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

Our purpose is simple, to inspire every swimmer to enjoy the water, achieve their personal best and develop skills that will stay with them for life.

Progressive

We are always striving to improve. Our structured pathway supports swimmers from their very first splash through to Future Waves, helping every child build confidence and progress at every stage.

Respectful & Inclusive

Everyone is welcome at Yarra Swim School. We create a positive environment where every swimmer and family feels valued, respected and supported, regardless of age or ability.

Courage & Resilience

Learning to swim takes courage. We encourage swimmers to challenge themselves, overcome obstacles and celebrate every achievement, helping them build resilience both in and out of the water.

Supportive

Our experienced teachers work together with families to help every swimmer succeed. Through encouragement, patience and teamwork, we help children achieve their goals with confidence.

Fun & Hard Work

We believe the best learning happens when swimmers enjoy themselves. Every lesson balances fun, engaging activities with purposeful skill development to help swimmers reach their full potential.

Proud to Belong

For more than 40 years, Yarra Swim School has been helping local families learn to swim. We are proud to be part of the community and provide a pathway that supports swimmers throughout every stage of their journey.

Everything we do is guided by our purpose of developing and inspiring a lifelong love of swimming, while helping every swimmer become safe, confident and capable in the water.

A Pathway for Every Swimmer

Supporting swimmers from their first splash to squad swimming.

Every swimmer's journey is different, but every journey starts with the same goal, building confidence in the water. Our structured pathway allows children to progress naturally as their skills, confidence and independence develop.

Parent & Infant

A gentle introduction to the water for babies and toddlers, with a parent or carer by their side.

Preschool

Building water confidence, independence and the foundations of safe swimming through fun, engaging lessons.

School Age

Developing strong swimming technique, endurance and water safety skills through structured lessons.

Future Waves

Preparing confident swimmers for longer sessions, improved fitness and the transition to squad training.

Yarra Plenty Waves

For swimmers who are ready to continue their journey in a supportive club environment, with opportunities for fitness, friendship and competition.

Many of our swimmers stay with us for years, progressing through each stage of the pathway while developing skills, confidence and a lifelong love of swimming.

Why Families Choose Yarra Swim

More than swimming lessons, a community that supports every swimmer.

Families choose Yarra Swim School because they know their children are learning in a safe, welcoming and encouraging environment. From the first lesson to advanced swimming, we're committed to helping every swimmer build confidence, develop essential life skills and enjoy every step of their journey.

Experienced teachers

Our qualified instructors combine knowledge, patience and encouragement to help every swimmer reach their potential.

Supportive environment

Every swimmer is encouraged to learn at their own pace in a positive atmosphere where achievements, big and small, are celebrated.

Clear progression

Our structured pathway supports swimmers from babies through to Future Waves and beyond, providing confidence at every stage.

Community spirit

Many families stay with Yarra for years, creating lasting friendships and becoming part of a welcoming swimming community.

Our success isn't measured only by swimming skills. It's measured by confident children, proud families and generations of swimmers who continue to call Yarra Swim School home.

Our Facilities

Everything you need for a comfortable swimming experience.

Our purpose-built indoor facility has been designed to provide a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for swimmers of all ages. From babies attending their very first lesson to advanced swimmers training for squad, every visit is supported by facilities that help families enjoy their time at Yarra Swim School.

Heated indoor pool

Learn and train year-round in our warm indoor pool, providing a comfortable environment regardless of the weather.

Family-friendly facilities

Spacious change rooms and amenities make every visit easy for swimmers, parents and carers.

Easy to access

Conveniently located in Greensborough with onsite parking and easy access for local families and schools.

Designed for learning

Our facility provides a safe, welcoming environment where swimmers can focus on developing confidence, skills and water safety.

Every aspect of our facility has been chosen to create a positive experience for swimmers and their families, making every visit comfortable, enjoyable and focused on learning.

Young swimmers progressing to Yarra Plenty Waves squad swimming

Part of the Yarra Plenty Waves Community

Supporting swimmers beyond Learn to Swim.

Yarra Swim School is proudly connected to Yarra Plenty Waves, one of Victoria's leading swimming clubs. Together, we provide a complete pathway that supports swimmers from their very first lesson through to squad swimming and beyond.

As swimmers develop confidence and refine their skills, they can progress into our Future Waves program before moving into Yarra Plenty Waves if they choose. Many families value knowing their child can continue their swimming journey in a familiar, supportive environment with experienced coaches and a clear pathway for long-term development.

Yarra Plenty Waves has built a reputation as one of Metro North's most successful swimming clubs and consistently ranks among Victoria's top-performing clubs. Our experienced coaching team has helped develop state champions, national finalists, school swimming champions and record holders, while also supporting swimmers whose goals are simply to improve their fitness, technique and enjoyment of the sport.

Competition is always optional. Some swimmers choose to race at the highest level, while others enjoy training, developing their skills and staying active in the water. Whatever their goals, we'll help every swimmer find the pathway that's right for them.

Learn About Yarra Plenty Waves

You will be redirected to the Yarra Plenty Waves website.

 

Ready to start your swimming journey?

Join thousands of local families who have learned to swim with Yarra.

Whether you're introducing your baby to the water, enrolling your child in Learn to Swim or helping them take the next step towards squad swimming, we're here to support your family every step of the way.

For more than 40 years, Yarra Swim School has been helping swimmers build confidence, develop lifelong water safety skills and enjoy the many benefits of swimming. We'd love to welcome you to our community and help your child begin their own swimming journey.

Enrol Today

or contact our friendly team to discuss the right program for your family.
Happy children and families at Yarra Swim School

Our History

A proud history of helping generations learn to swim.

For almost four decades, Yarra Swim School has been part of the local community, providing quality swimming lessons and water safety education for thousands of children and adults. Our story is one of dedication, growth and a shared commitment to helping every swimmer build confidence for life. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

1977

Construction of the Herb Norman Pool began under the guidance of Herb Norman, whose vision and dedication helped create a facility that continues to serve the community today. The pool proudly bears his name in recognition of his contribution. 

1978

The pool officially opened, providing local families with a welcoming place to swim, learn and connect through aquatic recreation. 

1985

The swim school welcomed its first students. Starting with around 30 swimmers, the program quickly became an important part of the local community, offering learn to swim lessons and coaching in a supportive environment. 

1987

The organisation adopted the name Yarra Swim School, reflecting its commitment to the communities of Melbourne's north-east and beginning the next chapter of its journey.  

1992

When the future of the pool became uncertain following the closure of Watsonia High School, passionate community members worked tirelessly to secure its future. Their efforts ensured local families could continue learning to swim for generations to come. 

Today

Yarra Swim School now welcomes thousands of swimmers each year. Many former students return with their own children, continuing a proud tradition of building confidence, developing lifelong water safety skills and creating a love of swimming that spans generations.

Did you know?

The Herb Norman Pool is named after Herb Norman, whose passion and leadership helped bring the facility to life in 1977. His contribution continues to benefit thousands of local families who learn to swim at Yarra Swim School each year.