SUPERFISH SWIM SCHOOLS - LEARN TO SWIM EXPERTS®
Swimmers Born and Bred!
Andrew Baildon’s SUPERFISH Swim Schools was founded by Andrew Baildon, Olympian and International Swimming Champion, with Karen Baildon (née Karen Wenden), a top state level swimmer and daughter of the legendary dual Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist, World Record Holder and Commonwealth Champion Michael Wenden.
Karen and Andrew began teaching Drowning Prevention and ‘Learn to Swim’ programs when Andrew retired from competitive swimming, after 10 years on Australian Swimming Teams. Together, their vast experience and wealth of knowledge gives them a rare insight into all aspects of swimming development and the expertise to develop training programs at the very forefront of the industry.
With a family of their own, their passion for their sport continues, striving to provide the very best aquatic facilities for children and adults, passing on their skills to save lives and inspire.
2016 was Superfish Swim Schools 20th year in providing ‘Learn to Swim’ expertise.
1996Andrew Baildon Aquatic Centre Southport, Gold Coast
With a 16 metre pool. Andrew, Karen and just two other teachers. Within months of opening we were teaching 'Learn to Swim' and Drowning Prevention classes to over 800 children each week.1998Andrew Baildon Aquatic Centre Gaven, Gold Coast
Within the 1st year, we were teaching over 1000 local children each week. We also began our comprehensive School Swimming Programs.1998Aquatic Consultancy Services
Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre
Couran Cove Resort's Swimming Facilities2001 Andrew Baildon Aquatic Centre Nerang, Gold Coast
2003Rebranded to Andrew Baildon's Superfish Swim Schools
Aligning our brand image with our high standards.2003Andrew Baildon's Superfish Swim Schools Sunnybank, Brisbane
With a team of over 40 swimming instructors, were conducting swimming lessons for over 3000 children each week and ran additional Schools Swimming Programs for 15 schools in South East Queensland.2006 South East Queensland Business Achievers Award
for Sport and Recreation.2009 Andrew Baildon's Superfish Swim Schools Pacific Pines, Gold Coast
Under development from 2007 to our opening in 2009, we designed, developed and constructed Andrew Baildon’s Superfish Swim Schools Pacific Pines on the Gold Coast, encompassing 2 indoor heated pools, a Jetts Fitness 24/7 hour gym, a café, meeting rooms and the head office (Superfish Leisure, now Baildon Group) – one of the largest swim schools in Queensland, conducting over 2000 swimming lessons each week.2009 Jetts Fitness 24/7 Pacific Pines
Our first Jetts Fitness 24/7 was opened at our Pacific Pines complex, with the highest number of members in Australia.2009 Sponsorship of Superfish Swim Club
The inaugural year as major sponsors and supporters of Superfish Swim Club, an independent club run by volunteers and parents of children attending our Senior Squad Program. In the club’s 1st year, we had 2 swimmers attend the Australian National Championships and a Gold Medalist at the Queensland State Championships.2014 Jetts Fitness 24/7 Coomera, Gold Coast
2016 Baildon Group
Superfish Leisure rebranded to Baildon Group, encompassing Andrew Baildon's Superfish Swim Schools, our Jett's Fitness centres and Goldfish Cafes.2016 Andrew Baildon's Superfish Swim Schools Benowa, Gold Coast
The long-awaited opening of Superfish Swim Schools Benowa, right in the centre of the Gold Coast, with a stunningly appointed, heated indoor 25 meter pool. Planning commenced back in 2010 but due to the economic downturn the project was postponed. Now, with the Commonwealth Games fast approaching (and literally a five minute walk from Superfish Benowa to the adjacent main Commonwealth Games stadium), the timing is perfect and we are super excited!2017 ASCTA and Swim Australia 2017 National Award Winner
2018 Jetts Fitness 24/7 Pimpama
Andrew Baildon
Managing Director
OLY, BBus (Mkt)
After being rescued from the bottom of his family backyard pool by his sister Kate, Andrew’s parents ensured that he went to swimming lessons every single day until he could swim – and Andrew just never stopped swimming, and went on to enjoy a long and illustrious career in the sport he grew to love. After his near drowning experience, and having retired from competitive swimming, he was determined to contribute to the saving of children’s lives through the development and teaching of Drowning Prevention and Learn to Swim programs. His passion for swimming and a healthy lifestyle led him to develop leisure centres incorporating Jetts Fitness and Goldfish Cafés.
Throughout the years that I have operated Superfish Swim Schools, I have had many parents thank me for the contribution I have made towards the saving of their child’s life, through near-drowning incidents. I am very proud of what Karen and I have achieved, along with our great team, and the dedicated mums and dads that consistently bring their children to, what I consider, to be the best 'Learn to Swim' programs anywhere in the country. I look forward to meeting you on the pool deck.
Andrew’s Bio
Business
- Managing Director, Baildon Group (current, encompassing Superfish Swim Schools x 3, Jetts 24/7 Coomera, Pimpama, Pacific Pines)
- Developer, trainer and campaigner of Learn To Swim and Drowning Prevention programs,1996 – current
- Opened the inaugural Andrew Baildon Aquatic Centre on the Gold Coast in 1996 with wife Karen teaching over 1000 children per week in the first year.
- Bachelor of Business, Communication (Marketing), Bond University, 1989 – 1995 (Foundation Student)
Representing Australia – Post Swimming Career
- Attaché Australian Commonwealth Games Team, 2018
- Chairman of the Athletes Advisory Board for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, 2018
- Committee Member:
- Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Sport & Technical Committee, 2018
- Queensland State Government’s Legacy for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, 2018 (current)
- Ambassador, Commonwealth Games Bid in St Kits & Nevis, instrumental in successfully bringing the 2018 Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast, 2016
Australian Swimming & Other Boards
- Board Member Australian Swimming, 2018 (current)
- Board Member ASCTA, 2018
- ASCTA Swim Conference Guest Speaker, 2018
- Australian Government – Australian Sports Foundation Limited Board Member, 2018 (current)
- Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame Board Member, 2015 (current)
- National Australian Swim Conference Guest Speaker, 2009
Honours & Awards
- Awarded the Keys to The City of Brisbane with the Australian Commonwealth Games Team, 2018
- Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay, Gold Coast, 2018
- Invitee “A Celebration of the Commonwealth” at Buckingham Palace, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, 2018
- WINNER: Swim Australia, Best Swim School for Marketing, Promotion and Customer Service, 2018
- WINNER: South-East Queensland Business Achievers Award for Sport and Recreation, 2006
- Commonwealth Games Baton Relay, Melbourne, 2006
- Inductee Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame, 2003
- Australian Sports Medal Recipient for ‘Service to Sport’, 2000
- Sydney 2000 Olympic Torchbearer, honoured with lighting the Cauldron for the Gold Coast.
Television Hosting/Presenting/Appearances:
- Sports Commentator, Swimming, Seven Network Australia, 2000
- Sports Commentator, Swimming, Fox Sports Australia – Sydney Olympic Trials, 1999 – 2000
Representing Australia – Professional Swimmer
- Australian Team Captain (one of Australia’s best pool performances at a Commonwealth Games) , 1993 and 1994
- COMMONWEALTH GAMES MEDALLIST 1990-1994
The first swimmer in the Commonwealth to break the 50 second barrier for the 100m freestyle- Gold medal, 4x100m freestyle, Victoria 1994
- Bronze medal, 100m freestyle, Victoria 1994
- Gold medal, 50m freestyle, Auckland 1990
- Gold medal, 100m freestyle, Auckland 1990
- Gold medal, 100m butterfly Auckland 1990 – No. 1 World Ranking
- Gold medal, 4x100m freestyle Auckland 1990
- Bronze medal, 4x100m medley Auckland 1990
- PAN PACIFIC GAMES MEDALLIST 1987 – 1994
- Silver medal, 4x100m freestyle, Kobe 1993
- Silver medal, 4x100m freestyle, Edmonton 1991
- Bronze medal, 50m freestyle, Brisbane 1987
- Silver Medal, 50m freestyle, Tokyo 1989
- Silver medal, 100m freestyle, Tokyo 1989
- OLYMPIAN
- Seoul Olympics, 1988 (youngest male selected to represent his country at an Olympics until 1996)
- Barcelona Olympics, 1992
- Ranked in the top 20 swimmers in the world for nearly a decade.
Karen Baildon
General Manager
Karen’s father is legendary dual Olympic swimming gold medallist, multi-world record holder and nine-time Commonwealth Champion, Michael Wenden. Her mother Narelle is a top-level junior squad swimming coach and expert adult Learn to Swim teacher, so Karen literally grew up in swimming complexes, with Learn to Swim and swim coaching being their family business. Karen was a state swimming champion, competing at this level in swimming for many years. Karen is the General Manager of Superfish Swim Schools with expertise in program creation, team training, marketing and new business development. With extraordinary attention to detail, Karen works with Andrew to ensure that all Baildon Group® facilities are world class with industry-leading programs and standards.
I have a particular passion for drowning prevention and infant swimming, and I continue to work closely with experts worldwide to ensure our swim schools provide premium, LIFE-SAVING, Learn to Swim programs. I am also proud of our high customer service standards and constantly strive to ensure that we excel in all that we do. I look forward to seeing you at Superfish and your feedback is always welcome.
Karen’s Bio
Business
- developed and opened Andrew Baildon Aquatic Centres in 1996, co-creating all of the swim programs with Andrew
- plays an integral role in the growth of the organisation, from investigating and researching potential opportunities, with incredible attention to detail, eye for design and experience with refurbishment and construction
- takes a very hands-on role in all aspects of the daily running of the Baildon Group of businesses
- is highly skilled and experienced in sales and marketing, promotions, events, human resources, team training and community support/PR
- is a highly regarded, program development specialist for all levels of swimming (babies to adults, learn-to-swim to stroke correction), from conception through to implementation, with her friendly, approachable personality, she expertly introduces each program in workshops with management, through line team, to directly teaching customers – leading by example
Australian Swimming
- Swimming Industry Speaker, Educator and Consultant
- ASCTA National Conference Speaker 2018
- Swim Australia Lecturer 2018 Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Tasmania. Topic: Baby & Toddler Learn To Swim Program.
- Swim Australia SwimINFO Seminar Keynote Presenter Sydney & Melbourne 2016. Topics: Marketing & Customer Service.
- Swim Safer ACE (Aquatic Community Expert) – one of 6 nationally
- has a clear mission for drowning prevention and swimming development: to work closely with industry bodies, leaders in swimming development and experts worldwide, drawing upon her vast scope of experience, to create premium ‘Learn to Swim’ programs THAT SAVE LIVES and teach children to swim the right way
- has had a life-long passion for swimming and was a top state level swimmer
Awards
- WINNER: Swim Australia, Best Swim School for Marketing, Promotion and Customer Service, 2018
- WINNER: South-East Queensland Business Achievers Award for Sport and Recreation, 2006
Special Event Host
Consultant
- Advisory services including the construction of The Runaway Bay Super Sports Centre as well as the Swimming Pool Complexes on Couran Cove, Gold Coast.
Modelling Career
- An illustrious modelling career that took Karen across the globe from Australia to Hong Kong, China, Singapore, USA, Monaco and beyond, featuring in campaigns for high profile brands including Pepsi, with Tamblyn Model Management, Vivien’s Model Management, Televisa.
- 1987 Queensland Model of The Year
- 1989 Miss Universe Australia
- 1989 Miss Universe “Miss Photogenic” – Cancún, Mexico
Our Outstanding Team
Susie
Administration Coordinator
Baildon Group
Susie’s first introduction to the Andrew Baildon’s Superfish Swim Schools was 18 years ago when her two children commenced started ‘Learn to Swim’ classes at Andrew’s first teaching facility on Ferry Road. Susie’s interest in the learn to swim industry developed and she started as a ‘Learn to Swim’ teacher in 1998. With 26 years of administration experience, in 2001 she was promoted to Nerang Centre Supervisor, then in 2003 she became Administration Co-ordinator at Superfish Swim Schools head office, now incorporating accounts administration for Andrew Baildon’s Superfish Leisure.
What I love most about the swimming industry, is the development of children and the teaching of a life saving skill to toddlers.
Sarah
Senior Manager
Superfish Swim Schools
From a very early age, growing up in England, Sarah had a passion for sport, including being a competitive swimmer for most of her childhood. She followed this passion with a degree in Sports Education and in 2009, became Aquatics Manager at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong, responsible for running the in-school and after-school swimming lessons.
Leigh
Manager
Superfish Pacific Pines
Leigh is a Gold Coast resident of 30 years, and has grown up in the water. A swimmer his whole life, Leigh joins Superfish with years industry experience including; teaching, supervising and management. He also has experience in operations, business and disability care.
My love and respect of the water has lead me to wanting to teach children and adults this skill for life.
Kerryn
Assistant Manager & Customer Service
Superfish Pacific Pines
WINNER ASCTA 2017 AUSTRALIAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR!
Kerryn’s passion for working with children began with a career as a Nanny on the Gold Coast whilst studying Childcare, she gained experience in the UK as a childcare Group Leader for many years, working her way up to Centre Director before a career change into the Learn to Swim industry.
“SUPERFISH ignited a passion for Learn to Swim, drowning prevention and advanced stroke correction techniques. I’m overwhelmed by the appreciation families have for their child’s swimming progression, there is nothing more satisfying than watching children move up through our program from Dippas, Nippas, Flippas to Squads. The relationships I have formed with these families and children will be forever one of the biggest accomplishments in my career. There isn’t a day at work where I don’t receive a heartfelt thank you from a customer for teaching their child a potentially life saving skill.”
The relationships I have formed will be forever one of the biggest accomplishments in my career.
Narelle
Squad Coach
Superfish Pacific Pines
Narelle Wenden is Karen Baildon’s mother, and wife of dual Olympic swimming gold medallist, multi-world record holder and nine-time Commonwealth Champion, Michael Wenden. Narelle and Michael successfully managed their own swim school for three-and-half decades before Narelle joined the Superfish team.
I am excited about this chapter of my life, working at Superfish and enjoy seeing the successes of the children I coach. I also have a passion for the development of adult swimming. I hope I bring a wealth of swimming development knowledge to children and adults alike.
Nicola
Manager Goldfish Café
& Pool Deck Supervisor, Superfish Pacific Pines
Nicola brings 11 years of hospitality industry experience to her role and has a “Food Safety and Hygiene” Licence. She prides herself on providing the highest possible standards of customer service. Nicola is also a qualified swimming instructor and has taught programs for babies through to the Stroke Correction Program.
I love seeing the kid’s faces light up when they visit me in the café for a special treat after a great swimming lesson. The Mum’s and Dad’s love it when I am baking fresh Banana Bread and the smell wafts through the centre!
Elizabeth
Manager
Superfish Benowa
“16 years ago I started taking my first child to Superfish Swim School when he was 6 months old. He loved his lessons and it gave me great happiness to see him attaining life skills whilst excelling from ‘learn to swim’ to ‘squad’. Three more children followed and they have all been through the Superfish Program with my youngest two still enrolled. If it wasn’t for Superfish, my eldest son would never have achieved ‘Age Champion’ at primary school along with my youngest son making it into ‘Districts’.”
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Business with her background being in retail and working with children. She is very excited to have made the career move into the swimming industry, and as a business, Superfish feels more like a supportive family. She loves working with kids, watching them grow and learn and gains great satisfaction seeing them excel through the program and watching their parents glow with excitement from their child’s progression.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Business with her background being in retail and working with children. She is very excited to have made the career move into the swimming industry, and as a business, Superfish feels more like a supportive family. She loves working with kids, watching them grow and learn and gains great satisfaction seeing them excel through the program and watching their parents glow with excitement from their child’s progression.
As a business, Superfish feels more like a supportive family.
Anne Maree
Assistant Manager & Customer Service
Superfish Benowa
On leaving high school Anne Maree’s passion for working with children led her to manage long day care centres for over 10 years. "After having my own children I was drawn to Superfish for learn to swim lessons because of their commitment to, and expertise in, drowning prevention.” In 2015, Anne Maree joined the Superfish team as a swim instructor and as part of the administration team. Superfish combines my two greatest passions – swimming and seeing children grow and develop. Watching children master new skills that can save their lives is the biggest highlight for me. Meeting the children and their families brings me so much joy and forming positive relationships is so important in the early years."
Knowing that a child trusts you while they are learning new skills is an amazing feeling for me.
Michael
Squad Coach
Superfish Benowa
As a kid Michael says he was not a great swimmer. It was only when he moved to Australia from Ireland that he began spending every day in a pool. Swimming became his life and he began to swim competitively at school, reaching state level for breaststroke. His mother was the one who encouraged him into a career as a swim teaching as she was an instructor herself at the time. He began teaching in 2014 at the club where he swam.
“Teaching offers an experience that I haven’t felt in any other job. Knowing that you’re making a positive difference in a child’s life and giving them a life skill is so fulfilling. I moved over to Superfish in 2017 and love it.”
“Teaching offers an experience that I haven’t felt in any other job. Knowing that you’re making a positive difference in a child’s life and giving them a life skill is so fulfilling. I moved over to Superfish in 2017 and love it.”
My favourite thing about teaching at Superfish is seeing kids progress through the program and love swimming the same way I did.
Naomi
Manager
Superfish Sunnybank
From an early age Naomi had a passion for sport and spent every afternoon at swim training. This passion then leed into a career in the swimming industry, when having taken her younger siblings to their swimming lessons, she enjoyed watching so much that she eventually plucked up the courage to ask for a job and hasn’t looked back since. She now has 7 years industry experience including teaching, facility management, swim school management and now manager At Superfish.
I am very proud to be apart of the Superfish team working with industry leaders.
Ursula
Assistant Manager & Customer Service
Superfish Sunnybank
Ursula has been swimming as long as she can remember. She started teaching when she was 16 in between school and squad training. It wasn’t until she started Surf Life Saving and open water swimming that shebegan to understand the true necessity for educating children, adults and parents about water awareness. She worked with dynamic leaders in the Learn to Swim industry in New Zealand who helped her develop as a teacher and ignited her passion for water safety, before moving to Australia and joining the Superfish team.
I was searching for a swim school that valued water safety and drowning prevention above all else. I’ve found myself at home at Superfish with an admiration for the programme, training and expertise.
Gina
Squad Coach
Superfish Sunnybank
Gina’s love for swimming originally began as a surf swimmer, when she was a young child. A swim coach approached her father about swim training and she began the next afternoon with the swim squad at our local pool.
“Backstroke where I was most competitive. I continued to compete at a high level and continued after I had my 2 daughters as a Masters Swimmer.”
Gina started working at Superfish Swim Schools nearly a decade ago and teaches babies right through to squad levels.
“Backstroke where I was most competitive. I continued to compete at a high level and continued after I had my 2 daughters as a Masters Swimmer.”
Gina started working at Superfish Swim Schools nearly a decade ago and teaches babies right through to squad levels.
It's not very often you find a job you absolutely love and I get to fulfil both my passions! Teaching drowning prevention, educating parents and carers of the importance of learning to swim as well as the development of our squad levels, as Sunnybank's Squad Coach.
Deb
Manager
Jetts Pacific Pines
Deb has been in the Fitness Industry for 12 years and her experience covers personal training, nutritional advice, competition prep coach and class instructor.
Over the last 8 years, Deb has been in the managerial role that gives her the opportunity to be present in all areas of member requirements. Deb is bubbly, positive and full of helpful training tips.
Over the last 8 years, Deb has been in the managerial role that gives her the opportunity to be present in all areas of member requirements. Deb is bubbly, positive and full of helpful training tips.
I believe that health and fitness is a way of life and not a temporary state. What I love about Jetts Pacific Pines is the awesome members.... this club has such a great vibe, its full of fun, friendly people working out. Working for an exceptional company puts a real spring in my step,I love my job!
Carmen
Manager
Jetts Coomera
Carmen has played netball since the age of 7 and played and umpired at a State level. When she met her husband, a powerlifter, he encouraged her to try weight training and she has never looked back. “I lived most of my life in Bundaberg, where I owned a gym for many years before relocating to the Gold Coast. I have been a Personal Trainer and strength coach for over ten years, and I hold National medals in Powerlifting. Now I am fortunate to be part of the Jetts family and help other people reach their goals as well. I so enjoy the energy at Jetts Coomera and what Jett’s can offer the Northern Gold Coast Community and, of course, our members are, to me, like a family.”
My passion is to encourage people to find strength both internally and externally, and I love seeing people reach those goals and push beyond boundaries they never thought possible.
Jenny
Manager
Jetts Pimpama
Jenny has been in the fitness industry for 15 years and training since the age of 18.
“Health and Fitness is my passion and is a daily part of my life! What I love about Jetts Pimpama is walking into the gym and seeing everyone working hard and enjoying the club. The members here as so friendly and love to have a chat about goals, life and their inspiration which makes my day!”
Qualifications: Certificate III & IV in Fitness, Senior First Aid Officer, Certified Les Mills Instructor, Yoga Instructor, WFF Pro Athlete
“Health and Fitness is my passion and is a daily part of my life! What I love about Jetts Pimpama is walking into the gym and seeing everyone working hard and enjoying the club. The members here as so friendly and love to have a chat about goals, life and their inspiration which makes my day!”
Qualifications: Certificate III & IV in Fitness, Senior First Aid Officer, Certified Les Mills Instructor, Yoga Instructor, WFF Pro Athlete
My mission is to motivate and inspire people of all levels of fitness to achieve their goals. If you believe in yourself... absolutely anything is possible!