About Col Jones Swimming Academy

About Col Jones Swimming Academy

Col Jones Swimming Academy is a learn-to-swim school in Tempe, in the Inner West of Sydney, New South Wales. Founded on 17 October 1973, it is one of the region's longest-established swimming schools, teaching water safety and swimming to children and adults of all ages and abilities. The academy operates from 23 Toyer Street, Tempe, delivering a structured, ability-based curriculum across three heated pools.


History

Col Jones Swimming Academy was established on 17 October 1973 and has operated continuously in Sydney's Inner West for more than five decades, marking its 50th anniversary in October 2023. Founded on the belief that swimming is both a life skill and an essential part of personal safety, the school has grown from its early beginnings into an established Inner West institution, guiding generations of local swimmers from their first lesson through to stroke proficiency.


Facilities

The academy is located at 23 Toyer Street, Tempe NSW 2044, and operates three pools, all heated year-round for comfortable swimming in every season:

  • Small Beginner Pool — a heated, indoor pool for babies and beginner swimmers, with an air-conditioned viewing area for parents.
  • Teaching Improver Pool — a heated pool for developing swimmers refining their strokes.
  • 25-metre Lap Pool — a full-length pool where advanced swimmers build stroke control and endurance.

The Tempe site offers on-site parking and maintains a strong emphasis on cleanliness, environmentally conscious practices, and safety protocols.


Programs and teaching model

Col Jones Swimming Academy follows a progressive, step-by-step teaching model in which students master fundamental skills before advancing to more complex ones. Rather than grouping students by age alone, the academy places them by ability through its Learn to Swim levels (Levels 1–5), so every swimmer starts at the right stage and progresses at their own pace.

The curriculum builds water confidence, refines technique across the four strokes — freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly — and teaches personal survival, basic rescue, and lifesaving skills. Classes cater to every stage, from babies in parent-and-child lessons and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children through to adults and swimmers with special needs.


Instructors

Lessons are led by qualified instructors who are AUSTSWIM accredited and CPR qualified and who hold a current Working With Children Check, providing personalised attention in a supportive, safe environment.


Enrolment

Families can enrol online or through the Col Jones Swim App. Lessons run Monday to Friday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm.



Why Choose Col Jones?

Navigating through the endless options when it comes to swim schools can be overwhelming, but with Col Jones Swim School in Tempe, we try to make the choice as simple as possible.

Our dedication to fostering a love for swimming, coupled with our unwavering commitment to safety and excellence, makes us the choice for hundreds of families throughout the Inner West and beyond. Here are six reasons why we stand out.​


  • Children in swimsuits and goggles sitting at pool edge, arms raised.

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  • Boy dives into a swimming pool; instructor watches in an indoor aquatic center with a mural.

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  • Woman in red shirt smiles while interacting with students at a school reception desk.

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  • Woman teaching girl to swim in a pool, using a yellow kickboard.

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  • Children in swimsuits and goggles hold pool noodles, smiling in an indoor pool area.

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  • A swimming instructor helps children in a pool. They are using kickboards, wearing swim goggles, and blue shirts.

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  • Flexibility of Swim Lessons

    We offer classes 7 days a week. 


    • Morning classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:00 – 10:00
    • Mornings from 7:30 to 12:30 on Saturday and Sunday. 
    • Afternoon classes from 3pm – 7pm.

  • Cleanliness and Sanitisation

    At Col Jones Swim Fitness, we prioritise your child's health and safety. With state-of-the-art filtration and UV systems, our pools are maintained in pristine condition, ensuring a clean and safe environment for every swim.

  • Prime Convenience

    We're located in Tempe, in Sydney's inner west, our swimming facility is easily accessible, and with ample parking options like the Toyer St bay, street parking, and the added bonus of using Tempe High School's car park, your visits are hassle-free.

  • Exceptional Swim Programs

    Drawing from years of expertise, our Learn to Swim System is meticulously designed. The unique "Grade Focus Philosophy" ensures each child receives tailored instruction, fostering both skill and a genuine love for swimming.

  • User-Friendly Booking Platform

    Scheduling lessons has never been easier! Our intuitive online booking platform allows for quick reservations, changes, and updates, offering flexibility for busy families on the go.

  • Government Vouchers

    Beyond our core offerings, we provide added value with programs like the First Lap and Active Kids, where eligible families can secure vouchers to offset the cost of lessons. Every child deserves the chance to swim, and we're here to make it more achievable.

  • Value-Added Programs

    Beyond our core offerings, we provide added value with programs like the First Lap and Active Kids, where eligible families can secure vouchers to offset the cost of lessons. Every child deserves the chance to swim, and we're here to make it more achievable.

  • Passionate & Trained Staff

    Our extensive teaching team is trained under the rigorous Col Jones Teacher Training program. Coupled with the dedicated oversight from our Swim School Supervisors, you can trust that your child is in expert hands at every turn.

Want To Join Our Team?

We offer a rewarding and fulfilling work experience for swimming instructors and support staff. Join the Col Jones Swim School team and make a positive impact on children's lives by teaching them essential water safety skills. As part of the Blue Turtle team, you'll have the opportunity to work in a supportive and friendly environment with a flexible schedule. Enjoy the benefits of competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and the joy of helping children become confident swimmers.

Swimming instructor with three children in a pool, teaching them to float using kickboards.

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Swimming instructor leading children in exercises in a pool.

Assistant Coach
White and red life ring floats on clear blue water.

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Woman smiling by a swimming pool, wearing a blue shirt.

Front Office Staff
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