SUPERFISH HISTORY
2026 marks 30 years of
Superfish Swim Schools
– a proud milestone and a moment to reflect, celebrate, and feel incredibly grateful for the journey so far. Founded in 1996 by Queensland locals Andrew OLY and Karen Baildon, Superfish began with a single swim school and a clear purpose – to help children become safe, confident, and capable in the water.
Along the way, Superfish has proudly:
- Taught and trained thousands of swimming instructors
- Built a team of over 100 current Superfish swimming instructors
- Delivered Drowning Prevention, Learning to Swim, Stroke Correction and Competitive swimming programs to nearly one million Queensland children
- Welcomed more than 6,000 Queensland children into lessons this very week
- To our families, swimmers, and communities – past and present – thank you. Your trust and support have shaped everything Superfish stands for, and this milestone belongs to you as much as it does to us.
1996
Andrew Baildon Aquatic Centre
Southport, Gold Coast
Andrew and Karen opened their very first swim school in Southport - a single 16-metre pool, led by just the two of them and two dedicated instructors.
Within months, the demand was extraordinary. “We were teaching Learn to Swim and Drowning Prevention classes to more than 800 children every week.”
1998
Andrew Baildon Aquatic Centre
Gaven, Gold Coast
Just two years later, Andrew and Karen expanded, opening their second swim centre in Gaven.
Growth was swift. Within the first year, more than 1,000 local children were swimming with us each week - and our comprehensive School Swimming Programs were introduced, extending our reach beyond the pool walls.
1998
Andrew Baildon Swim Club
Also in 1998, Andrew and Karen founded and officially registered the Andrew Baildon Swim Club, launching their first squad of competitive swimmers into local and state competitions.
What began with swimmers from the thriving Gaven centre soon expanded to include athletes from their Highland Park facility in the early 2000s - building a pathway from learn-to-swim to competitive success.
2001
Andrew Baildon Aquatic Centre
HIGHLAND PARK, Gold Coast
In 2001, Andrew and Karen expanded again, opening their Highland Park centre to meet growing demand.
Within the first year, more than 1,000 local children were swimming with us each week, and our comprehensive School Swimming Programs continued to grow - strengthening our impact across the community.
2003
Superfish Swim Schools Rebrand
& Launch into Brisbane
SUNNYBANK, BRISBANE
Within the 1st year, we were teaching over 1000 local children each week, and we began our comprehensive School Swimming Programs.
2006
Recognised for Excellence
In 2006, Andrew and Karen were honoured with the Business Achievers Award - SE Queensland Sport and Recreation, recognising their leadership, innovation and measurable impact in swim education and drowning prevention across the region.
2009
A Flagship Facility
PACIFIC PINES, GOLD COAST
First developed in 2007 and officially opened in 2009, Superfish Swim Schools Pacific Pines became a landmark facility on the Gold Coast.
One of Queensland’s largest swim schools, the centre features two indoor heated pools, an onsite gym, café and head office - and delivers more than 2,000 swimming lessons every week.
2009
Superfish Swim Club Launch
In 2009, Superfish Swim Schools proudly launched the inaugural year of Superfish Swim Club.
Andrew and Karen built the club from the ground up - overseeing registrations and affiliations, forming the club committee, and establishing the club’s logos, colours and team gear (still proudly worn today). With strong financial sponsors secured from the outset, the foundation was set for a thriving competitive pathway.
2016
Baildon Group Established
In 2016, the Baildon Group was formed - bringing together Andrew Baildon’s Superfish Swim Schools, our Jett’s Fitness centres and Goldfish Cafés under one unified vision.
The Group reflects Andrew and Karen’s broader commitment to health, fitness, community and family-focused lifestyle businesses across South East Queensland.
2016
Benowa - Setting a New Benchmark
In 2016, Andrew Baildon’s Superfish Swim Schools Benowa opened in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Featuring a stunningly appointed, heated indoor 25-metre pool, the centre once again lifted expectations of what a learn to swim facility could be - combining premium design, exceptional amenities and Superfish’s proven, structured programs in a truly high-calibre environment.
2018
National Industry Recognition
In 2018, Superfish Swim Schools was honoured by ASCTA & Swim Australia with the award for Best Swim School for Marketing, Promotion & Customer Service.
The recognition reflected not only strong brand presence, but a deep commitment to exceptional customer experience, communication and community engagement across every centre.
2019
Worongary - A Local Landmark
Andrew Baildon’s Superfish Swim Schools Worongary has become a well-known presence on Mudgeeraba Road - the iconic blue building synonymous with quality swim education on the central Gold Coast.
Inside, families find a purpose-built, heated indoor facility delivering structured, results-driven learn to swim and drowning prevention programs in a welcoming, community-focused environment.
2020
Karen Baildon Receives National Meritorious Service Honour
In 2020, Karen Baildon was awarded ASCTA’s prestigious “Meritorious Service to the Teaching of Swimming in Australia” - one of the industry’s highest honourary recognitions.
Presented in acknowledgement of outstanding, long-standing contribution to swim education, the award recognises Karen’s decades of leadership, instructor development, program innovation and unwavering commitment to drowning prevention across Australia.
2021
Redland Bay - A Community Hub
Opened in 2021, Superfish Swim Schools Redland Bay is a welcoming community hub providing local families with a high-quality environment focused on confidence, skill development and lifelong water education.
Located at 99 Collins Street - conveniently positioned between the service station and the child care centre - the purpose-built, modern aquatic centre offers easy access, convenient parking, and facilities for both children and adults.
2026
30 Years of Serving Our Communities
In 2026, Superfish celebrates 30 years of proudly serving Queensland families. What began as a single swim school has grown into a trusted name in water safety - with generations of families now returning with their own children.
We are deeply grateful to the communities who have entrusted us with their children’s safety and development. As demand continues to grow, so does our vision - with future expansion ensuring more families can access structured, high-quality swim education in the years ahead.
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